How to Create a Cosy Reading Nook

5 min readFeb 20, 2018

I recently wrote about my goals for 2018, and one of them was to read more. As an American and English Literature graduate, and a writer myself, it’s quite sad that I haven’t read a book in several years. I decided to make a cosy reading nook, using our vintage Ercol chair. Read on to find out what you need to create your own cosy reading nook.

Our living room is an awkward shape. It’s long and thin with two internal doors, some French windows, a bay window and a fireplace. So the end next to the French windows was a bit of a dead space, until this weekend. I swapped the girls’ play kitchen with our coffee table, so it can hold drinks, a candle and books. It works so much better, especially as there is a radiator there to keep it cosy.

What You Need To Create a Cosy Reading Nook

This corner of our lounge corner holds a comfy chair, cosy blanket, chic lamp and even a massaging cushion!

Step 1: Pull Up a Comfy Chair

Ours is a vintage Ercol, I have the matching sofa in the main part of our lounge. It needs a bit of TLC with some new cushion covers, and I’d love to have the dark varnish stripped off. But I’ve covered it in some throws for now.

Step 2: Throw Over a Cosy Blanket

You could go for a colourful blanket but I’m using the grey blanket I made at an I Make Knots workshop last year. I knitted it on my arms and it’s so warm.

Step 3: Set the Table

If you have space, add a table or stool to hold drinks, books and flowers. My brother made ours out of reclaimed slate and wood. I added a scented candle to the table, for scent and a warm glow, and there will no doubt be plates of treats on here too!

Step 4: Add Books and Magazines

My reading pile fits well on our table, and there is a stash of Mollie Makes and house magazines in my polar bear magazine holder.

Step 5: Let There Be Light

There is a plug socket behind the chair, so this corner was crying out for a lamp. I’d had my eye on this Aldi beauty for £39.99 for a few months and finally just decided I needed it! We have the smaller version at the other end of the room, and love it. Or at least I do… Ryan asked it we could put a shade on it! Um. NO! Now we have matching lights at each end of the room, it helps to tie the scheme together.

Step 6: Add Art

Behind the new lamp, you can see my two Zeena Shah prints. The grey and turquoise go so well with my scheme.

Step 7: Put Your Feet Up

I added a little beanbag stool so we can kick back and relax in comfort. The monochrome bird cushion was from ASDA about three years ago and adds a cute touch.

Making Our Cosy Reading Nook Even More Inviting

I have found a new use for my sequinned belly basket — it holds my new Naipo back massager when it’s not in use. Using this massager when I’m reading, drinking tea and enjoying my scented candle takes relaxation to a whole new level!

Pink teapot cup and jug next to our cosy reading nookPink teapot cup and jug next to our cosy reading nook

I’m hoping my new set up will encourage me to take time out for myself more often. We all need some down time. All too often mine is filled with life admin or scrolling around social media. What about you? Do you have a place to have some quiet time, in comfort? I hope my post has encouraged you to make a little place for yourself to indulge in some me time! Why not Pin this post for later?