Decor & Styling

10 Cozy Reading Nooks We’re Taking Inspiration From This Fall

written by JESSICA FRIEDHOFF

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Source: @wdesigncollective
Source: @wdesigncollective

There’s nothing worse than getting to the good part in your book only to have to get up and find a new spot because you can’t get comfortable. Or when you have to pause mid-paragraph so you can walk across the room and turn on the light because it’s getting dark. But you know what would solve both of those problems? Having a designated reading nook that’s equipped with everything you need for a cozy, interruption-free reading session

Luckily, it’s actually pretty easy to create your own cozy corner where you can get lost in a book, annotate to your heart’s content, and stay up way past your bedtime. Truly all you need is a comfy seat, good lighting, and a spot to set a beverage or light a candle. If you need some inspiration to get started, we’ve rounded up 10 of the coziest reading nooks we could find and broke it down so you can easily get the look, too. Here’s all the inspiration you need to create the ultimate reading nook this fall:

1. Simple Corner Reading Nook

Source: Our Travel Home

This reading nook follows the classic chair-lamp-side table formula to a T and makes simple look so good. You could easily re-create this setup in an empty corner of your bedroom, living room, or even a hallway. Hang some art behind your chair to help define the space, and choose a swing-arm lamp for adjustable lighting.

Wayfair
Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair
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Amazon
Round End Table
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Wayfair
Swing Arm Floor Lamp
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Threshold x Studio McGee
Gallery Black Frame
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2. Built-in Reading Bench

Source: Stefana Silber

If you’re lucky enough to have a built-in bench like the one in this living room, take full advantage by transforming it into a cozy reading spot. Soften the bench with a cushion and a few throw pillows, then add some lighting for after the sun goes down. The sconces shown here work perfectly because they’re mounted directly over the seating area and can be adjusted as needed for better light.

Urban Outfitters
Wicker Sconce
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Etsy | SylliumHome
Velvet Bench Cushion
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Threshold x Studio McGee
Pom Tassel Knit Throw
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Rejuvenation
Botanical Print Pillow Cover
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3. Small-Space Reading Nook

Source: @whereheartresides

If you don’t have a ton of room to spare, take notes from this small yet cozy reading nook. Tucked into a corner of the room, it includes a petite armchair, a comfy pillow and throw, and a small side table that’s just big enough for a candle and a couple of decorative items. The mirror leaning on the wall behind serves dual purposes: It helps make the space appear larger and reflects light to brighten things up without additional lighting.

Threshold x Studio McGee
Cane Accent Chair
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Target
Tweed Throw Pillow
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Amazon
Arched Floor Mirror
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West Elm
Wooden Side Table
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4. DIY Reading Nook

Source: @wildflowerhome.interiors

If your home doesn’t currently have any built-in features that lend themselves to a reading nook, why not create your own? This cozy reading spot, for example, used to be a dry bar before it was transformed. Closets are another area that would make a great DIY reading nook! Admittedly, this type of project would take some skill in the DIY department, but you could also skip the built-in elements and simply bring in a bench or ottoman and hang shelves for a similar look.

Wayfair
3 Piece Floating Shelf
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Target
Cloth Printed Throw Pillow
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Wayfair
Upholstered Storage Bench
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Threshold x Studio McGee
Framed Landscape Canvas
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5. At-Home Library

Source: @hester | Design by @thehabitatcollective

This at-home reading area is giving full-on library vibes, and we’re here for it. Having a full wall of built-in shelving is obviously a plus here, but if your home is lacking in that department, don’t sweat it. You can fake a similar look by lining up bookcases side-by-side along a wall. Then just add a comfy chair, a floor lamp, and a basket full of cozy blankets to create your own reading sanctuary.

IKEA
White Bookcase
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Wayfair
Cushioned Accent Chair
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Target
Brass Floor Lamp
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Target
Woven Decorative Basket
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6. Cozy Reading Spot

Source: @wdesigncollective

If you’re looking for the ultimate spot to curl up with a book on a rainy day, this is it. Instead of a basic accent chair, this reading nook features a large, plush chaise lounge, which provides plenty of space to settle in and kick up your feet. A slim floor lamp is easily within reach, and a gallery wall of art behind makes the whole space feel extra personalized and cozy.

Birch Lane
Slipcovered Chaise Lounge
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Threshold x Studio McGee
Floor Lamp
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Hearth & Hand x Magnolia
Heathered Stripe Throw Blanket
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Etsy | OliveandOakPrints
Vintage Art Print Set
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7. Window Reading Area

Source: My Scandinavian Home

A large picture window is the perfect spot for a reading nook because you’ll have great natural lighting during the day. This one is framed with light, gauzy curtains that create a dreamy look while also offering some privacy. For reading after the sun goes down, bring in a table lamp or wall sconce that you can easily flick on for extra light.

Pottery Barn
Boucle Chaise
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Lamps Plus
High Aged Brass LED Wall Sconce
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Pottery Barn
Linen Sheer Drape
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Article
Dark Charcoal Side Table
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8. Styled Reading Nook Shelves

Source: @em_rehabitat

Books aren’t the only way to decorate a reading nook. If your space has shelves, fill them with vases, picture frames, and small tchotchkes interspersed with your favorite volumes. It’ll create a layered look that shows off your personality as well as your love of reading.

West Elm
Glass Vases
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Hearth & Hand x Magnolia
Brass Finish Trinket Box
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Anthropologie
Gold Picture Frame
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McGee & Co.
Whitewashed Wooden Bowl
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9. Reading Lounge Chair

Source: @kathykuohome

A great piece of furniture can make a reading nook out of an empty corner, and this space is a prime example. The gorgeous green velvet chaise sets the stage, while a small side table and floor lamp round out the nook with extra function. The short height of each of the elements ensures the space doesn’t feel cramped, despite the sloped ceilings.

Kathy Kuo Home
Mid Century Tufted Chaise
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Pottery Barn
Petite Metal Floor Lamp
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Crate & Barrel
Ivory Throw Blanket
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Target
Metal Accent Table
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10. Wallpapered Reading Nook

Source: @zoefeldmandesign | Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Not everyone has stunning bay windows in their home, but if you do, we can’t think of a better make to make use of that space. A daybed piled with pillows plus a gorgeous wallpaper pattern makes this a truly stunning spot for reading. The windows provide plenty of natural light during the day, and at night, the sconces are easily within reach for extra lighting.

Anthropologie
Patterned Wallpaper
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Lamps Plus
Adjustable Brass Wall Lamp
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Amazon
Textured Throw Pillow
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Pottery Barn
Cordless Blackout Shades
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