7 Items I Won’t Forget in a Reading Nook Design

October 09, 2024

Creating the perfect reading nook is about curating a space that invites relaxation and reduces distractions. Over the years, I've discovered some pitfalls to avoid—and here’s what I’d never forget when designing a reading nook (plus how to include the correct items).

1. Skip Finding the Perfect Spot. You won’t find me tossing a chair in just any corner. The right spot sets the stage for a great reading nook. I always look for a quiet, secluded corner bathed in natural light—ideally by a window. No natural light? No problem! I’d use a floor or table lamp to create that cozy glow. One of my favorite projects featured a double chaise lounge in front of windows facing Lake Michigan. It was the perfect spot for curling up with a book and enjoying intimate conversations.

Cozy couples reading nook with a moveable table overlooking Lake Michigan at our **Winnetka Contemporary Home Project**.

2. Ignore Personal Touches. A Reading nook should be an extension of your personality, so a generic space just won't cut it. For one of my clients, who reads nearly a hundred books a year, we designed a custom bookshelf that acted like a PEZ dispenser to organize his monthly reads. Another client wanted sections for different genres like romance and thrillers.

The perfect nook completed with a vintage bar cart and worldly decor collected on my client’s travels at our **Lincoln Single Family Home Project**.

3. Overlook Comfort. If a nook isn’t comfortable, it’s not worth the effort. I always choose a plush armchair, a cozy window seat, or a built-in bench as the anchor piece. Adding layers of soft throws, extra pillows, and a blanket for chilly nights is essential. In one project, we even included a sliding table for snacks and drinks, making the nook as functional as it was inviting. Your nook should feel like a warm hug every time you sit down.

These sweet fireside nooks were intended for the children to get lost in their books next to a cozy fire at our **Lincoln Park Wonderland Project**.

4. Forget Storage. A nook without book storage? Not on my watch! Having a place for your books within arm’s reach is non-negotiable. Built-in shelves, floating wall units, or even a small side table with a stack of books can all work beautifully. I designed one nook with dedicated sections for different genres to accommodate a client who loved to juggle multiple reads at once. Storage is the heart of your nook, so let’s not leave it out.

Elaborate custom reading nook for a client who reads 100 books per year. Each shelf he uses for a different month of the year and each shelf functions like a Pez dispenser to remove and stack them. You can see the whole Project **here**.

5. Neglect Proper Lighting. Good lighting is a must. You’ll never see me design a nook without it. Whether it's a low lamp beside the chair, recessed lighting, or an adjustable floor lamp, proper lighting is key to setting the bookworm mood and reducing eye strain. For a client who loved to read by the fireplace, I placed a lamp low by his chair to create a cozy, inviting glow. Trust me, lighting can make or break your nook.

Natural and perfectly targeted direct lighting (from the lamp) for a fireside reading nook at our **Ravenswood Residence Project**.

6. Overcomplicate the Timeline. When it comes to timelines, simpler is better. I always communicate the timeline upfront to ensure there are no surprises. A reading nook doesn't have to be a drawn-out process, and knowing what to expect keeps things smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect for a straightforward nook project:

Design Phase: It usually takes about two weeks to scan the space and create 2D and 3D renderings.
Feedback & Revisions: We spend a few more days refining the design based on your input.
Production & Ordering: Depending on sourcing, expect a wait of three to twelve weeks for everything to arrive.

Custom bar library in a moody blue with a cozy fireplace at our **Wilmette Residence Project**.

7. Skip the Finishing Touches. The final mistake? Forgetting the small details that make the nook truly special. I never overlook the importance of a side table for drinks, a few extra pillows, or a throw blanket to cozy up with.