Book nooks are the perfect location to curl up with a good book or a new read. While there are many “Pinterest worthy” book nooks out there that we’d all love in our homes (Hello??? Hidden doorway into private library anyone?), that’s not always realistic.
I believe having a special location to read is essential for bibliophiles and book lovers. Having a place to go when you enter an entirely new universe is a magical feeling. We have one in our home and I think it’s the best spot in the whole place.
Whether you have a tight budget or you’re not looking to spend a bundle in creating your own personal book nook, I’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need.
Designate an area.
Find where in your home you want to create this personal book nook. Is it going to be a communal space for everyone in your home to enjoy or is it just for you? Are you working on designating it to its own room or will it have its own corner or wall? Is natural light important or are you solely relying on electricity?
Figuring out where your book nook will be will help you determine what you need to create your space. For example, if you’re setting up your book nook in a place without natural light, then you should set it up where there’s a nearby outlet so you can have a lamp. Thinking ahead and planning out your space will make the process of curating the perfect pieces that much easier.
Having a place to go when you enter an entirely new universe is a magical feeling. Here's some ideas on how to create your own on a budget! Click To TweetSet it up with the perfect environment.
Now that you know where your book nook is going to be, it’s time to focus on style, aesthetic, and what comforts you want your book nook to hold.
When creating our book nook, it didn’t happen all at once. Sketch out what you’d like your nook to look like. Ask yourself these questions: What does your ideal space look like? What’s your style? When you think about your book nook, what’s there?
My ideal book nook has big bookcases, a comfy armchair, somewhere to put my feet up, and somewhere to plop my coffee. Oh, and lots and lots of blankets!
Here’s some handy essentials to start with:
- This cozy blanket. It was made specifically with books and hygge in mind. Not to mention, I’m a big fan of it. 🙂
- A big, plushy armchair with this ottoman. This is the set we currently have and love. The best chairs are ones that you can sit in for several hours without getting back pain. Ones that are big enough to fit you cross-legged, legs up the back, and/or legs over the arm as you lounge are an added bonus. The ottoman really helps when you want to put your feet up for extra comfort!
- Or this chaise lounge or this recliner. If you’re not into the armchair and ottoman duo, there’s always other options. These are also great for saving space.
- Bookcases to hold your books or bookshelves like these. Something to keep your books close by for easy access is absolutely necessary (more on that later).
- A side table to hold coffee & snacks. Is a book nook really a book nook if you don’t prioritize coffee and snacks? I think not.
- A complete coffee/tea set-up. Again, see above point. Make your drink set-up easy to get to for refills with these marble coasters, reusable straws, and these mugs or these mason jars for iced versions.
- A pair of soft slippers. Warm feet are happy feet. Slippers add to the coziness of any nook.
- A lamp that can you put wherever you need it. No eye strain here! Get a lamp that you can adjust and move around as needed for those books you just can’t put down.
- A candle in your favorite scent. Be fire-safe by using that side table to rest your candle on. Different scents can making reading all that better. My favorite scents are floral!
Ultimately, your goal should be to maximize comfort, light, and book storage in whatever style you’d like.
Keep your books close by.
I don’t just mean in your bookcase. Obviously, you want to set up your space so you can have easy access to your bookcase wherever you are.
However, if you’re an avid reader, you probably have a couple packed bookcases or several stacks of books. Keep the book (or books) that you’re currently working through close-by. You can do this by placing your current read on your chair cushion, on the side table, or designating a bookcase closest to your comfort as the place where you keep what you’re currently reading.
Once you’ve finished a book, tuck it away somewhere to make space for new reads.
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