Creating a Cozy Reading Nook: Design Tips and Bookshelf Ideas

For all of you bookworms out there, creating a cozy reading nook in your home is a simple way to bring you comfort and joy. It's a space that's all your own, without the hustle and bustle of everything else going on in your house. Best of all, you can customize the area exactly to your liking and needs. It becomes an oasis of sorts–your safe place of refuge to delve into the pages. Get lost in all your fiction favorites as the stories transport you to another world, or learn something new from the lasted non-fiction piece you picked up.

Or, if you're big on morning newspapers and monthly magazines, peruse the pages in solitude with a cup of coffee or tea by your side as you enjoy the new area in your living space. A cozy reading nook doesn't have to be a large area, and you can create it in almost any living arrangement.

You've likely dreamed of having a dedicated place to decompress and bury yourself in a universe of words and pictures. Whether you thought your home needed more space or you just needed to make the official jump, putting together a cozy reading nook is entirely possible. It's a place that will become one of pure joy, tranquility, and warmth.

At Mor Furniture for Less, we have all the furniture and accessories you need to make a reading nook, no matter your available space. You'll find it all in one place, from shelving to decor, comfort accents, and more.

Keep reading to learn more about creating an area that's just for you and tips on how to do so in any floor plan or area. We'll cover a few essential design tips, unique bookshelf, and storage solutions for all your favorite titles.

Finding the Space for Your Reading Nook

If the kids have moved out and you have an extra room to spare, this is the perfect opportunity to convert the space into your own personal library and reading area using bookcases and library walls. This gives you plenty of room to bring in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, sofas, plush chairs, and more to make your at-home library special. You'll have ample space for decor and accents, like the perfect wall art, calming oil diffusers and candles, and figurines that elevate your refuge.

However, not everyone has such a large area in their home. If you're working with a much smaller space, picking the right spot to convert to a reading nook is crucial. Even the smallest, most compact living rooms can feature this beautiful addition.

Look around and get creative. Consider where you currently do most of your reading, where you store your books, and what your ideal reading nook would look like in your mind. Then, go from there.

A few excellent options for creating reading nooks in smaller spaces include:

Converting a walk-in closet.
Choosing a breakfast nook in your kitchen.
Making a station that you can easily move throughout your house if you can't find one dedicated area.

You're sure to follow wherever your books are, which is the most important thing. Identifying your available possibilities is the first step in accomplishing your goal.

If you have the space to convert an entire room, this Provence 11 Piece Library Wall in Vintage Alabaster is the number one way to showcase your books for easy access. The vintage design brings an intimate feel into the area, and the sliding ladder is a classic that makes you feel like you're in a movie.

With tons of shelving, cabinets, and drawers to spare, there's plenty of room to add your favorite decor and stash pens and highlighters for those who are big notetakers.

Focus On Lighting

You need a good light source to avoid straining your eyes while reading. This is another time to consider your reading habits. Are you a morning or afternoon reader, or do you settle down at night before bed to read and unwind?

If you read during the day, find an area that's full of natural sunlight. Cover the windows with sheer curtains to maximize the light and add a natural element to your new nook. Bringing in soft-toned lighting is essential if you prefer to read at night. You can use hanging string lights, which also add a great decorative touch, or floor or table lamps to provide that warming glow. Place the lights near where you cuddle up to illuminate the pages best.

This Mirette Table Lamp is another way to combine decor and function, as the textured shade adds a mellow and cozy vibe to the area.

Add the Proper Seating

Where you sit to read is essential to your experience. You want something comfortable where you can quickly move around without feeling cramped. Many people love to sit cross-legged or stretch out entirely as they enjoy their current material.

Now, if you're converting an entire room, you can add a sofa, loveseat, or recliner, giving you many choices and options. However, if you're working in a smaller area, there are a few alternatives to consider.

First, if you're converting an eat-in nook into your new oasis, you can add a bench against the wall. Gussy it up with lots of cushions, throw blankets, and accent pillows. If you're using a walk-in closet, a small accent chair may fit, or decorative furniture like a pouf can get the job done.

Lastly, if you're making a portable area to bring throughout your space, adding some personal comfort items to the area gets the job done on your favorite end of the couch or the corner of your bedroom.

If you're looking for a pouf, try this Adelphine Pouf in Natural Gray. Consider this warm and fuzzy Emmy Accent Pillow in Sherpa White if you need some accents to make an existing space.

For added comfort, bring a new throw blanket into the mix to snuggle under on those chilly or gloomy days. The Calisa Throw Blanket in White complements the Emmy Accent Pillow perfectly with its indulgent, plush, brushed material that's always cozy and never itchy.

Meet Your Storage Needs

Once you've found your seating area, it's time to find a place to organize all your books, newspapers, and magazines neatly. In smaller spaces where your location will change based on the day, a small cart on wheels can get the job done. The Kailman Bar Cart in Gold is a beautiful solution that's easy to move and store away in a corner when not in use.

However, there are other options too. If you need a place to stretch out your legs but are worried you may not have the storage space if you add additional furniture, a lift-top ottoman is a fantastic option. The Vivian Storage Cocktail Ottoman in Gray gives you all the room you need to kick your feet back while the top lifts up to reveal a hidden storage area. This serves two purposes in one, and it's a great way to help your cozy reading nook look neat and organized.

Add Greenery and Decor

Lastly, add the finishing touches to your new reading nook. Bringing in faux plants is an invigorating and refreshing way to make your space feel like the ultimate retreat without worrying about maintenance. Having greenery inside boosts the sense of calm, helps settle your thoughts, and can improve your mood. Even a slight touch like the Celia Magnolia Accent Plant does the trick.

If candles are your thing, choose a beautiful set of candle holders to place on an end table. The natural glow and scents are soothing and add to the lighting in your area. Take this simple yet artistic Riad Triple Candleholder in Bronze for a look that's soft and not stiff, with rounded edges and compact for smaller spaces.

Shop Mor Furniture for Less Today

Mor Furniture for Less offers all the necessary items to create the cozy reading nook you crave. All you have to do is add your books and favorite magazines, and you're all set to go. From seating options, storage solutions, decor, and more, you'll find it all in just one stop.

In no time at all, you can bring home everything you get started on your project and transform an area in your home, giving it a brand new purpose. Create your calm, serene, inviting space with ease and peace of mind when you shop with Mor Furniture for Less. Our design experts are here to guide you along the way and answer any questions you may have.

Pick up your favorite items in-store, order for doorstep delivery, or ask about our white glove delivery service at real-people pricing. Additionally, remember our double-the-difference guarantee*, which ensures you'll get the best deal in town. Should you find an identical item at another local retailer for less, we'll double the difference of your refund so you get the best deals without sacrificing style and quality.