Picture this: You’re a devoted book lover, daydreaming about having your own home library—think floor-to-ceiling shelves, rolling ladders, and an ambiance straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Only one problem: your home’s layout is more “studio apartment” than “storybook castle.” But don’t shelve the dream just yet. You don’t need an entire wing for your reading life—just a little creativity and a cozy corner.
“A reading nook offers more than just a comfy place to sit,” says Atlanta-based designer Liz Williams. “It invites you to slow down, to find a pocket of peace in the everyday chaos. And, as a bonus, it can look absolutely beautiful while doing it.”
What Exactly Is a Reading Nook?
It’s whatever you want it to be, really. It could be a built-in window seat like the cocoon-like corner psychoanalyst France Jaigu designed. Or maybe a plush daybed tucked into a guest room, à la Thomas Woltz. Even a chic little settee in the living room counts—because if it worked for the effortlessly stylish Lee Radziwill, it works for us. A full-on bookshelf isn’t even mandatory; a well-placed side table or a modest wall shelf can do the trick. (Though we’re not here to stop you from going full “bookshelf wealth” either.)
New York designer Sarah Tract leans into built-ins when designing reading spaces. “It’s the best of both worlds—functional and beautiful,” she says. “Think inventive storage and a sense of intentionality.” Nashville’s Debbie Mathews, on the other hand, loves a more traditional vibe: “Surrounding yourself with books—leather-bound, colorful spines, a range of genres—it adds richness to the space.”
The Essentials: What Every Reading Nook Needs
First up: the seat. Whether it’s a single armchair and ottoman or a luxurious daybed, comfort is non-negotiable. “The goal is to melt into the seat and forget about the clock,” Mathews says. You’ll also want proper lighting—library sconces are having a design moment, but adjustable pharmacy lamps are still classics for a reason.
And don’t just plop your nook anywhere. “You want to keep it away from the noisy zones, like the kitchen,” Mathews adds. “Choose a quiet spot, maybe near a window for natural light—or better yet, near a fireplace. Bonus points if you can hear the rain tapping on the window while you read.”
Ready to build your own literary hideaway? We’ve pulled some of our favorite reading nooks from the ELLE DECOR archives—each one a masterclass in making space for stories. Let these dreamy corners inspire you to turn that underused alcove or awkward room corner into your new favorite destination.
1. Moody in Green
This Miami Beach stunner proves that green is the ultimate neutral for book lovers. The room’s lacquered walls (painted Alligator Alley by Benjamin Moore) shimmer against a Métaphores-upholstered sofa and built-in bookshelves. It’s calm, chic, and practically begging for a gripping mystery novel and a cup of tea.
2. Bold and Maximalist
Actress-turned-maximalist Sarah Kennedy Flug teamed up with designer Patrick Mele to transform her Aspen dining room into a library with serious personality. Red-paneled walls, a marble fireplace, a French chaise, and an English reading chair bring the drama—while elephant lamps with yellow fringe shades remind us that sometimes more really is more.
3. The Chaise Lounge Zone
Designer Thom Filicia’s personal reading corner is effortlessly understated. A cushy chaise lounge, fluffy pillows, a soft throw, and a nearby pouf for tired feet? It’s the kind of place that makes you lose track of time doing crosswords—or napping with a novel on your chest.
4. Napping Meets Reading
Thomas Woltz turned the guest room nook of his Victorian mountain retreat into a dreamy hybrid of bed and reading sanctuary. The fruitwood daybed, decked out in soft pillows and framed by breezy curtains, overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s as suited for reading Austen as it is for drifting off to sleep.
5. A Classic Parisian Vibe
If you’re a die-hard fan of physical books (Kindle who?), take notes from Pierre Le-Tan’s Paris flat. His reading corner features a floor-to-ceiling bookcase crammed with colorful spines, layered art, and a handful of light sources that give the room a worn-in, scholarly charm. It’s organized chaos—deliberately so—and it works.
Whether your style leans minimalist or over-the-top, there’s a reading nook for every kind of reader. And while the right chair, the right lamp, and the right book matter, the best part of any nook is what it lets you escape into.
Also Read : Best Lighting Ideas for Creating a Cozy Bedroom Ambiance
