Snowy afternoons and chilly evenings are the opportune time to curl up with a good book and escape into your imagination. But it’s hard to enjoy getting lost between the margins of a good book when you’re stuck with the woes of uncomfortable seating, poor lighting, and other distractions that keep you from being able to relax. That’s where book nooks come in. These unique hideaways are a bookworm’s dream come true – all thanks to their cozy, quiet comfort. You can customize your nook to be as elaborate or minimalistic as you wish, but the construction is easy as pie. Building a book nook in your home is a simple project that you can add to your list of indoor DIYs to make even the dreariest of winter days a cozy reader’s paradise.
Location, Location, Location
The spot you choose for your nook makes all the difference in the world, whether you want to let the sunshine in or keep it cozy in a tucked away corner. Take some time to go through each room in your home and map out what you think the best place for a nook would be. Corners are the most common choice for DIY reading spots, but alcoves are also a popular choice. Once you’ve decided on the perfect spot, be sure to take thorough measurements before you move forward in the process. Having accurate measurements on hand will guarantee that you know exactly how much room you have to work with, and that you won’t be scrambling to adjust your design plans if an element of your nook doesn’t fit.
Think Outside of the Box
While corners are where most at home book nooks will be found, it’s always worth exploring other options in your home. Consider utilizing unique spaces such as closets and under stairs for your project. This is especially useful if you happen to live in a smaller home, as you want to use any space available when you are dealing with limited square footage. The added bonus of a closet nook is the possibility of built in storage like shelving units and a door that allows you to enjoy some privacy when it’s time to hit the books. You can even look at building an outdoor nook for warmer weather, complete with an accent table and coordinating cover for stacking your books in an impressive display.
Sitting Pretty
Perhaps the most crucial part of building a book nook is the comfort factor. No one wants to be sitting on the hard floor or be lacking in proper back support while trying to enjoy their book. Pillows are the most obvious choice when it comes to adding proper seating to your nook, but also look at mattress pads, couch cushions, and unique chairs such as papasans for lounging alternatives. Blankets are another necessity when it comes to keeping cozy, and can provide extra cushioning as well as keeping you warm when the sun sets and temperatures drop.
Storage Smarts
Once your seating has been chosen and all of your cozy accessories are ready to be placed, the question of storage remains. No one wants to leave their nook cluttered with books and blankets haphazardly tossed about, so having proper storage available in your nook is crucial. Floating shelves are easy to install and are a great way to show off your current reads, while upholstered crates and hand painted bins are perfect for keeping your folded up blankets tucked away. And if you have kids that will be using the nook for some picture book browsing, they’re sure to bring some toys along. Keep a small toy box ready along with your book storage for quick, stress-free clean up.
Let There Be Light
Your nook is now cozy and clean, so the last step is basking it in the glory of mood lighting. Even nooks underneath windows lose their effectiveness once the sun sets, so put on your thinking cap and brainstorm about which lighting will work best for a reading session in your nook. String lights are an affordable option that are as ambient as they are cost effective. You might even already have some hanging in your backyard dangling above your chair cover. LED strips are another simple lighting solution that can be easily placed in even the most tucked away nooks and crannies. No matter which option strikes your fancy, be sure to stick with the warmest lighting possible to reduce eye strain and create a pleasant reading environment on even the chilliest of nights.
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