What do I need for a cosy reading corner?

Chloe Hines Chloe Hines
Remodelación de Salón y Entrada de una Hermosa Vivienda Unifamiliar, www.rocio-olmo.com www.rocio-olmo.com Salas de estar mediterrânicas
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Even if you're someone who doesn't have a huge book collection, or the necessary time in the day to read, providing yourself with a cosy reading corner can have other benefits as well! Corners are typically areas of the home that are odd spaces, where homeowners are often at a loss for what to do with them.

Yes, you could place a dresser or an armoir there, but why not place a cool chair and a stack of magazines or books that can add something special to your room? Chairs, particularly in bedrooms can provide space to place clothing, for sitting and talking to your partner, or a private venue when you just need a break from the banalities of daily life.

If creating a cozy reading corner is on your list of things to try, then let us guide you with our tips and tricks below of what you need to start your very first one!  From soft, cozy textiles, to perfect lighting and comfortable seating – we have it covered!

Comfortable seating

The first, and most important aspect of a cozy reading corner, is a perfect chair.  Preferably a soft chair that's not too large, or too small – avoid chairs similar to dining room chairs that tend to be hard and made of wood and plastic.  Naturally, the better the chair you choose, the more willing you will be to actually try it once, and become hooked!

Don't stress too much about how the chair will match your pre existing room decor, choosing a used chair from an antique or thrift store can add an interesting focal point in any room and even become a statement piece -- like the great violet-coloured chair pictured here!  If you do choose a harder chair, think about textiles and animal-skin throws that can ease up the hardness!

The right lighting

The right lighting in a reading corner is necessary – obviously for reading, but also the atmosphere as well.  A corner which provides both natural and artificial light is preferable.  If you choose a corner with natural light, make sure you choose the right shades or sheers, so the light will diffuse properly and not be too bright.  Then, when the evening hours come around you can switch over to using a dim, artificial light to set the right mood for reading!

When you choose the perfect side table, a smaller lamp will work perfectly – you want everything in your reading corner to be fully accessible!  For lighting that is included with your table for something more multifunctional, look at these great Scandinavian-style sets!

A table

What table you choose for reading corner should depend on the type of chair you have.  If your chair is larger, then we suggest opting for a smaller table, to offset the larger look.  However, choose a table that can hold one of two things, 1) a lamp and 2) a few books that you're currently reading through, or some magazines for lighter reading.

The chair should be at a height so you don't have to do too much bending or turning.  Also, think about a multifunctional table – perhaps one with a built in lamp to cut-down on costs! A side table, like the one pictured here, is perfect for a higher-set chair!

A shelf

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For those book lovers that have too many books to deal with – placing your reading corner near your shelving units is a perfect way to make your reading materials 100% accessible for you!

If you have higher book shelves, then be strategic about the placement of your books.  Place books you're currently reading, or those that you plan on reading rather soon, nearest to the height of the chair.  As you get further away from your chair, you should have books that you've already read, or those that you can't get to until at least a few months down the road.

This relaxing reading corner is perfect with the natural light, great chair, modern side table and huge shelving system to the left!

Soft textiles

Choosing the right textiles for your reading corner can either make, or break, your space. Think about super-soft pillows, cushions, throws and animal skin/furs!  If you want to combine soft textiles and your chairs, then look at this example for some modern, Scandinavian inspiration. 

Normally, especially within work and office spaces, we suggest leaving the comfortable and soft textiles aside – because you have work to do and textiles can be sleep-inducing.  However, with a reading corner this is your time to relax, so if you pick items that make you fall asleep or take a quick cat-nap, it's perfectly okay!

Accessories

Functionally speaking, all you technically need is a chair, a table and some books. However, if you want this to be a newer space in your home that you will try to use at least once a week – then pick items that will draw you to it!

Soft textiles are one way of doing that, so is cool, graphic art – but you should also consider things that are near and dear to your heart and items that can provide some health benefits as well.  A lot of common house plants have air-cleaning and filtering abilities that most aren't aware of! Think about aloe vera and other tropical plants that provide a visual punch, yet clean your air for minimal maintenance!  We promise the space will become so beautiful that you will start enjoying it more than once a week!

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