Do you want your family reading more books?
Designating an area of your home as your reading nook can do wonders for your family’s relationship with reading. And…
It can be super simple.
When people have a cozy space to curl up with their favorite book they’re way more likely to read. According to a University of Sussex study, reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.
That’s more than your typical walk or cup of tea.
Creating your perfect reading nook is all about these three things: comfort, light, and ambiance. Nail those 3 things and your family will actually enjoy spending time in their reading nook.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why your family needs a reading nook
- Choosing a reading nook location
- Furniture and seating
- Lighting: The most important aspect
- Finishing touches
Why Your Family Needs a Reading Nook
If you want to know why reading is declining…
Look no further than technology and convenience. Screen-time is becoming more addictive by the minute. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that in 2024 only 1 in 3 children ages 8-18 enjoy reading for pleasure. That’s the lowest percentage since 2005.
We live in a world of phones, TVs and tablets.
This doesn’t mean you have to ban electronics from your home. But designating a reading nook sends the message that reading is special. Here, we unplug and dive into books.
Children learn by example.
Watch them marinate in that book nook you create. You’ll likely catch them reading more too if you’re reading alongside them. A family reading nook is also a great way to show your kids that reading is important to you.
Oh, and make sure you have great lighting. When you’re shopping for reading nook furniture keep an eye out for floor lamps that offer different levels of brightness. Having the ability to control your lighting is key for optimum task lighting.
Choosing a Reading Nook Location
The first thing to consider when creating a family reading nook is LOCATION.
Not all rooms will work for your family’s needs. Be strategic when choosing the location of your reading nook.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does it get daytime sunlight?
- Is it away from high traffic areas?
- Is it quiet?
- How many people will be sitting in this space?
Ideally, your reading nook will be in a low traffic area of your home that gets natural light. Corner spaces are great too if you’re limited on room.
Don’t overcomplicate it. The point is to give your family a space they can relax in WITHOUT the distractions of everyday life.
Furniture and Seating
If a reading nook isn’t comfy…
Your family won’t use it. End of story.
Let’s start with seating. You want chairs that make you want to sink in, cuddle up and get cozy. Here are some of my favorites:
- Oversized armchairs
- Window seats
- Bean bags
- Loveseat
Loading up on pillows and having a soft blanket handy are also musts. We want this space to feel cozy, like a hug.
Something most people forget about…
Book storage! Make sure you have somewhere to store books close to your reading nook. A small bookshelf or floating shelves will do the trick. Out of sight, out of mind. When your favorite reads are visible and reachable, you’ll read more.
Lighting: The Most Important Aspect
Alright, this one is essential.
If you skimp on lighting you’ll ruin your cozy nook. Not only will poor lighting cause eyestrain and headaches; it can make reading feel like a chore.
Here’s what you should know:
Task lighting should be between 450-800 lumens. As for color temperature, look for lights that are around 2700K- 4000K. This provides soft, warm light that isn’t too yellow or too white.
Natural lighting is best when possible. Position seating near a window to take advantage of as much natural sunlight as you can. But as I mentioned before, you need some sort of additional light source for those nighttime reading sessions.
That’s where versatile floor lamps come in.
A quality reading lamp with different brightness options will allow each member of your family to customize their reading experience. Place your floor lamp behind or next to seating to shine light directly on whatever you’re reading.
Avoid these reading nook lighting mistakes:
- Too much overhead lighting (cause harsh shadows)
- Not enough light (you’ll strain your eyes)
- Using cool lighting (this isn’t the kitchen)
- Only using 1 light source (layer your lighting!)
My recommendation? Mix ambient room lighting with a floor lamp dedicated to your reading nook. This allows you to brighten up the room while still giving you extra light where you need it.
Finishing Touches
Now it’s time for some of my favorite parts. The FUN stuff.
Congratulations, you’ve created an actually usable reading nook. Now let’s make it feel magical.
Add things like:
- Small side tables
- Plants
- Floor rugs
- Personalize it with family photos
Also, don’t forget about temps. It never hurts to have a throw blanket within arms reach.
One last thing…
Encourage your family to put away their phones. Have a basket they can toss their electronics in before hopping into their book nook. Out of sight, out of mind. This will help your family to truly enjoy their books instead of sneakily checking Instagram.
Bringing Your Reading Nook to Life
There’s no magic formula for creating the perfect family reading nook. But if you keep these tips in mind you’ll be well on your way.
Remember…
Start with the right location. An under utilized corner in your living room, bedrooms, or even a spacious hallway can make the perfect reading nook. Bottom line: Pick a space your family can escape to and actually relax.
From there it’s all about the furnishings.
Comfortable chairs. Good lighting. And accessible book storage. Layer in cute furniture and décor to really make it your family’s special spot.
Home Libraries won’t love you back.
But a cozy family reading nook just might.
If you take anything away from this post, let it be this…
Start small if you need to!
Reading nooks can be as simple as a comfy chair, decent lighting, and a basket full of books. You can always upgrade your space as you go. Start by picking a spot this weekend. Adding one comfy chair. Don’t forget that light!
Watch as your family begins to use the reading nook you created. They’ll read more. They’ll feel happier. They’ll spend less time with devices and more time with each other.
And that right there is something worth reading about.