Since mankind evolved even the most rudimentary forms of language, we have relished in telling stories, and as soon as complex writing systems were developed, we were writing our stories down. The great wonder of this is that reading has become one of people’s oldest, simplest, and most enduring joys. Many people are dedicated readers, loving nothing more than sitting in a quiet space and losing hours in the deeds of people both fictional and historical. Escaping to far away worlds with exploits of heroism and villainy. Books can leave a life-lasting impression on a person, so it’s no small wonder that people that love books generally tend to hang on to them like a dragon hoards gold.
So if you’re finding that your love of books is moving a little bit beyond the typical living room bookcase, this article is for you. Come with us as we take you through some great ideas for transforming your home into a paradise for the rabid reader.
The Reading Nook
If you’ve been on any social media recently and follow any book-based accounts or creators, then you’ve likely heard of the reading nook. The idea is exactly what it sounds like, a cozy little space dedicated to losing hours in a good story. The reading nook is popular because it represents a portal of comfort. A private place in a safe space dedicated to a beloved hobby.
The great thing about reading nooks is that you don’t need to have tons of space to build one. A simple reading nook can be made even in tiny homes or space-limited apartments. However there are a few key things you should consider.
Your reading nook should have ready access to light. Whether this means natural light from a window, or a lamp casting light downwards onto your reading surface, you need to have an abundance of luminance from somewhere. Otherwise, spending time in your reading space will prove difficult and straining on the eyes. Second, you need to make sure it’s comfortable. People generally pad their nooks with varieties of cushions, blankets, and other such surface-softening accoutrement. It’s also a good idea to have a little table that you can put your active book on, as well as any drinks or snacks you might like to have during your reading session. Finally, you’ll want at least one shelf with books on it, so should you finish a book before your session is up, you can just grab another one.
Reading Spaces For Kids
If your home has a couple of baby book worms, it can be a really nice thing for them to have their own little reading space; especially if your child is introverted and prefers the company of pages to people, providing them a safe little reading nook of their own can be the best gift you give them.
Make sure you tailor the reading nook to an age-appropriate space. Suitable padding on necessary surfaces, and plenty of comfortable blankets. Put in more than one chair, that way if they have a sibling they can share the space with them and get some family bonding time. Maybe even add a big chair for yourself so that you can read to them.
Decorating The Space
Your (or your kids’) reading nook should be somewhere you enjoy being. It should make you feel good to be in there, like settling into bed after a difficult day. So unless you’ve got the temperament and taste of the colour beige, your space should be alive with personality – your personality.
Some people like to drape strings of fairy lights over their bookshelves, or use LED strips to create a calming vibe in the surrounding environment. Others use book nooks, little book-sized models that portray scenes out of all kinds of novels that fit into a bookshelf to give it a little more life and character.
The cushions and blanket(s) in your reading nook can also be a delightful little decorative element to your reading paradise. You can purchase them based on a theme, maybe your favourite yarn or colour palette. Thematic rugs are also a great choice! There’s loads of different ways to ensure that your reading getaway at home isn’t just a functional space, but it’s a delightful and pleasing one too.
The Joys Of The Reading Nook
If you love books and reading then the reading nook is a great home-within-the-home project for you to work on. Not only is it a separate space for you to indulge in some great stories, but it’s also a comfortable and relaxing space for you to unwind and take a minute. The world is a fast place, and in a culture that emphasises quick, immediate satisfaction, sometimes the slow, solitary burn of a book is the greatest getaway from the constant “go” of modernity.