How to Set Up a Reading Corner That Actually Makes You Want to Read

We all have that fantasy of settling in with a book we can’t put down. You know the one – soft lighting, a comfortable chair, maybe a cup of tea within reach. But your current reading situation probably looks different. You’re propped up on your bed (fighting off sleep), hunched over your phone on the couch, or trying to focus while your kids treat you as playground equipment.

Creating a reading corner that you’ll actually use isn’t about spending thousands on a library renovation. It’s about carving out a small space that pulls you in every time you pass by. If you need inspiration, check out these DIY reading nook ideas that fit any space – they prove you don’t need a huge budget or perfect room to make this work.

Start With the Chair (Your 3-Hour Test)

First things first – you need somewhere to sit that won’t leave you walking like a question mark when you stand up.

This doesn’t mean buying the fanciest chair in the store. It means finding one that fits your body and your space.

What to look for in a reading chair:

Good back support that keeps you comfortable for hours
Armrests at the right height for holding a book
A seat depth that lets your feet touch the floor
Fabric that breathes (leather gets sticky, velvet gets hot)

If you’re working with a tight budget, check out secondhand stores or online marketplaces. That old wingback chair someone’s getting rid of? It might be perfect with a good cleaning and maybe a throw pillow or two.

Quick test: Sit in the chair and mime reading a book. Are your arms comfortable? Can you rest your feet flat on the floor, or would you need a footstool? These small details matter when you’re halfway through a book you can’t abandon.

Lighting That Won’t Make You Squint

Bad lighting is probably why most of us abandoned our last reading spot.

You need light that’s bright enough to see the pages clearly but soft enough that it doesn’t feel harsh and clinical.

Your best lighting options:

A floor lamp that curves over your chair (adjustable angle is key)
A table lamp on a small side table (if floor space is tight)
Natural light from a window (amazing for daytime reading)
Warm white bulbs instead of cool white (easier on the eyes)

Just make sure the light hits your book, not your face. And if you’re setting up near a window, have a backup plan for evening reading.

A Place for Your Stuff

Nothing breaks your concentration like realizing your coffee is in the kitchen, your reading glasses are upstairs, and you have nowhere to put your book when the doorbell rings.

You need a small table or shelf within arm’s reach.

Essential items to keep nearby:

Your current reads (2-3 books max)
Reading glasses or bookmarks
A coaster for drinks
Tissues or lip balm
A small notebook for thoughts

Some people like to add meaningful gifts and keepsakes that make the space feel special – a small plant, a candle, or a meaningful figurine. Others prefer to keep it minimal.

Either approach works as long as everything you need stays within reach.

Make It Feel Like Its Own Territory

Even if your reading corner is just a chair in the corner of your living room, you want it to feel distinct from the rest of the room.

Simple ways to define your space:

Place a small rug under your chair
Add a floor plant as a natural barrier
Angle your chair away from the TV
Hang a piece of art above your reading spot
Use a room divider or curtain for more privacy

It doesn’t have to be fancy – even a few framed photos or postcards can make the space feel deliberate rather than just “where we stuck the extra chair.” If you want to see how others have transformed their spaces, these 21 beautiful reading nooks show what’s possible in all kinds of homes.

The Extras That Make a Difference

Once you have the basics sorted, think about what would make you choose this spot over anywhere else.

Comfort additions worth considering:

A soft throw blanket for chilly evenings
A lumbar pillow for extra back support
A basket underneath for library books
A small fan for summer reading
An ottoman or footstool

Consider browsing a unique puzzle collection for when you need a break from reading but don’t want to grab your phone.

It gives your eyes a rest while your mind stays active. Plus, a finished puzzle can even become part of your reading nook’s decor if you frame it.

Making It Actually Work

Reading corners fail when they’re too fussy or complicated.

If you have to rearrange things every time you want to sit down, or if you’re worried about disturbing the carefully styled pillows, you’ll avoid the space entirely.

Keep it simple:

Make sure your chair is genuinely comfortable for long sits
Have good light that you can reach without getting up
Keep a few books visible so they catch your eye
Don’t overthink the decorations
Make it easy to clean around

That’s really all you need.

The Phone Problem

Time for some honesty about the biggest reading killer: our phones.

You sit down ready to read, but then you “quickly check” something and suddenly an hour has vanished and you haven’t turned a single page.

Strategies that actually work:

Leave your phone in another room entirely
Put it face down where you can’t reach it
Use a phone jail or timer box
Keep a notebook for “look up later” thoughts
Set specific phone-free reading times

When you think, “I should check the weather for tomorrow,” write it down and keep reading.

Test and Adjust

Give your new reading corner a proper trial. Spend at least an hour there.

You’ll quickly discover what needs tweaking:

Maybe you need a slightly higher cushion
Maybe the light needs a different angle
Maybe you’re secretly a floor-sitter at heart
Maybe you need a side table on the other side
Maybe the chair needs to face a different direction

The best reading corner is one that fits your actual life, not some Pinterest version of it.

If you have kids, maybe you need a corner where you can see them while you read. If you have pets, perhaps you need space for them to curl up nearby. If you read before bed, maybe your corner needs to be in your bedroom.

Building the Habit

Don’t expect perfection immediately. Most good reading corners develop gradually.

You add things, remove others, and slowly discover what makes you reach for a book instead of scrolling through your phone.

You’ll know it’s working when:

You automatically head there with your morning coffee
You choose a book on your phone more often
Others respect it as “your spot”
You actually finish books now
It becomes your favorite place after a tough day

The goal is simple: make reading the easier choice.

When you have a dedicated spot that’s comfortable and inviting, reading shifts from being an aspiration to an actual part of your day. Even fifteen minutes in your reading corner can become a highlight you look forward to.

Remember: the perfect reading corner isn’t about having designer furniture or a magazine-worthy aesthetic. It’s about creating a space that draws you in, that makes you want to slow down and get absorbed in whatever you’re reading.

Start basic, refine as you go, and soon you’ll have created your retreat without leaving your home.