How to Create a Cozy Corner for Reading or Relaxing

I used to think a reading nook was a luxury reserved for people with sprawling houses and even more budget until a friend showed me hers.

What a simple, beautiful yet cozy spot for my Sunday reading! I thought to myself.

It was a single armchair wedged between a bookshelf and a window, with a lamp clipped to the shelf and a folded blanket draped over the arm. No architect, nor renovations, just a chair that faced the light and nothing else competing for her attention.

And guess what, to my surprise, I learnt that she needed only three square feet of her tiny apartment to Create a Cozy Corner for Reading, a space that she spends more time in than anywhere else. All along, I couldn’t believe my eyes, let alone her words.

Like a curious cat, I sat slowly and quietly. Not out of fear, but ashamed that I hadn’t thought of such an amazing idea. At that moment, I felt the comfort that my friend feels every time she sits to read and relax. That’s when I decided to give it a try.

You see, the thing about creating a cozy corner for reading is carving out one small place that tells your brain it’s safe to slow down not about square footage. And the payoff is bigger than it sounds. A 2009 study out of the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading can lower stress levels by as much as 68 percent, beating out music, tea, and even a walk outside as a way to unwind.

Researchers believe it works because reading engages the mind just enough to pull attention away from anxious thoughts, without demanding so much focus. So if a few pages in the right chair can do that much for your nervous system, isn’t it worth the little effort of putting up a reading corner?

The Simple Way to Create a Cozy Corner for Reading, No Renovation Required

Identify the Spot Create a Cozy Corner for Reading

Before you buy anything, walk around your home and pay attention to where the light falls. Corners near windows are gold for this. Natural light does something a lamp can’t quite replicate, and even a modest patch of afternoon sun can turn an ordinary corner into the best seat in the house.

Are you worried that you’ll need a spare room for this? You don’t have to! A reading corner can live in the bend of a hallway, the end of a bedroom, or even a wide stair landing. The only requirement is that it sits slightly apart from the main traffic flow of your home.

You want a spot where you’re not constantly moving out of someone’s way to grab the remote or reach the fridge.

Once you’ve found your spot, sit on the floor for a while before committing. Notice what you can see and hear from that angle. It should feel quiet, with no visual interruptions from items like televisions, washing machines, etc.

Pick a Comfortable Chair

In this case, what you need is a seat that supports you in a way you’ll actually want to return to, day after day. Understand what makes you feel comfortable and go for it. Do not choose a certain type just because it looks fancy or one of your friends has it.

If you’re a curl-up-with-your-knees-tucked-in kind of reader, a deep armchair or a papasan with a thick cushion will serve you better than anything stiff and formal.

But if you tend to read for long stretches, look for something with real back support so you’re not trading a good book for a sore neck. And if the floor space is tight, a slipper chair or a simple accent chair without arms can tuck into a corner that a bulkier piece never would.

Don’t discount floor seating either. In this case, a floor cushion paired with a low side table has its own kind of charm, especially in a smaller apartment where every chair takes up your space.

Layer Your Lighting

When it comes to lighting, choose a warm, low light source positioned right where you’ll be sitting. Light in the 2700K to 3000K range mimics candlelight and firelight, and it consistently shows up in research as the temperature that helps people feel calm and at ease.

It might be because it echoes the low, flickering glow humans have gotten used to for most of our history.

A floor lamp with a fabric shade, a small table lamp, or even a strand of warm-toned string lights can all do the job. The trick is to position the light falls over your shoulder onto the page, not straight into your eyes.

If you can dim it, even better. A dimmer switch turns one lamp into three different moods depending on the time of day.

Add Layers You Can Sink Into

Once you have sorted the seat and the light, you need to add some texture to the corner. This is the part that turns a chair into a hideaway.

Think about the kinds of things you’d want touching your skin every time you sit to relax or read. For example, a chunky-knit throw, a sheepskin draped over the arm, a couple of pillows in mismatched but complementary fabrics. All these add personality without following any particular rule.

Also, you can mix a smooth velvet pillow with a nubby wool blanket and a soft cotton throw, and you get a corner that looks inviting from across the room, not just up close.

Moreover, a small rug underfoot completes the effect, especially if your reading spot is situated on hardwood or tile. You can add as much texture as you can to fit your taste.

Add Some Live Plants

Having live plants around your reading corner not only elevates the corner but also improves the mood in the room, thus providing you with the right environment for relaxation.

Researchers studying biophilic design, which is the practice of weaving natural elements into built spaces, have found that greenery genuinely lowers stress and helps people feel more at ease in a room.

One industry survey found that about 68 percent of people reported feeling more relaxed and happier in spaces with green plants nearby, which lines up with just about every gardener’s gut instinct on the matter.

Actually, you can choose any type of plant, including: single trailing pothos on a shelf, a small fern on the windowsill, or a snake plant tucked into the corner.

Keep Everything You Need Within Arm’s Reach

Nothing breaks the spell of a cozy corner faster than having to get up three times in the first ten minutes. Think through what you actually reach for when you settle in to read or unwind, and build a small system around it.

Consider a side table, a stool, a stack of vintage suitcases, or even a low basket to hold your book, candle and other current items. If you tend to read multiple books at once, a small shelf or a floor-standing rack nearby keeps the pile from turning into clutter on the floor.

The idea is to remove every small excuse to get up, because each one chips away at the sense of settling in.

Don’t Let Your Reading Corner Become a Catch-all

This is normal for any human. Whereby you create a comfortable and inviting space, only for it to become a drop point for items that don’t belong. For instance, mail, laundry, that half-finished craft project you meant to get back to.

So, it’s crucial for sticking to the reason why you set up that corner: ‘reading and relaxation’.

The same goes for screens. You might get tempted to bring your phone into the corner “just to check something”; it’s advisable not to; instead, keep a physical book or two nearby.

Conclusion

Now that you have different ideas on ‘How to Create a Cozy Corner for Reading or Relaxing’, the era of wishing you could have one just like your friend is long gone.

And what’s more? You can add or remove items as much as you like so long as everything blends just the way you like it.

Remember, your reading nook should reflect your personality and make you feel completely at ease. Therefore, start with what you already have, add pieces over time, and let the space evolve with you. Also, make it simple, with a comfortable seat, soft lighting, layered textures, and a few personal touches.

And that’s it!

Are you ready to create your own reading nook? What are you waiting for?

Featured Image Credit: Cellini