10 Cozy Reading Nook Essentials

If you ever find yourself lighting your favorite Snif candle and then immediately craving a couple of hours to curl up with your favorite book, we totally understand. 

Our candles are designed to create a sense of coziness and relaxation in your home… and for many people, the combination of cozy and relaxed vibes inevitably leads them back to their go-to romance novel or classic mystery story. 

If that sounds like you, you’ll want to check out our list of 10 reading nook essentials. 

What Is a Reading Nook?

Before we dive into how you can design the reading nook of your dreams, we need to define what exactly it is. Simply put, a reading nook is a space in your living room, home library, or kitchen that feels like the perfect spot to dive into a book and truly unwind. 

Usually, a reading nook (or a book nook as it’s sometimes adorably referred to) features a bookcase, comfortable seating, good lighting, and personal touches to make your cozy nook feel designed specifically for you. 

What Are the Best Reading Nook Ideas?

Now that you know what exactly a reading nook is, it’s time to dive into the interior design basics that will make your book nook come to life. 

1. Bookshelves

Any book lover knows that one of their most prized possessions is their collection of books. For this reason, a reading nook should always feature bookshelves (either store-bought or a more creative, DIY take on book storage) where you can proudly display your personal library. 

2. Coffee Table

A coffee table or side table is another essential for a well-designed reading nook. This is where you’ll place your mugs, scented candles, and any other home decor items you choose to spruce up your nook. 

3. Textiles

When it comes to making a reading space extra relaxing, textiles are the name of the game. Carpets and rugs will add warmth and depth to your book nook, making it even more enticing on a cold, rainy day. 

3. Floor Lamps or Table Lamps

Lighting is crucial for both the functionality and ambiance of your reading nook. Ideally, your reading room will be flooded with natural light. That said, if it’s tucked away from windows or you’re a fan of late-night reading sessions, then you’ll want to find floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces to illuminate your space.

4. Comfy Chairs

Most of us can’t read standing up (unless we’re forced to on a crowded rush hour train), which is why comfy seating is a must in your book nook. Chaise lounges, bean bags, poufs, reading chairs, and other floor cushions are all great options to consider. 

If you’re anticipating sharing your reading nook, incorporating a built-in bench or window seat may help you optimize seating options — especially if it’s tucked into a small space. 

5. Throw Pillows and Throw Blankets

Your reading nook will start to feel really inviting once you add an abundance of throw pillows and blankets to the space. Choose a color theme for your nook, and look for pillows and throws that match the aesthetic you’re going for. 

Keep in mind that warm, rich colors will give your book nook a “dark academia” feel, whereas light, breezy colors will make the space feel serene and promote concentration. When you’re choosing the colors for your nook, consider when and where you usually like to read. 

If you’re the kind of person who’s drawn to an old-school library with wooden shelving and velvet chairs (maybe even a fireplace), then a darker color palette might be best. For those who love the feeling of a modern, minimalist space, a lighter color palette will give the reading nook that serene vibe. 

6. Scented Candles

Once you have the furniture and lighting design handled, it’s time to think about how to take the coziness factor of your reading nook to the next level. 

Our suggestion? A few of our irresistible scented candles. 

To make your reading corner as tranquil a space as possible, we recommend lighting one (or a few!) of the following candles:

• Instant Karma: Dark, dreamy, and creamy, this cardamom candle is perfect for any cozy corner. It features cardamom, nashi pear, black plum, geranium, vetiver, cedarwood, and black tea, creating a spicy and sensual scent that sets the mood. 

• Sweet Ash: One of our bestsellers, Sweet Ash is a vanilla fragrance that blends vanilla bean with juniper, bergamot, fir balsam, and tonka. It’s smooth-burning, sweet, and earthy, bringing an extra touch of comfort to your reading nook.

• Off the Grid: With lily of the valley, moss, cypress, cedar, and sandalwood, this warm, calming candle instantly takes you to your happy place and makes it the perfect choice for unplugged Sundays.

• Private Hours: Spiced rum, tobacco flower, leather, cannabis, amber, and cashmere woods combine to create a seductive burn in this candle. Hang up your “Do Not Disturb” sign, open your book of choice, and dive into this blend. 

7. Cozy Beverages

With all the decor in place, you’ll need to make sure your reading nook is stocked with your favorite cozy beverage. A steaming mug of coffee in the morning or a fresh-brewed cup of tea at night will help you get into the reading zone. 

8. A Good Book

Last but certainly not least, a perfect reading nook can’t be complete without a good book. Grab your old reliable or pick up the hottest new release from the library, get comfy, and dive into the story from the comfort of your personal reading haven. 

Curl Up and Get Comfy

A well-designed reading nook will inspire you to connect back to your love of reading and finally chip away at that “Books I Want To Read” list you’ve been keeping forever. With the right comfy seating and a few scented candles, you’ll be on the way to creating the ultimate cozy book nook.

Sources:

Reading for Stress Relief - Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing | University of Minnesota

A good book equals relaxation | Phoenix Health and Wellbeing

Four compelling reasons to shut off your screen and open a good book | Reading Partners

Techniques For Concentrating and Remembering | Cuesta College

(PDF) For the love of reading: Recreational reading reduces psychological distress in college students and autonomous motivation is the key | ResearchGate