7 Reading Nook Ideas to Consider For Your Custom Home
August 10, 2023If you love books and reading, a reading nook could be a lovely addition to your custom home design. The options are endless so you’re guaranteed to find something that works best for your design. Here are a few reading nook ideas to consider for your custom home:
1. Incorporate a Nook With Custom Book Shelving
Built-in bookshelves are just one of the classic architectural features to incorporate into your custom home. If you have a book collection (or hope to have one), adding custom bookshelves with a reading nook is a great way to display your books and have a place to read.
When designing your bookshelves, leave some space for reading nooks. Add space for a cozy sofa that’s surrounded by bookshelves. Or, add in a cubby that’s big enough to sit in with room for soft blankets and cushions.
2. Use a Bay Window
Bay windows are a great feature in a custom home and turning one into a reading nook is a useful bay window idea. They let in a lot of natural light, making them perfect for a reading nook. If you have a larger bay window area, try pairing two chairs together. If you have a smaller area, one chair works too.
You can also turn the bay window’s deeper sills into a reading nook. By adding some comfortable cushions and lighting, you’ll have the perfect reading spot. With plenty of natural light during the day, it will also be a cozy spot in the evening.
3. Utilize a Landing
Try using wasted spaces for reading nooks. Spaces like the landing at the top of a staircase can make the perfect reading nook. Add a comfy chair and bookshelves to create a little oasis. Make sure you have good lighting so reading is easy on the eyes. Using a table lamp is effective and it’s also a functional hallway lighting idea.
4. Maximize Storage
If you have the option, combine your nook with storage. This can be achieved by adding extra bookshelves for your books or using a storage bench placed in a quiet reading area. Combining spaces is a useful way to incorporate more storage into your custom home design.
5. Turn a Dormer into a Reading Nook
If your custom home design includes dormers, these can make great reading nooks. If they’re big enough for a chair, add some practical lighting. Or ask for a built-in custom bench with either shelving for books or other storage.
6. Use Empty Wall Space
A reading nook doesn’t have to be an actual nook. If you know you have some wall space without a function, turn that into a reading spot. If there’s empty space between a sideboard and another wall, add some floor cushions for a cozy spot. These are all ideas to eliminate wasted space in your home and can help you create more book storage and reading areas in your home design.
7. Carve Out a Space Under the Stairs
The space under the staircase can be an optimal reading nook location. Paint the area a calming color, and add some string lights and soft blankets. If you have the option, ask for a built-in nook with any customizations you’d like. Adding bookshelves to the nook area is a great staircase storage idea, too.
These are just a few reading nook ideas to consider for your custom home. If you’re ready to get started on your dream home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090! We’ll help make your dreams a reality.