8 Creative Ways to Turn A Small Space Into Your Own Reading Nook

updated Nov 1, 2021
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Credit: Lupita Aquino

For all our book lovers, this one’s for you. Setting up a reading nook comes down to lighting, a space for your book collection, and comfort. With a little imagination,  you can find a spot perfect for a reading nook throughout the house, from a neglected corner of a bedroom to an underused closet.

For some inspiration, we rounded up a few ideas of reading nooks in different homes for different purposes. So cozy up as you pick which idea best suits your space!

Credit: Lupita Aquino

1. The Perfect Skylight Nook

Have a small skylight space that you’re not sure how to use? Transform it into a quaint reading nook like Lupita Aquino did in her Cape Cod style home.

2. Bedroom-Inspired Reading Nook

If you’ve got some extra space in your bedroom, a set-up like this may work for you. Toan Lam created a reading nook with a loveseat in front of a bay window and beside a built-in bookcase.

3. The Reading Nook for a Nursery

How adorable is this corner reading nook? A few throw pillows, a funky chair to compliment, and a cozy rug was all Jen Pinkston of The Effortless Chic needed to create this reading nook for her daughter.

4. The Ideal Windowsill Seat

If you have a windowsill with a built-in bench built-in, you’ve got yourself a reading nook. Add a cushion and a few pillows to the bench for  a comfy surface to sit (or lie down) on while digging into your latest novel. And with the window right behind you, you’ll have plenty of natural light, and if you’re lucky, a view to boot.

5. In-The-Wall Nooks

That underused space under the stairs can be a perfect spot to tuck away a reading book, as these two built-ins show.

6. Dual-Purpose Nook

This bookcase nook is perfect to get your toddler into a book lover.. A few stacked cubes can hold your kid’s books and create a cozy seat for where they can plow through the pages. 

Credit: Zoë

7. Floor Nooks

Homeowner Zoë opted for a cozy rug and cushions from Target to tie her reading nook together.

Credit: Jade

8. Minimalistic Nook

Sometimes a simple chair and bookcase does the trick to create a welcoming reading corner, as this spot from Instagrammer watermelon prose shows.