Hello my sweet wonderful friends! Today is Pinterest Challenge day and it’s all about cozy reading nooks. If you’ve hopped over from French Ethereal, thank you, I’m glad you are here! Since we are talking cozy spaces, we have an upstairs landing that could use a little love and warming up. It’s mostly used as a catchall for anything that goes in or out of the attic but I’m ready to decorate it. So, I’m going to share how to create an inviting reading nook for fall.
How To Create An Inviting Reading Nook For Fall
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With any other Pinterest Challenge, we have one inspiration photo and we all recreate it to fit within our homes and decorating style. This time our inspiration photo is from Allie over at Proverbs 31 Girl. I love her home! She’s one talented decorator and DIYer. You’ll definitely want to check out her blog. Here’s the fantastic family room with an oh-so-cozy reading area.
Doesn’t Allie’s space look cozy?! I think my favorite part is that it is basically white. White walls, curtains, furniture, trim, art work, etc. If I lived alone, without dogs and a messy husband, this would be my dream. I love all white rooms with occasional pops of color. But the plan for the landing is to use what I already have around the house instead of purchasing new stuff. Even though I noticed 5 things about Allie’s sitting area, I feel there are only 4 key elements needed to create an inviting reading space.
4 Key Elements When Creating A Reading Nook
The chair is sitting next to a fireplace mantel (noticed but not a key element)
A comfy chair
A pillow and throw with chair
Good lighting
Side table or basket for essentials
Reading Nook Element #1 – A Comfy chair
First, we already had a mantel so that was easy. You might think it’s the one from the dining room but nope, I have another! LOL. To me, the most important thing for coziness is the chair. We don’t really have a super comfy chair to spare. I have two of these and used them on the patio for a while which you can see here. Even though they are not uncomfortable, I wouldn’t say they are perfect for reading. You know the kind of comfy I mean. Like when you are so snug that after you start reading a book your eyes get droopy so you lay the book on your chest and lean your head back and take a short nap? Yeah, you can’t really do that in this chair.
Reading Nook Element #2 – Good lighting
Besides the chair, the next most important thing is the lighting. You need a good light fixture if you aren’t using a window during the day. Did you know studies show that older people (me) need 80% more light for reading than when we were in our 20’s? That’s because we are having to compensate for the reduced ability of the iris to open wide. Total bummer. I’ve been in a restaurant and noticed when it’s dark I cannot focus on the menu! I’ve almost had to pull out the phone and use the flash light feature. That makes me feel old. :/
We don’t have a good reading lamp. Everything I found around the house was too short or buffet size which is way too tall. Did you notice the placement of the light fixture? When choosing a reading lamp, if you are right handed, the light should sit just above your left shoulder for good reading. This is so your page turning hand doesn’t cast a shadow over the page and ensures good illumination. 😉 And, if you don’t want to spend the money on a floor lamp, the new trend of hanging shades is about 1/4 the cost of a floor lamp. Sometimes less! This drum shade and hanging light kit came from World Market.
Reading Nook Element(s) #3 – Pillow and blanket
To me, the last thing you need to create an inviting space is throw blankets and pillows. There’s just something about the right amount of plumpness. That throw blanket isn’t just for show. It’s to use on your legs because your fuzzy socks aren’t keeping you warm enough. I can hardly wait for the coming chilly days. Ooo, and when it rains, I love that feeling.
Reading Nook Element #4 – Table for book, drink and snacks
Time for some real life here. You can see from looking at the previous photos, I arranged the upstairs landing a few times. Table on the left, table on the right. Basket on the left, basket on the right. It’s been frustrating. Even though it has all the right elements, I don’t love it. I don’t think I even really like it. Maybe it’s all the dark color but I don’t want to hear the Mister gripe about doing all white decor. Maybe it’s that I’ve been looking at most of this stuff in other rooms for years and want something new? Although I love the metal piece over the mantel. That came from the At Home store. It’s large and in charge!
When I sit in the chair, this is what I see across from me. Half way up the stairs is a curved ledge. It was one of the first things I decorated when we finally got the gold walls painted a few weeks ago. This ledge is me and what I wanted this fall. So I think the reason I don’t really like the landing is all the color. I know, you might be saying there’s not enough color. But living with gold walls for over a decade passed the decade they were “in”, I was ready for the opposite of what I had. Plain, neutral, calming. Like the Hello Fall plaque from Kirkland’s.
Now you know how to create an inviting reading nook and unfortunately for the mister, I’ll be changing it again. Probably shopping and going neutral. At least until Christmas. 🙂 If it’s your thing, add more color. If it’s not your thing, don’t! You be you and don’t let the rest of the world or Instagram tell you it’s wrong. If you like it, it’s just right. Now on to see Yvonne’s beautiful great room and don’t forget to click on the rest of the links below. You will some some fun and inspiring reading nooks!
Happy Fall Decorating Friends!
This is such a warm and inviting space, Cindy, I love it all. I’ve never really thought about the elements of a reading nook but after you broke them all down they make perfect sense. I would love to find a way to incorporate a reading nook in the guest bedroom makeover. It would make quiet time in the mornings feel super special. Pinning this post right now! Hugs, CoCo
Author
Thanks CoCo. I hadn’t thought about it either until this post – LOL! But I think we all need one somewhere. Hope the one you create in the guest room gets lots of use.
Love the fall reading nook you created Cindy, and you’re so right, you want it just comfortable enough that you can sit without falling asleep. The lamp trick is so smart and one I can use in my studio. Yay! Pinning!
Author
The hanging lamps come in so handy. We used one in the Navasota house because in old houses there aren’t enough plugs and nothing reaches. We love them! Thank you Michelle.
I love your cozy corner and that mantle has me swooning! I never, ever thought about which side my lamp should be on as a reader, I’ve only thought of it as I’m decorating. This is great to know think about!! And I’m so excited to learn about the drum light! I learned so much from your post!!! Thanks for hosting, I love these hops!!
Author
Awe, thanks so much Kristin. I think most of us never really pay attention to the lamp when reading. Only when decorating. Form over function! 😉 Glad you love the hops. We love having you!
Cindy, your reading nook is very pretty! I love the Moira clock (? sp.) and the mantel is very cool!!! I still want a mantel but haven’t found a nice one in a good price range. Enjoy your new space and yeah, I think I’d go neutral, too. <3
Happy fall hugs and thank you for hosting,
Barb 🙂
Author
Yay – thank you Barbara for being on my neutral side! I plan to change it all up again tomorrow. 🙂
HI Cindy,
Thank you for including me in the Pinterest Challenge although I off-roaded a bit! Your reading nook looks so comfy and I adore that chair! It does look comfy. And that would be a problem for me. I’d dose off too easily!
Author
Thanks so much Yvonne. I’m going to change it tomorrow to the way I WANT – neutral. I am over so much color. Might be 10 years late but I don’t care. 😉
What a delightful reading nook you created! I love that you have a mantel surround in this area of your home, that really ups the cozy factor. A hanging light is a great idea and you’ve made me realize that this is something that I could easily add to my home. I like both arrangements but the table on the right is the look that I like best. I love these Pinterest Challenges and thank you so much for organizing them.
Author
I have to say this months was a real CHALLENGE! I am on the hunt now for a cozy chair. One that I don’t slide out of because the cushion moves and one with an ottoman so naps are more comfy. LOL! You’ll love the hanging lamps. They seriously work everywhere and there are so many beautiful choices of shades! If you have an IKEA around you, they have the cheapest light kits and super long cords. Just make sure your kit has an on and off switch. Some don’t come with them. I learned that the hard way. 😉
I love your reading nook and the way you explain all the essentials is fabulous. What a fun and informative post. By the way, I love how you pulled this room together with previously unused items.
Author
Thank you Marty. Re-design is my favorite thing to do around here because I love saving money. Glad you liked the post!
Greatly enjoyed the whole post! In my small place I couldn’t replicate it
exactly, but it gave me ideas. Thanks!
Author
I’m so glad Karen! The entire reason I post is to give ideas and things to think about. Hope you can carve out a space that speaks to you. Thanks for commenting too!
Reading nooks are lovely; it’s always nice to have a quiet corner. Helpful tips for creating one, for us grown ups and our kids too.
Author
Glad you liked the tips Linda. I think we all need a quiet space to be alone and it might as well be nap worthy! 🙂 I remember our 2nd grade class room having a cast iron tub painted with large yellow and orange polka dots. It had carpet on the inside and we all got to take turns reading in it. Must have made quite the impression considering that was almost 50 years ago!
I think it looks wonderfully cozy and so full of fall. And thanks so much for the information about where a lamp should be placed over your shoulder. I didn’t realize that. Great post.
Author
Thank you Miche. Glad you found a tip you could use! Have a great week.
What a fun little nook to decorate! Love the black mantel…think you’ve been holding out on that one! I love all the beautiful, rich fall colors, but also love all white decorating. All white just gets a little much in the great, white north…for months on end! You’ve got me thinking on a hanging light now…hmmm…that would give my little nook a modern twist; kinda like that idea! Thanks for the ideas, and thanks for hosting; always love these challenges:)
Author
I wish I could find out if an all white decorated room would get to be a little much. That would be so fun! You will love the hanging lamp. We have one in the Navasota house made from cotton with a crocheted piece of trim around the bottom. A long time ago someone saw it and said it looked like underwear! I laughed so hard and think of that every time I remove it and throw it in the wash. LOL!
Quiet and cozy the perfect place to read and take a snooze. I love your pretty spot,all you need is a good book.
Author
I was thinking I’d add an ottoman too. So nap time would be more comfy. Maybe that’s why it takes me such a long time to get through a book. 😉 Hope you have a great week Marlene!
It looks so cozy, Cindy. But, I understand your quandary of not liking an area… I kind of felt that way with my kitchen tour. We are always changing, right? And, I DO love the metal over the mantel! Perfect!
Author
A sister that knows is a sister forever! Glad you get it Julie. Give me a couple of days and it. will. be. changed. 😉
I love your decorating ! Your reading nook is adorable! I think the reason that you don’t like the shelf decor on the steps is not because of the color, but it is basically all at the same height! Loving the items though.
Author
Thank you Mary. I need to remember that decorating should be a process and not try and hurry to get a space done. Since painting the walls and with the holidays coming up fast, I feel rushed. I’m going to slow down! So glad you liked it and thank you for commenting! I always appreciate it.
I think the black color on the mantle is too overpowering. If you took the mantel and side table outside and painted them in the white you are wanting (or match the color of your shade) it would give you the feel that you are looking for!
You can also by a piece of corner channel cover for wire and put over the wire running up the wall, painted in your wall color, that wire will disappear.
Of course, saving money here, you can then invest in a cozy chair. Walmart has some really cute furniture now in the cozy farmhouse look.
Author
Yes Glenda! I want to paint the mantel white and get a cozy chair! I told the Mister that was on my list of things to do and he just looked at me with no expression whatsoever. Oh well, I am adding it to the list anyway. Thanks for commenting and helping me see things I hadn’t thought of (like the channel cover). Hope you have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Cindy,
I love your reading nook. Thanks for your tips on creating one as well.
Author
Thank you Rachel. I didn’t like it so it’s already back to neutral colors and now I love it. Looking for a new comfy chair with an ottoman so just in case I drift off, it will be a nice snooze. 😉
Beautiful throw pillow!
Author
The pillow came from Pottery Barn. I can always find exactly what I want there! Hope you enjoy your weekend. Thanks for the visit Alexandra!