So, I’ve been really hooked on the idea of a reading nook lately. Just a cozy, personal space for me to curl up with a good book and forgot the world for a while. This is all well and good if you dismiss the fact that I have absolutely no idea when or where we’ll live together again. Despite this negligible inconvenience I’ve obviously already started researching how to go about designing and implementing a gorgeous, hidden little reading nook in our fictitious apartment with no dimensions and on a non-existent budget.
Not surprisingly, most of the reading nooks I initially found images of for my inspiration album look like they are situated in fancy, expensive seaside homes instead of in a humble apartment, are rooted in the foundation of some already built-in feature such as a window seat, stairs, or neatly-shaped wall configuration, are professionally and permanently installed instead of DIY (or at least DIY’d by an interior designer with access to some serious cash), or are way out of my meager budget of approximately zero dollars (or whatever I can pester Ted into letting us part with when we finally get a place to ourselves in another 83 months).
With those four limitations in mind – apartment-friendly, adaptable to almost any space, DIY, and budget-friendly – I sought out some different images to help me create a list of reasonable qualities I’d like to fold into my own (eventual) reading nook. I’m aiming for classy and cozy with character and on the cheap. Mission accepted!
The way I see it, there are seven possible types of reading nooks that I have taken a liking to that are almost all feasible in our imaginary apartment with an unknown wall configuration, spacing, and dimensions. A disclaimer: I like the ideas represented in the following images, but not necessarily some the colors, decor items, or styles (in case you thought I was losing my mind or something. Sailboat curtains, a circus canopy, and pink pillows? Please.)
1. The Reading Tent
Now this is a marvelous idea. With a few raw materials, an online tent making tutorial (already found it!), a modern beanbag-like cushion or floor pillow, a low table, and a great statement lighting instrument like a mini chandelier or cafe string lights, you could easily create a fantastic little hideaway anywhere in an apartment – all you need is an open space. In a word: perfect.
2. The Chaise Lounge or Chair/Ottoman Combo
This reading nook is another one that could fit in anywhere – corners, flat walls, against windows, or in the middle of rooms. Find a comfy chair and ottoman or a great and glamorous chaise lounge (obviously, that gets my vote) by scouring clearance sections, Craigslist, yard sales, and theatres (Really! Many theatres are open to selling their often brand new set dressings after a show closes), and dress it up with a cozy knit throw blanket, a decorative pillow or two, a lamp that provides good reading light, a table to hold your books and a class of wine (I saw one where the legs that supported the tabletop were made of piles of books – a simple, useful DIY project with lots of character!), and if you really want to get fancy (and I do), turn a hula hoop or wooden cross stitch ring and a bundle of pretty fabric into a canopy that can hang from the ceiling and envelop your nook.
3. The Converted Closet
Granted, this only works if you actually have a closet to spare, but I consider this a clever and quite cozy use of space! Empty out the closet and get rid of all the crap you were hoarding but never going to use anyway (you know I’m right, plus it feels great to downsize!), build in a 3 foot tall bench the size of the closet, paint or stain the wood, cover a large, thick chunk of foam with some nice fabric, stock your nook with pillows and a blanket, paint the walls, add art, build in a few shelves, and pick up one or two cool lighting fixtures at a hardware store to install on the walls or ceilings. A lantern could be a really cool in this space!
4. The Sectioned Room Nook
Don’t have an extra closet but got an attic, some other tiny oddly-shaped room, or even a room with a funky little cutout that you’ve always wondered what the hell good it could possibly do you? Now you know. We actually had a little nook just like the first picture with a window in both our old apartment and our old house, so it’s not as uncommon as you might think! This follows a similar concept as the converted closet. Build in a bench, add a chair, cushion, mattress, or floor pillow, and a don’t forget a table or other storage surface for your cup of tea. If you don’t have the benefit of a window with lovely natural light, find an interesting lamp, set of string lights, or something else to guide your path. Paint the walls. Decorate. Add a pair of curtains across the “entrance” to your nook that you can tie back for an open air feel, or use to close yourself off from the world.
5. The DIY Window Seat
Got a great window with a view but lacking a seat? Get crafty and build it (there’s plenty of online tutorials for this)! Cushion it with fabric-covered foam or pillows. Dress up the surrounding area with anything that adds character.
6. The Floor Pad
Get low and use your floor! This is another fun concept that can work anywhere with a floor (so…everywhere). Have a low window in the basement or attic? Excellent. If not, this can still ooze plenty of charm. Use an old wooden pallet to create a designated space, show off a fuzzy soft rug, bring out the kid in you with a beanbag cushion, put that twin mattress to use, or highlight your ability to create a mellow Japanese zen garden nook with a low table or standing tray and some floor pillows.
7. The Deck Nook
I suppose this actually requires a deck or yard, but even with just an outdoor porch or patio in an apartment unit, this could work nicely for some outdoor reading in the fresh air. Exercise your construction skills by building a corner bed or bench. Paint or stain with outdoor paint if you’re not into the natural look. Make a cushion and cover it with an outdoor water-repellent fabric. Add weather-friendly pillows. Hang a basket to hold your books or beverage at arms length and place a flowering plant or succulent terrarium nearby. And don’t forget a hanging lantern or set of outdoor string lights for those late night summer reading sessions (and bug deterrent candle, for good measure!
Also…
This converted ladder bookshelf will most definitely be making an appearance beside of my nook – a clever, stylish re-purposed piece with tons of character is just what I’ve been looking for! For my awesome inspiration you can check out my reading nook pinterest board here.
P.S.: If money were no object…
I could curl up with a good read in any of these nooks, quite easily in fact.
P.P.S. In case I haven’t already done enough damage…
If a closet reading nook is not in the cards (mostly because I’m thinking that tent or a chaise IS in the cards because I adore them so!) and we have a spare closet (Ha! Spare, unused, empty closet? Have you ever heard of such nonsense?), then a closet office for my desk will be happening. I love it! And my desk is the perfect size for a closet already. Yes!
