How to Create a Cozy Reading Nook in a Bedroom

I’m joining Mary Ann, Cindy, and a few friends today to talk about making bedrooms cozy for winter. One idea I had was to create a cozy bedroom reading nook. You can see the rest of this room in this post.

I think this is something that people of all ages would love, especially during the colder months when we spend more time indoors.  

I wish I had created cozy reading nooks for my kids when they were young. Sure, they had plenty of books but never a designated reading nook. And it really takes just a little creativity and a corner of a room.

What are the necessary components of a bedroom reading nook?

Well, this could mean many different things, but first and foremost, a comfortable chair and lighting.

• Comfortable seating
• Proper lighting, soft but bright enough to read by
• Throw pillows, throw, blanket
• Side table
• Something inspiring, like art

A reading nook or area can be created in a corner of a bedroom or any room. Under the staircase is often an underutilized space in a house or a bench between two windows. 

I love the idea of a built-in bench or window seat for natural light. Sconces are often good options. You can use a cushion like we did here in our attic. We used sconces that are on a dimmer for mood lighting but can be turned up bright enough for a reading corner. 

There are so many good armchairs for a book nook, including this one from Studio McGee for Target Mary Ann bought recently for her office.

I used my Knoll Barcelona chair. I have had a pair of these for years, and in this house, we had to split them up and use them in bedrooms. I’ve been thinking about creating a reading nook since the day we moved into this house. It’s a comfy chair and perfect for reading, listening to a book, or taking a call.

How I made my reading nook personal

The first thing I did was order a floor lamp. This one has two bulbs that can be used as one or both. I do love that option. I chose a floor lamp to provide enough light without taking up too much space. 

I don’t have shelves for books, but if I’m being honest, I listen to books on Audible. Therefore I do not need a lot of bookshelves. And in a small house, that works out well!  As much as I love to have a hardback copy of my favorite books, it does require a lot of storage. 

Make it personal with art by creating a gallery wall

Top: Original painting commission by Lizzy Love // Second row: Original art by Nancy Sharp // Vintage floral painting (available in the shop reopening 11/24) // Placeholder art // Winter Coats // Etsy artist

Creating this gallery wall is what made my reading nook feel like it was finished. Using collected art made this space feel personal.

How to find and collect art for a gallery wall

First, I would say, shop your house. Look for things that are maybe hanging in another space or put away because you didn’t have room and take a closer look. 

Look for art at thrift stores and flea markets. Buy an original piece of art from a local artist or a print. Shop Etsy for not only original art but downloadable art, too. 

Shop at thrift stores for not only art but also frames. If it’s in bad shape, you may need to paint a frame, but they are pretty easy to find. Or use inexpensive frames from places like Michael’s. 

Determine how you will hang your art on a gallery wall

I like to make kraft paper templates of the art in the size and then hang them on the wall using painter’s tape. I can arrange the art on the floor to get a general idea of what it looks like, but then I need to see it on the wall. 

Before pounding a bunch of holes in the wall, hang the paper templates and move them around to get a good feel for the art on the wall.

What if you have a spot that needs one more thing…

Whenever I create a gallery wall, I feel it’s missing one piece. And rather than leave a hole in the gallery wall while I find the perfect piece, I make a temporary piece of art to fill in. That way, I’m not rushed to find that one perfect piece. 

For this wall, I needed one more small landscape. I had an inexpensive frame, and I just popped in a quick drawing that I made using kraft paper and charcoal. It will only be here until I can find that one more small piece of art, but at least it “feels” finished, and that’s what I wanted. 

Now, I have a cozy spot with my favorite lounge chair and a side table for my cup of tea, and I can read, work, or just be in a different space while I take a call or work on my laptop. 

Let’s see what these bloggers came up with for cozy bedrooms

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

Northern California Style

My Sweet Savannah