Learn how to design a reading nook for a book haven you’ll never want to leave.

A cozy reading nook is the perfect place to take a break and get lost in your latest read.

There are book nooks for kids and even areading nookhidden in an unused closet.

sunroom with built-in banquette seating, colorful pillows and gallery wall above

Credit:Robert Peterson

Use wallpaper to define the reading nook and add a sense of enchantment.

And don’t forget a light source for late-night reading.

Here, a leather recliner cozies up to a small bookshelf and floor lamp.

Books and decor arranged on shelves by seat at home

Credit:Adam Albright

Use warm or even red light tohelp your body get ready for sleep.

Picture lighting creates a library look.

Comfy furniture is essential, as is a mix of artificial and natural lighting.

fireplace in master bedroom with reading chair in corner

Credit:Hector M Sanchez

Pile on the pillows, then add a side table or two for placing drinks or books.

A great view is just a bonus.

The small space is a great way for kids to decompress and offers limitless options for play.

sage green office area with library book shelves around door opening

Credit:Anne D. Schlechter

Library Ladder

Werner Straube

A library ladder is both stylish and functional for maintaining shelves.

Built-In Reading Nook

If youre building a reading nook, consider what size would truly be comfortable.

This cave-like nook is deep and wide enough for most adults to stretch out fully.

Small circular table in a room with two walls of bookshelves filled with books.

Credit:Julie Soefer

While theres no lamp in this book nook, a large mirror reflects light to keep the space bright.

Book Nook Closet

Dustin Peck

An unused closet makes a perfect book nook.

If you dont have lighting in your closet already, consider adding an outlet or using a battery-powered light.

Children’s room with a built in day bed in the closet

Credit:Adam Albright

This sweet pine option covered in vintage embroidered pillows makes for a gorgeous escape from the day.

Carefully Select Furniture

Kim Cornelison

Comfortable furniture is essential for a reading nook.

If youre buying new, go in person and test out different options to ensure a comfortable seat.

Ladder by bookshelves at home

Credit:Werner Straube

These floating shelves in natural wood lend a warm, rustic feel against dark green walls.

you’ve got the option to DIY your own or purchase ready-made.

Organize Books

Brie Williams

You may want toorganize your bookshelvesas part of your reading nook design.

Nursery room with a book shelves filled with children’s books on the wall behind a chair.

Credit:Adam Albright

If you tend to reference or re-read books often, we recommend organizing by topic or author.

If the aesthetic is more important, you cant go wrong organizing by color.

Natural Light

Look for a spot with abundant natural light to make reading easier and more pleasant.

cozy nook in midcentury modern house off the living room with warm tones in the chair, ottoman and rug

Credit:David Land

This built-in nook follows the same logic, making maximum use of the space.

And don’t forget a light source and cozy furnishings.

This porch still has the coziness of a nook while allowing space for multiple people to relax together.

Reading nook with club chair and ottoman.

Credit:Gordon Beall

This built-in bench opens onto the room below, allowing natural light to flow in.

Intersperse plants and art objects on your bookshelves to add interest and depth.

Day bed in a nook with pillows, a blanket, and books on it

Credit:Werner Straube

Foyer with stairs to second floor and a sitting area next to a large mirror

Credit:John Granen

reading area in family room with window seat and bean bag chair

Credit:David Greer

Bolster and throw blanket on seat

Credit:Dustin Peck

Upholstered bench with skirt and embroidered throw pillows.

Credit:Anthony Masterson

Guest suite-Curtains surrounding reading nook

Credit:John Bessler

Chair and foot rest with a lamp and gallery of framed images.

Credit:Tria Giovan

Window day bed with books and pillows.

Credit:Joyelle West

Doorway with drapery door into reading nook.

Credit:Jay Wilde

stuffed green leather chair with leather pouf in living room corner

Credit:Kim Cornelison

Living room with couch and chair and bookshelves on the back wall

Credit:Adam Albright

den with deep navy walls; navy low-back sofa; warm wood cabinet and red/blue rug

Credit:Dane Tashima

Gold coffee table next to built-in wall of books.

Credit:Brie Williams

Upholstery armchairs in living room at home

Credit:Tria Giovan

Built in day bed with children’s toys and books around it

Credit:Helen Norman

a bright and warm reading room with a large palm and patchwork rug. a shelf of rainbow-sorted books stands against the wall

Credit:Justin Coit

Couch and chair in a sitting room with a foot rest in between the two

Credit:Tria Giovan

Day bed in the hallway with a window to the inside of the home

Credit:John Bessler

Books arranged on shelves in an arch shaped built-in

Credit:John Gruen