There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book on a rainy day, a sunny weekend morning, or during a spare hour after work — any time, really! Reading is a therapeutic pastime for many; it’s a powerful form of escapism where we can quiet the noise of everyday life for just a moment. For others, reading is a way to advance their knowledge about the world around them and inform their very way of life.
Regardless of your passion for literature, crafting a comfortable space to immerse yourself in your latest read is a great way to heighten your appreciation for books. Here, we’ll showcase some practical ways for you to craft an aesthetically pleasing yet sensible reading nook or library at home — just for you.
Choose Your Location
It goes without saying that your first step should be picking an ideal location. This may already be dictated for you; perhaps you have a small room somewhere you’ve been unsure how to fashion.
If this isn’t the case, however, and you’re still seeking the perfect spot for your reading area, keep noise in mind. Locating your reading space next to a high-traffic area in the home, like the kitchen, is sure to be distracting. Instead, consider quiet corners in a bedroom or a study.
Consider Arrangement Logistics
Before you set about hanging shelving and buying bookshelves, think about how many books you have and how many you see yourself acquiring in the coming years. Some people buy new books weekly, while others mainly rely on their local library for new titles. Forecasting the approximate volume will allow you to plan your layout accordingly.
Invest in High-Quality Shelving
While it might be tempting to purchase mass-made bookshelves for your library or reading nook, books are weighty in mass; they need furniture that’s robust enough to comfortably hold their weight for many years. Overtime, low-cost shelving may start to sag or breakaway from the shelf frame.
Investing in solid wood bookshelves — like those made by Canadian specialists, Woodcraft — is worth serious consideration. With over 40 years in the industry, this company offers superior quality and lasting value in every piece, ensuring a beautiful accessory to any reading space.
Think About Seating
Seating is an innately personal choice. Some people enjoy sitting cross-legged on the floor to read, while others prefer being absorbed by a plush, luxurious armchair. The choice is yours! That said, with ergonomic principles in mind, it’s advised readers sit with their back straight, their feet firmly on the floor, and their knees bent at a perfect 90-degree angle.
Take your time and choose your seating wisely. It’s ultimately what will make your reading space one in which you want to spend time, versus an area that’s wholly uncomfortable.
Don’t Forget Your Lighting
If your reading room or nook receives ample sunlight throughout the day, you may not need to invest too heavily in lighting. That said, for gloomy and grey days or spaces that don’t see too much natural light, lighting is incredibly important for the health of your eyes.
Layered lighting is excellent for reading spaces as it provides versatility as the seasons change. It also allows you to create a calm and cozy vibe. Some ideas for lighting include:
- Installing lights along the top of your bookshelves. Not only will this give you extra light, but it will also make choosing a new read much easier while showing your book collection off to guests.
- Adding a lamp with a warm bulb. If you have placed a small table in your reading area, a light close by will make reading much easier while adding a cozy ambiance.
- Adding a floor lamp. A floor lamp is a great way to add directional light to the corner of a room, giving you an extra layer of light on particularly gloomy days when the table lamp isn’t sufficient.
Learn about these Top 7 Lighting Trends For Your Modern Home.
Lay a Rug
A rug is a great way to dictate the parameters of the space; this is especially true if you have elected for a reading nook versus a designated room. Choose your rug color wisely, though. Book spines offer an array of different colors and patterns. To avoid making the space look too visually busy, opt for a neutrally toned rug.
Keep Your Rugs in Great Condition With These Expert Tips
Takeaway
Retreating to a library or a reading nook is a great way to escape at the end of a busy day. Take some time to create a space that nurtures your desire to read. Doing so will offer you many well-spent hours immersed in the classics.
