9 Cozy Nooks, Daybeds and Corners for Reading
These snug spots may make you want to put on fuzzy socks and hunker down with a good book
Becky Harris
December 2, 2018
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Darkness descends in the late afternoon this time of year, making us want to turn on lots of lights, swaddle ourselves in blankets and put our feet up for quality time with a good book. If your home is lacking a favorite spot for quiet reading, make one. Here are some placements that have worked well for other homeowners — some in the usual spots, others in some unexpected spots.
1. At the End of the Kitchen
There are many long, cold nights outside this New Hampshire farmhouse, designed by LKM Design. But inside, this cozy spot at the end of the kitchen is a wonderful place for passing the time with the paper or a coffee table book. The pair of overstuffed chairs, side table for beverages and coffee table for a pile of reading materials make it a great place for two to sit and share headlines and coffee.
Smart move: Swing-arm sconces provide plenty of light while saving floor and table space.
Browse armed sconces in the Houzz Shop
There are many long, cold nights outside this New Hampshire farmhouse, designed by LKM Design. But inside, this cozy spot at the end of the kitchen is a wonderful place for passing the time with the paper or a coffee table book. The pair of overstuffed chairs, side table for beverages and coffee table for a pile of reading materials make it a great place for two to sit and share headlines and coffee.
Smart move: Swing-arm sconces provide plenty of light while saving floor and table space.
Browse armed sconces in the Houzz Shop
2. Underneath the Stairs
Space underneath a staircase is often wasted, which is a shame because there is so much potential to create a cozy spot. Homeowner and builder Carl Christianson designed his family’s home with Not So Big House principles in mind. (This meant creating hardworking, multifunctional spaces wherever he could.) By opening up this area under the staircase, he created a special reading nook for all ages — a secret fort-like environment for the kids, and a place for grown-ups to cuddle up and read a story to tots or hide out and indulge in the latest issue of InStyle.
Smart move: The space is big enough for a mattress, making it a good spot to catch a few z’s during “reading time.”
See more of this house
Space underneath a staircase is often wasted, which is a shame because there is so much potential to create a cozy spot. Homeowner and builder Carl Christianson designed his family’s home with Not So Big House principles in mind. (This meant creating hardworking, multifunctional spaces wherever he could.) By opening up this area under the staircase, he created a special reading nook for all ages — a secret fort-like environment for the kids, and a place for grown-ups to cuddle up and read a story to tots or hide out and indulge in the latest issue of InStyle.
Smart move: The space is big enough for a mattress, making it a good spot to catch a few z’s during “reading time.”
See more of this house
This tiny nook designed by architect Jeff Troyer is just the right size for an adult to read a book to a child and also for a child to feel comfy and secure when alone. The wood beadboard adds cabin-like coziness.
Smart move: Placing handy shelves underneath the bench for books.
Find an architect near you on Houzz
Smart move: Placing handy shelves underneath the bench for books.
Find an architect near you on Houzz
3. Along the Hallway
Thanks to a deep daybed, this upstairs hallway is not just for passing through. A full-size built-in bed complete with bookshelves and a nice surrounding shelf for drinks and games make for a great setup for more than one person to enjoy a novel, for someone to be read to or even for setting up a board game. The bold and cheery Marimekko patterns on the bedding make it even more inviting.
Smart move: Storage drawers underneath the bed hold blankets and extra linens.
Thanks to a deep daybed, this upstairs hallway is not just for passing through. A full-size built-in bed complete with bookshelves and a nice surrounding shelf for drinks and games make for a great setup for more than one person to enjoy a novel, for someone to be read to or even for setting up a board game. The bold and cheery Marimekko patterns on the bedding make it even more inviting.
Smart move: Storage drawers underneath the bed hold blankets and extra linens.
4. Tucked Into the Library Shelves
Sometimes when setting up a library, we get so focused on accommodating and organizing all of those wonderful books that planning for a comfortable, well-lit spot for reading them can fall to the wayside. Create a reading alcove in the middle of built-in bookshelves by sizing the space for a sofa.
Smart move: This sofa’s high arms make it possible for people to stretch out comfortably on it sideways.
20 Book Lover’s Spaces That Will Make You Want to Read
Sometimes when setting up a library, we get so focused on accommodating and organizing all of those wonderful books that planning for a comfortable, well-lit spot for reading them can fall to the wayside. Create a reading alcove in the middle of built-in bookshelves by sizing the space for a sofa.
Smart move: This sofa’s high arms make it possible for people to stretch out comfortably on it sideways.
20 Book Lover’s Spaces That Will Make You Want to Read
5. Out in the Shed
The Houzz story about this Pacific Northwest shed designed by Board & Vellum for a couple of bookshop owners has been especially popular with Houzz readers, and it’s easy to see why. Lots of thought went into creating comfortable and bright reading spaces and book storage throughout the small structure.
Smart move: There is radiant heat in the flooring of the shed.
The Houzz story about this Pacific Northwest shed designed by Board & Vellum for a couple of bookshop owners has been especially popular with Houzz readers, and it’s easy to see why. Lots of thought went into creating comfortable and bright reading spaces and book storage throughout the small structure.
Smart move: There is radiant heat in the flooring of the shed.
6. At the Far End of the Living Room
In this compact Kentucky cottage, space was at a premium, so interior designer Barbara Purdy made the most of every inch. The alcove here works as extra seating for entertaining and serves as a snug reading nook on quiet days. Shelves tucked along the sides provide spots for books, a glass of water and eyeglasses.
Smart move: Purdy outfitted the seat with a twin mattress so it can double as a guest bed.
In this compact Kentucky cottage, space was at a premium, so interior designer Barbara Purdy made the most of every inch. The alcove here works as extra seating for entertaining and serves as a snug reading nook on quiet days. Shelves tucked along the sides provide spots for books, a glass of water and eyeglasses.
Smart move: Purdy outfitted the seat with a twin mattress so it can double as a guest bed.
7. In a Child’s Room
Kids love a kid-size space, and this unusual circular nook with plush pink channeled upholstery by Marion Studio provides a special place where a child can read.
Smart move: There are two small reading lights built into the nook.
Kids love a kid-size space, and this unusual circular nook with plush pink channeled upholstery by Marion Studio provides a special place where a child can read.
Smart move: There are two small reading lights built into the nook.
8. Built Into the Bedroom
This room by Total Concepts shows that minimalist style can still be plenty cozy. The team sized the streamlined daybed to be deep enough for lounging and outfitted it with plush cushions. A modern dual swing-arm lamp is in keeping with the elegant simplicity of the room’s style and provides plenty of reading light.
Smart move: One end of the bench serves as a side table.
This room by Total Concepts shows that minimalist style can still be plenty cozy. The team sized the streamlined daybed to be deep enough for lounging and outfitted it with plush cushions. A modern dual swing-arm lamp is in keeping with the elegant simplicity of the room’s style and provides plenty of reading light.
Smart move: One end of the bench serves as a side table.
9. Anywhere
While all of the previous examples are enticing, a construction crew that specializes in built-in daybeds, nooks and alcoves is not necessary for creating your own special reading spot. It takes just a few minutes, a little furniture rearrangement and some feathering and fluffing. Outfit a corner of a bedroom, den, living room, office or any other space with the following:
While all of the previous examples are enticing, a construction crew that specializes in built-in daybeds, nooks and alcoves is not necessary for creating your own special reading spot. It takes just a few minutes, a little furniture rearrangement and some feathering and fluffing. Outfit a corner of a bedroom, den, living room, office or any other space with the following:
- Comfortable upholstered armchair, recliner or chaise lounge
- Footstool for armchairs that aren’t recliners or lack an ottoman
- Floor lamp, wall sconce or table lamp that provides ample reading light
- Small side table for a book and a drink
- Throw blanket for chilly days and nights
- Throw pillow for extra back support or to place a book on
Share: Where is your favorite place to read? How do you have it set up, and what do you love about it? Are you a book person or an e-reader person? Please share in the Comments.
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I always wanted a circular nook when I was younger for reading purposes, and also when my imagination soaring to new heights. I always wondered how hamsters felt when they ran inside their "wheels".
I love the under stairs reading nook, I like making the most of every square inch and so many just opt for a coat storage. The bedroom with the built in also appeals to me. My husband and I just did a 'floating' wall to wall storage built in - next time we make one I'll remember to lower it and increase the depth to provide alternate seating options - great inspiration. This pic shows just half the unit - it's 23 ft long and works well to detract from our low ceiling basement.
Although I have never had a reading nook in any of my homes, I love the idea, especially under or at the top of a staircase. I am avid reader, read daily, usually on my e-reader but I still cherish books and hope they never go out of style.