Thursday, August 22, 2024

How to create a cozy reading area





 All book lovers desire a comfortable space for reading. A location that provides everything they need, plus their favorite book or books. Inside or outside, you can make a cozy reading nook. I will share a few tips on creating an area that will make you want to sit and read for hours. 


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1. Find an area with good lighting 




Look for a location in your home that has good lighting. You can have natural light from a window or sunroom. These spaces are suitable during the daytime. Especially if you want a beautiful view of the sun shining, the raindrops on your window, or leaves falling. 

You can add lighting to make your place brighter at night. Lamps and twinkling lights will work. Make sure the spot you pick has access to an outlet if you are using lamps or twinkling lights.

2. Find a quiet place 





Make sure your spot is in a quiet place in your home. A place away from all the noise in your home. A location with less foot traffic if you stay with others. Pick a corner you do not use.




3. Have comfortable sitting





This can be your bed, a chair, a beanbag chair, and any other area you can sit in. Make it a comfortable spot where you can sit for minutes or hours. 




4. Add cozy elements 






When fall comes, add a throw to your reading nook. Having these items keeps you warm and comfortable when you read. Throw pillows are also comfortable to sit or lie on. Pillows can also serve as décor. Rugs would be nice if you are the type of reader who likes to lie on the floor.



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5. Choose how to store your books 







You can need a lot of space for your books, you add or build a bookshelf to store your books. Choose the best bookcases that fit your needs and space. Standard bookcases work for extensive book collections. Choose this type of bookshelf when have ample wall space. Modular bookcases work for those who want to change or add to their bookshelves. Floating, corner, and leaning shelves work for people who do not have a lot of space. Bookshelves also come in varied materials.

 

Laminated cases or shelves work best for those who want to have a variety of colors. Laminated shelves are also perfect because they do not show marks or dings like other materials. Glass is great for those who want a more modern style. Metal is modern and lightweight. Wood is the easiest one to find and offers a variety of styles from which you can choose.

The traditional style is classic. The wood color is solid. Traditional style can include accents and carved wood details.

The rustic style has a natural wood appearance that resembles a pastoral cottage. It is rugged and old-fashioned in appearance.

Modern focuses on minimalistic style but a variety of eye-catching shapes.

Coastal style is good for those who have a more laid-back personality. Coastal style features weatherworn wood.

Contemporary includes the newest designs that are progressive.

Industrial is a bold style that looks like it belongs in a factory. Industrial-style bookcases have worn wood and metallic metal.

 Do not forget to choose a bookshelf or case that matches your other furniture. 

 

Baskets would also be a perfect way to store your books. You can add a chest or ottoman to your space if you prefer to hide your books.



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6. Pick how you want to organize your books 



You have the option to order them based on color or size. This is perfect for people who are visual learners. It is also easier to organize than other systems. Arrange them initially based on the colors seen in a rainbow.

Another way to organize is by genre. This works for those who own a variety of books from different genres. For example, my books would start with spiritual, Cookbooks, History, politics, Biographies, Drama, Mystery, and Romance. Those with bigger collections may opt for organizing by the author. You can arrange them in alphabetical order.

Sort by height is another way to stack your books. Put the larger books together, including those in that p genre, and stack the smaller ones. The simplest method is to arrange the books based on how often you use them.

 

You do not have to have all books lying in the same direction. Arrange the bigger books horizontally and insert the smaller books vertically to fill the remaining space.





 

7. Add a place for the other things you may need 





Invest in a table that offers a convenient location to keep your glasses. Have space to accommodate your coffee mug. For those who need bookmarks, store them in a container and put them on your table. Add your notebook and pens if you need to write anything.



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8. Add decor 








You can add décor to your book sleeves. Start by choosing at least two or three colors to use. If you have a dark bookcase or shelf, add colors such as whites, creams, or grays as your décor. Pick personal items you would want to have on bookshelves. You can also add book-themed items. For example, you have a quote from one of your favorite authors.

 

Make sure you leave some negative space on your shelves.





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9. Add plants 




These can be real plants or faux plants adding a natural element brings depth and texture.

 

10. Define your area.


 

A rug can help you define your space from other parts of the room. A dressing room screen will also work to create a definition and give you privacy.





Conclusion: 


To have a truly cozy area you need to love the location you pick. Choose any area you like to go to whenever you read a book. Once you find that location pick your favorite book to read. 







Here are some blog posts to help you find your next read: 


Favorite romance books

Fall Books to Read

Cozy Culinary Mystery Books to Read