8 Suggestions for Setting Up a Reading Nook

I want to preface this post with the following statement. Currently, I am not in a position where I can set up a full-on reading nook for myself. However, I have planned multiple possible reading nooks for when I am able to set one up. (Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if my future self set up 2-3 reading nooks in my future home.)

I initially had this post titled "8 Tips for Setting Up a Reading Nook." However, reading nooks tend to be highly personal spaces. As a result, there is absolutely no single way, nor is there a "right" way, to set one up (as with many posts like this). Due to this, I switched the title to "suggestions."

Here are 8 suggestions for setting up a reading nook.

Suggestion 1: Keep it simple.

It can be tempting to try and make some elaborate reading nook for yourself. However, you don't want to do have a setup that's too elaborate or complicated. Keeping it simple will help your reading experience in your nook be more enjoyable and comfortable.

Suggestion 2: Add some decorations to make it more personal.

Again, you want to keep it simple, so keep the decorations simple as well. Decorations can be something like pillows and blankets (mentioned in Suggestion 7), fairy lights, and/or a little setup for your books. In the end, it's ultimately all up to you.

Suggestion 3: Have an end table or nightstand next to your nook.

This may not seem like a necessity, but it can really help out in the long run. If you have a drink and/or snack, you're not wondering where to set it. If you need to step away and stop reading for a moment, you have a convenient place to set your book where it's less likely to be damaged.

Suggestion 4: Try to choose a place that has access to good lighting.

This can be a difficult one to follow through with. However, if you can select a place that has good lighting, it'll really help you out: you won't have to worry about how to read your book without difficulty.

Suggestion 5: Add some extra lighting to your nook if needed or wanted.

As mentioned in Suggestion 4, it can be difficult to choose a place for your nook that has "good lighting." So it may be a good idea to have extra lighting by your reading nook - a lamp, fairy lights, or a book light, for example.

Suggestion 6: Have your reading nook in a place where you'll be comfortable.

Yes, you may have a spot that looks like "the ideal reading nook." However, will it be comfortable? Certain spots may look ideal in your mind, in photos, or on paper, but that doesn't mean they'll actually be comfortable. And what's "comfortable" for one person may not be "comfortable" for you.

Suggestion 7: Have some pillows along with a blanket or two so you can be cozy.

This suggestion can really help out with Suggestion 7. Pillows and blankets are great accessories for reading nooks, but they can also come in handy for being comfortable as you read.

Suggestion 8: Buy a mini bookshelf to keep next to your nook so you have a set place for books.

This is another suggestion that may not seem necessary. And while it's not "necessary" per se, it can be super helpful. You can set anticipated reads there, your favorite books, or your favorite authors. You can also use it as a replacement for Suggestion 3 if you wanted.