Decorating Ideas for Readers

Getting your library or other reading spot decor just right can be super easy. Books know no design style and prefer no specific color palette. Neither do they have regard for your decorating budget? In other words, places within your home to relax and enjoy a good book do not require a costly decor style change or a redo that includes a trending color. 

Decorating your reading spot might be as easy as choosing a cozy place, adding a comfortable lounge chair, a suitable reading light, and a side table where your coffee or tea will always be close at hand. 

You could likely use some inspiration if you've not found that oh-so-perfect reading spot. Not to worry, embrace one of the following ideas, and you'll be reading in no time! 

An Entire Room for Your Books 

Of course, the ideal place to enjoy your books would be a whole room that could be dedicated to your private library. Readers thrive in houses and apartments of all sizes, so if you're among the fortunate folks who have that extra room, no matter its size, please enjoy it every day. 

First, you want to outfit it with shelves lots of shelves to create that unique reading space. They can be custom made built-in bookcases for less expensive freestanding wood or metal and wood versions, whatever your budget will allow. 

Depending upon the room's size, add comfortable seating, side tables, and if space will allow, at least one large library table for working with your books. Click here to add visual interest, decorative tuck accessories, or found objects among the books on the shelves. 

Provide adequate lighting to supplement the natural light in the space. Desk lamps for the library table and reading lights are strategically placed to provide over-the-shoulder light for the lounge chair where you'll be reading. 

Add area rugs for comfort underfoot and impressive visual appeal.

Since your decorating style and color palette are already set, it will be easy to carry those themes in your furniture choices, rugs, and lighting for your library space.

A Reading Nook

Create a reading nook with lots of styles if you have a tiny "jut-out" with no doors. These cozy but not claustrophobic spaces are just right for a reading nook. Furnish with a daybed or even a twin mattress on the floor. Because of the small area to be decorated, it's easy to go for a restrained look with neutrals and sedate patterns in textiles and area rugs. 

However, if color and wild pattern is your thing, you can infuse the nook with a look that takes its design cues from the decor in the rest of your home but amps up the color and pattern level to create a vibrant and lively reading nook. 

An Under-Utilized Corner

Readers often ask, "What do I put in a reading corner?" All you need for a comfortable spot for reading and relaxing is a corner in the living room or family room. Bring to life a dark corner with lighting and a comfy chair and side table that fits in the room's decor. 

Wall art, large or small, or a gallery wall of your favorite paintings, drawing, or photographic art is a big plus for adding a personal touch to walls that wrap around the corner. You might also add a soft area rug to further spice up your reading corner. 

A Built-in Window Seat 

Most homebuyers think a built-in window set is a plus when house-hunting, but this feature is often beautifully decorated and then promptly forgotten about and used very little. These little spaces with comfortable cushions make for an ideal reading spot. Add as many decorative pillows as you please to make the long seat even more comfortable. Don't forget beautiful and functional reading lights for optimal reading enjoyment.

A Comfortable and Cozy Chair or Chaise by the Fireplace

In the fall and winter months, the area around a fireplace is often much sought-after space. It makes for a cozy reading spot with the addition of a comfortable lounge chair or chaise. Bring in plump pillows and soft throws, and you're all set. Upgrade with lighting made for reading. You'll want to buy a task light or reading lamp with an adjustable head or arm. That's how easy it is to give your room more functionality to enjoy. 

A Chaise Lounge in the Bedroom

Add a chaise lounge to the bedroom that fits into your room's decor. Depending upon your design aesthetic, a chaise can either bring in a sophisticated, stylish vibe with a sleek metal and leather chaise or perhaps a bit of feminine glamour with a curvy one upholstered in luscious velvet. Now that's perfect for an avid reader and so gorgeous, too.

A Spot on the Staircase Landing 

If yours is a multi-story home, you likely have the perfect reading spot. A second story landing, either large or small, can become a much-loved space to get away and enjoy a good read. These spaces are adaptable. 

A small one can accommodate your favorite chair. At the same time, many newer homes offer an almost room-sized area into which you can easily fit a little sectional sofa that is perfect for catching up on reading, and perhaps, a much-deserved nap.

The Kitchen or Breakfast Room as Library & Reading Spot

Whether there's only room for a favorite rocking chair or space for an entire sitting area. The kitchen can be a must-have library and reading spot for foodies whose world revolves around cooking and cookbooks, food histories, chef memoirs, and any other food-related volumes, new or old, are their libraries. How appropriate that they are kept in a safe place in the kitchen or nearby.

Reading Indoors? 

Don't forget a proper lighting fixture to fit your chosen space and reading method (book or e-reader). Nova of California, the oldest lighting manufacturer in North America, knows more than a thing or two about reading lamps and task lights. As the longest-reigning authority on lighting, they provide a vast collection of task lighting and reading lamps and publish some of the most in-depth lighting information and inspiration on the web. 

In NOVA's guide, "How to Light a Reading Nook," they suggest, "For lighting a reading nook, consider using LED bulbs. Not only do they provide you with optimal lighting, but they're also more energy-efficient than traditional lighting sources like CFL bulbs and incandescents. LED bulbs can also closely approximate the color spectrum provided by natural light. 

Reading in the Great Outdoors

In the spring and summer months, or if you live in a warmer climate, you can take your reading spot outdoors. It'll get you out into the fresh air and sunshine and give you a new perspective on life.

For those fortunate enough to have one, a garden cottage (even an unheated one) can offer the perfect opportunity for creating an enjoyable reading space. A balcony, patio, or deck can also be an excellent place for reading in good weather. A hammock under the trees suits many readers exceedingly well.

If you're inspired by any or all of these decorating ideas for readers, try your hand at creating your very own library or reading spot. You'll be so glad you did. There's also another benefit that results from these projects for readers, and that's how beautifully they will enhance your home's decor.