We all have those little corners of our homes that bring us joy, whether it’s on the sofa, in our self-claimed armchair, or hidden away from the world for some quiet and tranquillity. These little spaces of comfort can offer mental gratitude and physical ease away from our day to day lives. They can be filled with books, puzzles, art projects, boxsets and movies, and all our interests and hobbies. Reading nooks are perfect for adding comfort and style to your home.

So, how can we make these spaces into the ultimate Reading Nook paradise?

If you don’t already have a spot in mind for your reading nook, take yourself on a home tour. You can turn any quiet corner into your own personal escape portal!

• Do you want natural light or somewhere tucked away?
• Would you feel cosier in a corner, or would you be happier stretching out?
• What kind of furniture do you already have that you can reuse? Think about bookshelves, armchairs, blankets, maybe even a candle or two.
• Do you have any unused spaces, like under the staircase or a spare room?
• Can you make somewhere outside cosy for the summer?
• What are you using this space for? Are you a bibliophile with a hoard of books, or a puzzle master?

The perfect spot can be somewhere obvious (your living room or corner of your bedroom), or somewhere unexpected, (like a hallway or a walk-in wardrobe). Consider your favourite areas in your home, how frequently you use the bathroom and how many trips to the kitchen you make for snacks.

• If there’s a draught, prepare a mountain of blankets or a thin duvet. Find the cause of the draught and seal it up.
• If there’s glare, consider adding some stylish blinds or lace curtains.
• If there’s noise, what kind of noise is it? Consider how often interruptions will occur. You can also add your own ambient music.
• If you live with your family, choose low-traffic areas and avoid spaces where you might be interrupted.
• Natural light can be great. If you have a window seat, will the sun be too bright? If you don't have space next to a window, will the space feel too dark?

Think about how you can decorate and turn this space into your own. Is there room for a rug, a little coffee table, maybe even some storage for when you’re not using your reading nook?

Think about the kind of furniture you’d like in your space. A comfortable chair, small side table and shelving can really heighten the space.

• Are wanting something timeless like a Fireside Chair?
• Would you like to sit back in a recliner armchair?
• Do you have the space for a snuggle chair?
• Would a simple, plush cushion do the trick?

Investing in feel-good furniture ensures you’re both comfortable and keeping your body healthy, especially if you plan to use your reading nook for long periods of time.

At HSL, we have handcrafted our award-winning furniture with you in mind. Every piece of feel-good furniture is at the edge of research and innovation. We continuously improve our designs to maximize your comfort and overall wellbeing.

Check out our range of Chairs.

We have Fireside Chairs, elegantly shaped with solid wooden legs, plush wings and handsome high backs. Our Fireside armchairs are the perfect choice for a timeless feel and look incredible when paired with a blanket and cushion.

Our Recliner Chairs are simple, yet striking, with deep cushioning so you can put your feet up and settle in with your next read. Our Recliner Chairs are an excellent option for when you’re wanting that ultimate comfort in your nook.

Find our classic Armchairs, in a range of styles and designs. You’ll find all your favourite HSL collections, from the traditional Bramham Armchair, the luxurious Knaresborough Armchair, to the contemporary Ascot Signature Chair. There's even our classic cuddle chair.

Your nook isn’t just for novels, the space can be used for storage, sipping tea and a sneaky nap or two, too. Your reading nook is the perfect opportunity to enjoy more therapeutic hobbies, including journaling, writing, art and exploring new music.

If you have the room, find ways to build in storage and organise the hobbies you love most. Have a box ready for knitting or crochet, bring in an easel for painting or create a platform for your laptop and get writing on a wireless keyboard. Reading nooks can be a stylish storage solution for books and other items you enjoy collecting.

If your reading nook has the natural light, add plants and flowers to brighten up the space and provide some fresh and organic style. If you don’t have the natural light, add some artificial florals for the same effect.

When decorating your reading nook, focus on creating a cosy and inviting space you’ll want to relax in. Create a mood board and decide what kind of style or theme you want to follow. Have the nook follow your current home theme, or decorate it bold and have it stand out.

You could include:

• Comfortable Seating, either as a chair or a plush cushion on the floor
• Soft lighting, like lamps, string lights or candles
• Personal Touches, include pieces of art you enjoy, plants, decorative items and collectibles
• A rug to define the space
• A side table for drinks and books
• Pillows and blankets for an extra level of comfort
• Extra Storage to keep the space tidy and a caddy for snacks

If you want to keep your nook simple, simply add a chair and lamp to a corner. Your reading nook can be as chaotic or minimal as you desire.

Your reading nook is ready! Now it’s just you, your books and bliss. So, settle down, sink in and enjoy the new space you’ve dedicated to you (and your home). Reading nooks are a wonderful way to add character and personality into any space, whilst providing a relaxing and quiet environment to focus on all your hobbies, including reading.

Keep the nook to yourself or invite people to join you and creating lasting memories that make your nook extra special.

We hope our simple tips on making a reading nook are useful, and we can’t wait for you to make you home even cosier.

If you're in the mood for more inspiration, check out our Interior Design Ideas for Summer 2025, or use our Tips to Maximise Small Spaces.