Creating a cosy reading nook is a must-do in any home.  

We go to the effort of creating these nooks in our living rooms and bedrooms, but we barely ever use them. Unless you call throwing clothes on them or giving them up to your cat to live on. And yes, both of these examples are scenarios from my own life in past homes.

There are a few key elements every reading nook needs, which I will be listing for you below. 

The chair is everything

The chairs-of-the-moment are either armless, feature wooden arms, tough leather material or the leather sling chair that looks amazing but is horrible to sit in.

Some pockets of your home are ripe for placing trendy pieces in. I love an armchair I don’t use. I’ve had many in my living room that are more for show than they are for comfort. But a reading nook is ALL about comfort.

You need to choose a chair with a lot of cushioning, a fairly high back and arms that’ll hug you. Head in-store and sit on them all until you find the right one for your body.

Directional lighting is important

Tripod lamps are fabulous, wide circular lampshades are just as divine for living rooms or bedrooms in general, but not for a cosy reading nook. In this scenario, your lighting needs to be directional … you can control the direction in which the lamp head points.

Any lamp with a head you can’t move around, tilt toward you or point down to your chair might not give you the lighting you need. Standard lamps with round shades, for example, are great for mood lighting an entire room. But they’re not functional here. You need a light that’ll shine directly on your book.

A pouffe is essential

The chair you choose might be mammoth. If it is, and you can put both feet up on it in a true ‘curling up’ style, you’re sorted. You won’t need a pouffe or ottoman. But if the armchair you’ve selected is a fairly small size, you’re going to want to put your feet up.

The concept of a cosy reading nook is all about comfort after a long day, so your feet need attention too. There are loads of pouffes or ottomans on the market, and you can choose yours in a contrasting material to your armchair for a wonderfully relaxed look.

Just ensure the height between the seat of your chair and the top of the pouffe is fairly similar. It will ensure maximum comfort for your legs.

A stylish side table (for tea or wine)

So, you have your occasional chair, your ottoman and a lamp.  Now it just needs a side table to rest your book or magazine on, perch your cup of coffee on (who am I kidding – a glass of wine).

You don’t need to go all out here. I recommend this be one of the cheaper items of the essentials. Go for a round side table with tripod legs if you’re in a small space, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. 

Cosy it up with cushions and throws

A reading nook isn’t cosy without layers. All you need to do to finish this whole scene off is ensure you inject some amazing soft furnishings in this season’s trending colours.