Create Your Reading Nook

A reading nook will give your child a cozy, comfortable space to get lost in a good book. By carving out a special place in your home dedicated solely to reading, you’ll help your kids develop a love for the written word while letting them escape into the adventures waiting for them in their favourite book. You’re truly giving them—and yourself—a gift, so here’s how to create a reading nook for kids.

What is a reading nook?

A reading nook is basically an elevated pillow fort. It’s a safe, comfortable area where your kids can relax, unwind and get lost in a good book. You don’t need to dedicate an entire room for a reading nook—instead, it should be small, like a window seat, or built in an underused bedroom corner. Ideally, a reading nook should be in your child’s room, so dedicate a small area to creating one. Here are some reading nook ideas so you can make this literary-themed space a reality!

How to make a reading nook

A kids reading corner is limited only by your imagination. If you’re short on space, consider placing a few floor and throw pillows in a cozy corner next to your child’s bookshelf. Maybe toss in a warm, fuzzy blanket, too. If you have a little more room to play with, add in a cushy reading nook chair, a canopy or some sort of reading shelter. Hang some string lights, or add in a cool lamp, for ambient lighting.

If your child has a window seat in their bedroom, you can make a dreamy window reading nook for them to enjoy for years to come! Add padding to the extra-wide window ledge, and be sure to keep a blanket or throw up there too!

Some get really creative with space and create a reading nook closet! To transform your child’s closet (bonus points if you transform a closet under the stairs into a reading nook!), place a bench (with storage underneath!) in your child’s closet. And like that window seat, make sure the bench is padded! Line the bench with throw pillows and blankets, and place floating bookshelves above it. Remove the doors so the nook is cozy, yet still inviting. You might want to consider adding curtains once your child’s a little older. This reading nook idea is perfect if you’re tight on space, but still want to dedicate an area devoted entirely to books.

How else can you use a reading nook?

If you have your reading nook idea all planned out, it’s time to fill this reading corner with all the essentials that make it place your children will be excited to hang out. Along with books, pillows, blankets and ample lighting, you might also want to encourage your child to keep a notebook and pencils in this space. That way, they can write about what their reading, jot down how they’re feeling about their day or even create stories of their own. With a reading nook, the possibilities are truly endless!