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Recently updated on July 19th, 2024 at 11:09 am
Whether you’re looking for reading corner ideas for small spaces or for a living room, these reading nook ideas for adults are guaranteed to make you want to stay in and read all day.
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Image Credit: Brittany – @Homeliving5
Nothing gets me more excited than books. Ever since I was little, I’ve always dreamed of having a home library or a cosy reading corner. Now that I’m an adult and have my own apartment, I can finally create a cosy reading nook. If you’re anything like me, then you’re sure to be spending a lot of time there. So you want it to be as cosy as possible.
In this post you’re going to learn all about cosy reading nook ideas for adults. Whether it’s reading corner ideas for your bedroom or reading nook ideas for small spaces.
Now that I have Pinterest and Instagram, I’m constantly stalking other book bloggers and bookstagrammers to see inspiration for cute book nooks. I’ve rounded up all the best ideas. Here are 15 insanely cosy reading nook ideas for adults that you need to try.
This post is all about cosy reading nook ideas for adults
- What do you put in a reading nook?
- Best reading nook ideas for adults
- 1. Add an accent chair
- 2. Rattan Chair
- 3. Add a few natural touches
- 4. Add some mood lighting
- 5. Dark academia vibes
- 6. Try some wall art
- 7. Try a hanging egg chair
- 8. Try Rainbow Shelves
- 9. Layer up cushions and blankets
- 10. Add cushions and candles
- 11. Create a collage
- 12. Consider a day bed
- 13. Add some greenery
- 14. Try a colour scheme
- 15. Use a book cart in small spaces
- 16. Position near a window
- 17. Add fun decor and wall art
- 18. Display books in a unique way
- OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE…
What do you put in a reading nook?
Reading nook essentials
You can find reading nook ideas to fit any style or budget. But what do you put in a book corner? A few essentials include a good lighting source, book storage and comfortable seating. You could also add blankets, throws and candles to make your reading corner super cosy. I’ve linked a few different options below.
Best lighting options:
Gold LED Floor lamp | Black LED Floor Lamp
Best bookcase
IKEA Gersby Bookcase | IKEA Billy Bookcase
Best seating:
What else do you think you should put in a reading book? Let me know in the comments below.
Best reading nook ideas for adults
1. Add an accent chair
Image Credit: GardenTeaCakesBooks
A comfy, oversized armchair is an easy way to create a little reading area in your home. Padded Armchairs are especially comfortable. I’m obsessed with this dark blue armchair – it makes such a statement. Plus I could spend all day curled up in this cozy space.
You can find similar dark blue armchairs online – this Amazon armchair is a reasonable price. Looking to spend more money? Next also has some lovely options such as this dark blue velvet highback armchair.
I love how this book corner has a side table and bookshelves both within easy reach. A side table is practical and gives you somewhere to put a nice hot drink and maybe even a snack for long reading sessions.
2. Rattan Chair
Image Credit: Seema Singh – My Nested Abode – Instagram
Recreate this look:
How cute is this reading nook? No matter what size your reading area – a comfortable seating area is a must.
I’m obsessed with this big rattan chair – perfect for curling up with a good book. The pouffe is a great addition. You can use it to rest a drink or put your feet up. You could also pair this with a blanket and cushion for added comfort.
3. Add a few natural touches
Image Credit: Marzena Marideko – Instagram
Recreate this look:
I could sit and read in that chair for hours. The natural touches of the wood, stone lamp and wicker baskets make it look warm and inviting. The fuzzy rug and added cushions also make it look super cosy.
The bookshelves slot well into the corner. Want a cohesive or neutral look for your bookshelves? Then turn your books around the other way. Turning the books around helps you stick to a more cohesive colour palette. Even if it isn’t always the most practical.
4. Add some mood lighting
How cosy and relaxing does this reading nook look? I can never have enough candles. They make any space look warm and inviting. No matter how big your space – a candle is guaranteed to make it look 10x more cosy.
I also love the different textures layered in this reading corner. Add different textures to make your reading nook look super cozy. Faux fur, knitted blankets and velvet all give a room serious cosy vibes.
5. Dark academia vibes
Photo Credit: Brittany Homeliving5
Recreate this look:
I’m OBSESSED with the academia vibes in this photo. If you can paint your reading corner – then I recommend black or dark walls. It creates a cozy and intimate mood. Plus it makes any other colour pop.
Looking to recreate this book corner? I recommend checking out thrift stores or antique shops for secondhand decor items. Thrifting ornaments adds a personal touch to your reading space. You can find similar ornaments to the photo above at antique stores.
Related Post: The 20 best dark academia gifts
6. Try some wall art
Photo credit: Emily – Midwestbookqueen
This idea is one of my personal favourites. Wall art is adds personality to any space. The butterfly prints in this photo elevate the reading nook.
Looking to include wall art? You can include wall art on a budget for reading nooks of any size. Etsy sells loads of cute and excellent value prints, including digital downloads. Check out this jewel coloured butterfly poster from Etsy.
7. Try a hanging egg chair
This reading nook idea is one of my favourites. You could spend hours reading on that balcony in the summer. If you have the budget, then a hanging egg chair is a great addition to any reading space. They’re super comfortable. And they make a statement. Check out this hanging egg chair from Amazon.
The greenery in this reading area also makes it look relaxing, pretty and colourful . Plants add life to your reading area. But don’t worry – if you’re not green fingered you can get a similar look with fake plants.
8. Try Rainbow Shelves
Recreate this look:
If you have enough books then try some rainbow bookshelves. I am OBSESSED with these rainbow bookshelves. And I love how the candles match the books.
If you’re on Bookstagram or Booktok then rainbow bookshelves make the perfect backdrop. They look bright and cheerful. Plus they make a focal point in the room.
9. Layer up cushions and blankets
Image Credit: Hygge Sundays
Recreate this look:
On a cold winter’s day, curling up under a blanket with a good book is comforting. You can get some super cosy blanket’s online now – weighted and sherpa lined. The cushions and blankets layered up in this book nook look cute and cozy.
I also love the little tray of essentials. Everyone can recreate the cute little tray, no matter what size your reading area. Layer up a few cute decor pieces and reading essentials on a cute tray. It looks adorable and still leaves you with plenty of space.
10. Add cushions and candles
Photo credit: Shelby Grace – Graced by Books
Recreate this look:
Are you on a tight budget? If so, this reading nook idea is perfect for you.You can recreate this with items you probably already own. Floor cushions are a great option for small spaces.
I’m also obsessed with the string lights in this adult reading space. String lights help create a warm and cosy atmosphere on a budget. They also add a whimsical touch to photos. You can get cheap fairy lights at lots of places on the high street. Or for a very reasonable price online.
11. Create a collage
Photo Credit : Bex – Mummy is Reading
Recreate this look:
Customise your reading nook, add a touch of personality and highlight your favourite bookish quotes – all on a budget. Collages are easy to re-create using fanart available online. You can get postcards for a very reasonable price. Plus they have fan art for almost all of your favourite books.
Funko pops look adorable decorating bookshelves and add a personal touch. Perfect to show your love for a particular fandom. You can even get customised Funko Pops on Etsy based on your favourite books.
12. Consider a day bed
I love how easy this look is to recreate. But it looks lovely. If you have the space, add a day bed next to your reading area. This allows you to stretch out and get comfy. Especially when paired with a fluffy blanket and cushions. Ikea have a great selection of Sofa Beds – this futon is a great option.
The bookshelves are also cute. Arrange your books in different positions to add interest to your bookshelves! Especially if you have lots of books.
Stacking your books horizontally makes the perfect pedestal for a cute ornament such as a candle.
13. Add some greenery
Photo credit: Mina – This_hybrid_Reads
Recreate this look:
This reading nook is warm and inviting. Add greenery to bring the outdoors in. To achieve this look scatter some succulents or house plants in your reading area.
Don’t worry if you’re not green-fingered fingered you can get a similar look with fake plants.
The plants pair perfectly with the wooden shelves. The wood adds much warmth and personality to the space. You can also stack books next to the bookshelves for an even cosier look.
14. Try a colour scheme
The brown tones in this reading nook add an excellent cohesive feel to the book nook. The rope, chair and table all look very coordinated. The books also match perfectly. The daybed is from Sixpenny – you can find it here.
If you want to create reading nook, check out BookShire for full information about the reading nook makeover.
15. Use a book cart in small spaces
Do you only have a small space? Book carts are the perfect solution for anyone limited for space. They don’t take up much room and can fit a surprising amount of books.
The pink bookcart pictured above combines with the wallpaper perfectly for a feminine and colourful look. You can find colourful bookcarts, similar to the one above, from Hobbycraft – check them out here. Alternatively, Amazon sell bookcarts in lots of different colours – check out this pink bookcart.
16. Position near a window
A big window is a perfect place for a cozy reading nook. Reading next to a window is so romantic and peaceful. Staring wistfully out of the window or losing yourself in a good book.
You don’t need lots of space to recreate this at home. Position a comfy chair or cushions next to the window for the perfect reading area.
The side table is also a practical choice, as it gives you an area to store bookmarks, throws and drinks. You can find a similar side table from Amazon for a reasonable price – check it out here.
17. Add fun decor and wall art
You could spend hours curled up in this cozy window area. The window seat looks inviting decorated with an array of blankets and cushions.
The fun decor makes this reading nook stand out. From the rainbow garland to the star cushion and wallart. Layer fun prints, cozy blankets and colourful decor to recreate this look at home.
18. Display books in a unique way
How pretty is this reading nook? The colours of this reading nook stood out to me, as it looks both feminine and cozy. The turquoise sofa works perfectly with the pink walls.
The hanging book display is such a fun idea. A stunning alternative to wall art, use it to show off either 5-star reads or your tbr list. Watch the short video below to see how the hanging book display works. You can get a similar book rack from Etsy.
@merrowchild Replying to @jazzzrbx my favourite unnecessary bookish thing #bookrack #merrowchild #bookishaccessories #homelibrary #bookself #bookworm #musthave #cottagecoreaesthetic #bookaesthetic ♬ I'm Good (Blue) – David Guetta & Bebe Rexha
