cozy reading room ideas

Few feelings compare to curling up with a good book and getting lost amongst the pages. Every bookworm certainly deserves a dedicated space to spend quality time with their literature and we’re here to help make that happen. Learn how to create your own with our top cozy reading room ideas!

Reading Room Design 101

Small reading room ideas - Michelle B
Reading room décor by Decorilla designer, Michelle B.

Elaborate home libraries, created by online library interior design services, are undeniably impressive. You can easily get the help you need to create a dreamy space, but if you prefer designing a cozy reading room or nook yourself, you can! After all, in the end, it’s all about ambiance. You want to create a comfy space with good lighting, plus anything else that stimulates your need to read. To get started, consider the basic needs of a reading space before diving in:

  • Comfy seating or floor cushions
  • Ample lighting
  • Storage options for your books
  • Charging source for digital devices

Once you have these covered, get inspired with our reading room décor ideas and more below.

Cozy Reading Room Ideas

Reading nook ideas living room - Casey H
Reading nook ideas for the living room by Decorilla designer, Casey H.

Reading spaces aren’t limited to home libraries or studies. In fact, with a little work and some reorganizing, they can be part of existing living room layouts, bedrooms, and beyond. What matters is how your book nook feels. Here are our top tips to ensure a comfy, cozy reading room.

1.  Recreate a Rustic Cabin Atmosphere

Reading nook ideas for small spaces - Studioarchitects

There’s just something so warm and comforting about a rustic space. Make pieces such as a distressed leather or rocking chair part of your reading room décor. Also include vintage artwork, chunky knit throws, and natural linen pillows – anything that reminds you of a cozy cabin hideaway.

2.  Repurpose an Unused Space

Office reading room ideas - Liana S
Reading room idea by Decorilla designer, Liana S.

Whether you have an empty corner or a cluttered storage room, repurpose a disused space by turning it into a book nook. In short, use what space you have to its full potential. Reading nooks for small spaces can be just as wonderful as entire reading rooms for large homes.

3.  Cozy Up by the Fireplace

Reading room design - Drew F
Reading nook ideas for a living room by Decorilla designer, Drew F.

Booklovers fortunate enough to own a home with a fireplace should claim the surrounding space as a designated reading zone. If the wall area is not an option, you can even use the mantel like a bookshelf in your reading room design.

Need some help pulling off cozy reading room ideas in your home? Schedule your Free Interior Design Consultation to get started with award-winning interior designers today!

Special Reading Room Décor

Reading room decor ideas - Shofy D
Reading room décor ideas by Decorilla designer, Shofy D.

A reading room can be more than comfortable – it should be inviting and stylish as well. Discover which reading room décor ideas are right for you.

4.  Indoor Plants Make All the Difference

Reading room decor ideas by Decorilla designer Shofy D
Reading room ideas by Decorilla designer, Shofy D.

Plants not only literally breathe new life into an interior but also help to create a tranquil atmosphere. If you’re unsure of what reading room décor to get, remember that you can’t go wrong with some indoor greenery.

5.  Embrace Colorful Arrangements

Reading room decor ideas colorful books - Hudson Interiors

For a budget-friendly option, work with the reading room décor you already have – your book collection! Arrange them by color to turn your bookshelf into a striking focal point.

6.  Invest in Quality Essentials

Office reading room ideas - Amy C
Reading nook ideas for small spaces by Decorilla designer, Amy C.

You may be wondering, “what should a reading room have?” In this case, start by considering the essentials. Book storage, an end table, a bright lamp, and a comfy chair or couch are all you’ll need. The best reading room furniture ideas include high-quality, timeless pieces you can enjoy for years to come. So ensure the necessities go beyond seasonal trends by opting for neutral colors and durable materials. 

Reading Nook Ideas for Small Spaces

Reading nook for small spaces - Kate S.
Cozy reading room ideas for a small studio apartment by Decorilla designer, Kate S.

Even with a limited amount of space at your disposal, you can still enjoy a serene book nook. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and a few small reading room ideas for inspiration. 

7.  Reading Room Ideas With a View

If your home has a broad windowsill or a built-in window seat, you already have a splendid reading nook! Should you only have a large window but no window seat, find a comfy bench or chaise lounge and position it in front of the window for a book nook with a view. Be sure to add plush pillows and a throw for added comfort.

8.  Multipurpose Cozy Reading Room Ideas 

Reading nooks for small spaces - Dwell

When living in a small home or apartment, you need spaces that serve multiple purposes. By adding a few wall shelves and some comfy pillows, a breakfast nook can easily double as a reading corner as well.

9.  Magical Reading Room Ideas Under the Stairs

Reading nook ideas for small spaces - Houszed

Transform any space you may have below your staircase into a booklover’s retreat. Opt for a built-in bench or simply add a luxurious wingback chair and a small bookcase. Once that’s complete, why not read (or re-read) something fitting, like the Harry Potter series, first? 

Bedroom Reading Corner Ideas

Bedroom reading corner ideas - Darya N
Contemporary bedroom reading nook ideas by Decorilla designer, Darya N.

Reading in bed on a lazy weekend morning is heavenly, but you don’t have to feel limited to bed. There are numerous other bedroom reading nook ideas out there too.

10.  Bedroom Book Nook Corner

Bedroom reading corner ideas - Joao A
Bedroom reading corner ideas by Decorilla designer, João A.

There’s no better way to fill an empty bedroom corner than with some essential reading room décor. A plush chair, floor lamp, and a side table or utility cart are all you need. With relaxation in mind, be sure to place the chair close enough to your bed or add an ottoman to kick up your feet.

11.  Go Vertical

Bedroom reading nook ideas

When your bedroom’s size prevents you from implementing more extensive reading room ideas, make use of vertical space. Install some floating bookshelves, add your favorite novels and pretty art prints, snuggle up on your bed, and start reading.

12.  Add a Touch of Whimsy

Bedroom reading nook ideas - Theresa W
Playful bedroom reading corner ideas by Decorilla designer, Theresa W.

Cozy reading room ideas can be playful too. Pick out a hanging chair for your bedroom instead of a regular reading chair. It’s soothing, whimsical, and perfect for children and adult bookworms alike!

Stylish Office Reading Room Ideas

Office reading room ideas - Mladen C
Sleek office reading room ideas by Decorilla designer, Mladen C.

By implementing the right reading room ideas, your home office can be an equally productive and relaxing space.

13.  Opt for Elegance

Reading room design for a living room - Elle Decor

One of our favorite office reading room ideas is to turn the room into a luxurious home library. Consider elegant armchairs, a Persian area rug, velvet couch, and dark wooden shelves for a touch of indulgence. It’s all about picking out pieces associated with high-class living.

14.  Include Artwork & Decorative Pieces

Office reading room furniture ideas - Joyce T
Office reading room décor by Decorilla designer Joyce T.

Perhaps your office bookshelves are looking a bit sparse. Fill in gaps with your favorite artwork or decorative pieces such as sketches or vases. This kind of reading room décor adds visual interest, as well as personality, to the space.

15.  Enhance Your Bookcases

Office reading room ideas - Tera S
Office reading room design ideas by Decorilla designer, Tera S.

Another of our favorite reading nook ideas for a living room, home office, and more is to paint your bookcases or to frame them in architectural detail. It’s a simple way to turn your shelves into the room’s focal point. Enhance the effects by decorating the space in either complementary or contrasting tones and shapes.

Playroom Reading Corner

Playroom reading corner - Joao A
Fun playroom reading corner design by Decorilla designer, João A.

Start the fascination young! Instill a love of reading in your kids by creating an exciting playroom reading corner they’ll want to get lost in.

16.  Get Creative with Crates 

Playroom reading corner - Brit

There are plenty of cute and cozy reading room ideas for kids out there. One of the more affordable ideas is to turn crates into DIY bookshelves. Simply grab your crates, paint them in vibrant colors, and stack them in a playful shape like a staircase or a bench. Now, all that’s left is to stock them with books and greenery.

17.  Set Up a Reading Tent

Playroom reading corner - Liana S
Playroom reading corner tent by Decorilla designer Liana S.

Make reading an adventure for your little ones, either by building a reading fort from scratch or buying a kid’s teepee. Not only does it make a great private storytime escape, but it’s a fun playtime prop too.

18.  Bring On the Bean Bags

Playroom reading nook ideas - Kase's

Show us the kid who doesn’t enjoy plopping down in a bean bag chair. These seats are soft, squishy, and easy to get comfortable in, plus they’re available in plenty of fun colors. Invest in child and adult-sized bean bags so you and your tots can enjoy their special reading room together. 

Need help making your reading room ideas a reality?

Expert help to create your cozy reading room is just a click away.  So, schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation to get started today!

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