Create A Cozy Reading Spot
A Place To Rest and Regenerate
Today in this blog I’m going to talk with you about nurturing your inner need to relax and unwind. I’d like you to consider fixing up a small area to be “your” space to read, draw, text friends, sip tea, and plan meals. This shouldn’t have to cost you a thing; in fact, you probably already have all that you need to pull this space together.
We’re all spending more time at home so finding the “right spot” to relax and unwind is more important than ever. Begin by walking around your house, visiting each room: look at unused corners in your bedroom, living room, guestroom, office or even a wide hallway. How much light do you need? How does each room feel? Do you need quiet? Or do you prefer to be in the room with others? Get the feel of the space: is there too much family traffic? Do you need it be darker? Do you like cozy and cramped or open and spacious? Once you’ve found your spot go ahead and pull it together with the items listed below. Don’t worry if you find out that this spot won’t work; you’re free to look around and find another. I’ve had my own cozy reading area in most of the rooms in my house at one time or another. Today I enjoy it by the fire in the family room. I don’t mind when my husband watches TV. I’m able to maintain my feeling of comfort and I can still read, write or drink my tea.
A Place to Rest
So, find your spot. Look for a large window that lets in heaps of light. Try a fireside chair where you can warm up. Or a secluded spot at the end of a hallway that gets very little traffic. Or, well, you get my drift here…
A Place to Sit
The chair is the most important part of this reading area. It simply must be comfortable. Find a cushioned, wingback or birdcage style comfy armchair that you can claim as your own. If you don’t like the looks of the one you have, but everything else works about it, why not order a slipcover and cover that old fabric? You can also have it cleaned. I’ve even chalk painted the fabric on one that I use in my sewing room.
A Footstool
It’s nice to have a footstool so you can put up your feet. So, grab a pouf, stool or ottoman for your feet. This isn’t the time to be sitting all posture-perfect. This is your place to lounge and put your feet up.
A Table
I like having a table or stool or shelves or sturdy ledges near my reading corner. It provides a space to work, assemble or create, whether you opt for a small pedestal table, an end table, or bookcase. It makes a great place for a tray with a hot teapot ready to pour as you read.
A Light
While a reading nook with a lot of natural light works best, I keep a good reading lamp to illuminate my chair. Tall floor lamps, a swag light, small accent lights or a wall sconce can create the cozy feel your space needs. You might try a 3-way bulb; these settings can adjust the lighting to your mood, task or the time of day.
A Pillow
A pillow can add comfort, color, texture or interest to any cozy corner. You can use it behind your head for a short nap or place it on the floor when you sit. I love the down or goose filled pillows and suggest using an 18” square. You can even change the look of the pillow with pillow covers by season.
A Basket
Baskets are a necessary storage piece for holding books, magazines, blankets, yesterday’s mail and more. Also they can store your reading accessories like glasses, pens, pencils and tissue to make your experience much more comfortable.
A Drink Coaster
Whether it’s your morning coffee or a weekend glass of wine, you need to have somewhere within arm’s reach to set down your mug/glass. This could be a photo coaster, a flat rock or fabric mug rugs. You’ll be more relaxed knowing the drink won’t leave a ring behind.
A Candle or Oil Diffuser
A cozy addition to any reading nook is a wonderful smell. I use either essential oils (can be calming or invigorating) or a soft smelling candle. (Most of my scents are fresh and clean and not too strong.) Sometimes the smell is perfect without even lighting the candle.
A Plant
Plants can help provide a calming atmosphere. Add a special plant for an organic décor. Lots of room? Try a rubber tree, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Jade plant, or hanging plants. A plant brings a fresh perspective that will quite literally—breathe new life into your space. If your space is smaller, opt for low maintenance plants like succulents on the windowsill.
A Blanket or Throw
Bring in tons of textiles to make your cozy corner even cozier. Choose something soft (like mohair) or fluffy (like sheepskin) for the winter months and something bright, woven and perhaps made of cotton for the summer.
An Assortment of Books
Try not to clutter your reading space with too many books, just those you’re ready to read, those that are inspirational or perhaps a journal – to capture your to-do list, thoughts, insights or reflections.
A Few Photos
It’s nice to think of those you love. Keep a few special photos nearby to reminisce. Tape some in your journal, on the table or in a book.
A Marking Pencil, and Pens
I’m a highlighter and annotator, so I keep highlighter marking pencils and other writing utensils handy. It’s such a great opportunity as you clear your head to have something to make notes with.
A Pocket Tissue Case
Because I always seem to need one, I keep a travel-sized tissue case handy. Ya’ never know when allergies or my reading material will move me to tears.
So Remember:
In every home there’s a space for a cozy corner. By creating one for yourself you’re acknowledging that you can read and rest and take care of YOU. If you have one, revisit it with this list in mind and make sure it’s somewhere you want to spend a little time getting refreshed. Keep it simple. A reading space can be a work in progress. You don’t want the design of the space to be an obstacle to your new practice of relaxing today.
Now use it! Make your To-do list there, serve up some tea and cookies, and read that book you’ve been meaning to get to. If you don’t have time to pull it together, schedule some time by making it an important appointment on your calendar.
Send me a photo of your Reading Area; I’d love to see it!
Love Your Home More!
Until next time…. Jonelle’
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