I have stacks of books around my home I’ve been meaning to read. Decor tomes, gardening manuals, memoirs, and non-fiction books alike, but while I’m a longtime member of a book club that meets every month, I rarely pick up a physical copy. Instead, I rely mostly on Audible, listening through headphones as I walk to pick my daughter up from school, clean the house, or cook. With the current shelter in place order, however, I’ve been eyeing that stack of books once again and dreaming of carving out a corner reading nook. It seems like the perfect way to tune out the noise and steal a few quiet moments to myself. Sounds lovely, right? Here’s how to create one of your own.

Anatomy of a Reading Nook

1. Define the space with a rug. The subtle blue pattern of this one anchors the space without feeling too busy.

Rug: Emma Rug in Soft Blue, Caitlin Wilson, $225+

2. Choose a comfortable chair. I like the high back and winged arms of this one because it’s easy to snuggle into.

Chair: (similar) Erik Upholstered Wing Chair, West Elm, $799

3. Add a side table. You can also get creative with a stool, plant stand, or in this case, a repurpose bar cart.

Bar Cart: (similar) Cassia Rattan Bar Cart, Target, $149.99 

4. Bring in some task lighting. There’s nothing sexy about eye strain, so this one is essential. We like how this vintage brass fixture adds some shine to the mix and makes it feel more lived in.

Brass Lamp: vintage

5. Pick a throw pillow, it’s the easiest way to set the tone and adds some much needed back support. We like this one because it picks up the color of the rug and adds texture.

Pillow: Square Washed Texture Pillow, Target, $19.99 

6. Drape a cozy blanket over your chair. Perfect for cozying up when the temperatures drop, we love this soft knit one with chunky tassels.

Blanket: (similar) Chunky Knit Throw Blanket, Target, $35 

7. Think green with a houseplant. Not only does it clean the air but connecting to nature helps us feel grounded (even when you can’t get outdoors)

Plant: Monstera Deliciosa, Lowes, $49.99

8. Hang some art you love. This particular print has lived with me through many apartments and brings me joy every time I see it. I mounted it with a command hook so it won’t damage the wall if I decide to mix things up. 

Artwork: So Much Print, Clare Elsaesser, $35+

9. Start styling up your side table. Because this one has two tiers, I took advantage of the lower shelves to display my new puzzles from last week’s post.

Puzzles: Kaleido Butterflies Puzzle, Amazon, $24, Cut Flower Garden, Amazon, $27

10. Most importantly… books! Move that stack of books that you’ve been meaning to read to your newly carved out reading nook.

Books: Styled by Emily Henderson, Amazon, $22.15, Surf Shack, Amazon, $20.99, The Finer Things, Amazon, $38.43, Chez Moi, Amazon, $16.47

11. Add a scented candle to set the mood. We love this one for its pretty glass vessel and the fact that it’s a dead ringer for a much more expensive scent.

Candle: Glass Jar Candle, Target, $10.99

12. Grab your favorite mug. There’s nothing like a hot beverage to help you get in the mindset to relax and unwind.

Mug: Large Mug, Heath Ceramics, $37

13. Enjoy. Now get reading!

* Not pictured, you can add an ottoman or pouf for a footrest. I ended up adding one in later.

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(updated from March 2020)