Reading is an enjoyable pastime all year around but there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book in winter. What’s even better is when you have a special corner at home dedicated to doing just this. With comfort in mind, here are my essentials for creating a cosy reading nook.  

A Dedicated Space

First decide on a good spot for your nook such as a corner of the living area or bedroom. If necessary rearrange the furniture to allow for the new space.

Comfortable Seating

An essential element, seating is also a very personal one. My ultimate reading nook chair would be the iconic Flag Halyard Chair designed by Hans J. Wegner shown below! But depending on your taste in comfort and style (and your budget) options to consider include an armchair, rocking chair and ottoman, daybed, comfy vintage chair, bean bag, swing chair or even an indoor hammock.

The Apartment by The Line / photography by Carolina Engman

Cushions and a Throw

Enhance the level of comfort with cushions and a throw. Choose beautiful textiles that appeal to you, so that they entice you to curl up feeling cosy and warm. In winter I swap my lighter cotton, linen and silk throws for wool. My current favourite is the incredibly soft Alpaca Throw from the new Kate and Kate winter 2016 collection which you can see on my daybed below. When it comes to cushions, I have a preference for natural materials that add texture, and right now I am loving the felted wool and linen covers by local designers Penny + Bennett, Nodi and Kanuka Collective. I also favour natural feather down inners which regulate temperature, mould beautifully to your body and stay super soft.

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

A Place for Books

While it helps to have a bookshelf close to your reading nook, it is not essential. Even though I have several books and magazines on the go at one time, I use the Loop Design Felt Storage Basket from Resident GP (shown above) to store and transport them from room to room.

A Small Table

Allow for somewhere to place your cuppa while you turn the pages. This could be a side table, stool, pouffe (with the addition of a tray or hard cover book for stability) or even just a stack of books or mags.

Styling by Greydeco / photography by Jonas Berg

Lighting

Adequate lighting is essential for reading, so avoid choosing a dark corner for your nook. Ideally you will want to position yourself near a window to allow for natural light during the day, and use a lamp for night time reading. Choose from a pendant light, desk lamp (placed on a side table) or floor lamp. Personally I love the versatility of floor lamps, especially if they are adjustable.

Styling by Greydeco / photography by Janne Olander

Personal Style

Inject some personal style into your reading nook. Hang artwork on the wall, add fresh flowers or plants and a cosy rug underfoot. These finishing touches make all the difference. In fact, you may never want to leave!

This article is intended as a general discussion only. BNZ recommends the recipient get independent advice. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent those of BNZ or its related entities.