Decorating & Design
60+ Reading Nooks That Book Lovers Will Want To Curl Up In
Author: Alexandra Whyte, Jenna Wilhelmsen, Amanda Tucci & Victoria Marchisello
Published on March 22, 2022
Is there anything better than an afternoon spent curled up with a good book? When spring showers keep you indoors, try turning an awkward corner or underused space into a comfy and cozy spot to finally catch up on some reading.
Click through this gallery for 60+ page-turning ideas!
A pair of plump pink armchairs with matching ottomans create an ideal reading nook for two.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home March 2022
Designer: Katelyn Hermant and Sarah Siwik
A brown leather armchair and side table transform a section of this kitchen into a comfortable place to sit and relax.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home March 2022
Designer: Sara Wood
The vaulted ceiling in this principal bedroom creates a reading nook that fades right into the walls.
Photographer: Lauren Miller
Source: House & Home January/February 2022
Designer: Jaime Zimmerman
A West-Coast-inspired foyer becomes a space to curl up and enjoy the day with the addition of a few objets and two comfy chairs.
Photographer: Lauren Miller
Source: House & Home January/February 2022
Designer: Jaime Zimmerman
Books, vinyl records and plenty of texture come together to create a cozy nook in the corner of this Vancouver apartment.
Photographer: Joann Pai
Source: House & Home November 2021
This couple’s bedroom is located in a separate wing of the home, giving the principal suite a private retreat vibe.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home October 2021
Designer: Barbara Purdy
A closet becomes a space for reading with the addition of an armchair and a collection of books.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home October 2021
Designer: Nicola Marc
A corner of this ultra-modern bedroom has low profile seating, cool lighting and neutral tones.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home October 2021
Designer: Katherine Newman Design
The dining area of this cottage has a wrap-around window seat that offers plenty of space to spread out with a good book.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home July/August 2021
Designer: Emily Hollis
This cozy corner is exactly where we’d want to spend any rainy day. With a neutral palette, nature becomes the focus.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home July/August 2021
Designer: Cory DeFrancisco
Who can focus on a book when this is the view? The principal bedroom of this Bowen Island home faces the ocean.
Photographer: Ema Peter
Source: House & Home July/August 2021
Designer: Architecture and design by Office of McFarlane Biggar Architects + Designers
This sun-soaked den has a sofa bed covered in layers of throw pillows to snuggle into no matter the weather.
Photographer: Janet Kimber
Source: House & Home July/August 2021
Designer: Deb Nelson
Virginia Johnson’s light-filled studio features a beautiful chair that serves as the perfect spot for an afternoon break during a busy work day.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home May 2021
This bedroom was originally two small rooms, but removing a wall created space for a window seat and chaise lounge.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home April 2021
Designer: Meghan Carter
Instead of a traditional chair, a swing (requested by the daughter who lives in this room) brings a whimsical feel to the space.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home April 2021
Designer: Meghan Carter
A traditional armchair fits nicely into the bay window of Designer Craig Parkes’ Vancouver bedroom.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2021
Designer: Craig Parkes
The designer also created a snug nook for his son Fitzgerald, complete with whimsical details like the brass F taken from a department store in Texas and lots of foxes (his favorite animal).
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2021
Designer: Craig Parkes
Dive into an exciting new book in this bright and cheerful corner of designer Cynthia Ferguson’s saturated bijou home . All that’s missing is a freshly brewed cup of your favorite hot beverage!
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home September 2020
Designer: Cynthia Ferguson
Soak up the warmer weather on an outdoor hanging egg chair. Swinging from the large boathouse on this scenic Muskoka property , lake swimmers and sunbathers can read on the water’s edge.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home July/August 2020
Designer: Lorraine Franklin; Architecture by Nelson Kwong & Neal Prabhu at nkArchitect
Designer Rita Konig has us California dreamin’ over this library-like sleeping nook outfitted with art, books and an essential reading lamp in a Mill Valley home.
Photographer: Eric Piasecki
Source: House & Home January/February 2021
Designer: Rita Konig
Surround yourself in nature without leaving the bedroom! A lounging corner in this cottage principal bedroom has near panoramic views of the outdoors.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home July/August 2020
Designer: Danny Greenglass & Joe Brennan, Brennan Custom Homes
Get lost in a good book on this simple built-in bench upholstered in an inky blue fabric from Marimekko. Located on the south side of this minimalist laneway house , the small nook frames a mature apple tree, so it (almost) feels like you’re reading outdoors.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home January 2020
Designer: Architecture by MA+HG Architects
Everything is better in pairs! Invite a reading buddy to snuggle up in these cozy bouclé-covered chairs with picture-frame windows showcasing the rolling Ontario landscape.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home October 2020
Designer: Allison Willson
In Toronto shop owner Denise Zidel’s cheerful home , this reading corner has a striking beaded chair found in Cameroon and a kilim that has been in the family for over 50 years.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home February 2019
Designer: Denise Zidel & Stephanie Lees
Flip through the latest issue of House & Home on this luxe royal blue chair in designer Scott Yetman’s enchanting château . “Painting everything black creates a sense of mystery,” he says of his cozy study.
Photographer: André Rider
Source: House & Home December 2020
Designer: Scott Yetman
Get comfortable on a curvaceous velvet ochre chair in this sky-high Vancouver condo . Sip a cup of coffee (or tea) and take in the view while you read.
Photographer: Ema Peter
Designer: Gillian Segal Design & Saint Lunette
Hideaway with a stack of books in this Victorian guest bedroom . The classic Orkney chair adds to the vintage look and feel.
Photographer: Janet Kimber
Source: House & Home July/August 2020
Designer: Colin Blanchard & Kenneth McRobbie, 31 Westgate
In their cottage’s guest cabin , John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker, who own Toronto design store Mjölk , have a sunroom with a classic boathouse feel. The Alvar Aalto daybeds are everyone’s favorite places to read or nod off while enjoying the lake breeze.
Photographer: Ashley Capp
Source: House & Home July 2015
Designer: John Baker & Juli Daoust-Baker
Sometimes a simple armchair and a natural stone fireplace is all you need to achieve the perfect reading atmosphere. A stack of logs brings the rustic, West Coast vibe indoors.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Ami McKay
Dressing up a window bench with spring throw pillows will make this the ideal spot for settling down with a juicy tome. Plus, your furry friends will want to join you, too!
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home June 2019
Designer: Francesca Albertazzi
These matching loveseats allow for some company while curling up with your book of choice. A large floor-to-ceiling window invites the lush lakehouse view in as well.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home August 2019
Designer: Sloan Mauran
A hanging egg chair is a fun way to kick-back and relax (especially for the little ones). Plus, sweeping views of nature are a definite perk!
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home February 2020
Designer: Architecture & Design by Jodi & Andrew Batay-Csorba
An abundance of natural light makes for an ideal reading spot (it’s important to get that vitamin D whenever you can), while these built-in shelves display special keepsakes.
Photographer: Phil Crozier
Source: House & Home April 2019
Designer: Stephanie Brown
A seaside-inspired breakfast nook is a great location for reading with your morning coffee. A mix of modern and vintage pieces, plus nautical artwork, adds charm and quirk to the cozy corner.
Photographer: Haris Kenjar
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Heidi Caillier
Designers Tommy Smythe and Lindsay Mens Craig dressed up this seaside Connecticut home with an eclectic array of classic furniture that makes this reading spot easygoing and bright.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home May 2019
Designer: Tommy Smythe & Lindsay Mens Craig, Sarah Richardson Design
Warm wood walls are the perfect backdrop for a deep-seated armchair in this trad home library.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home January 2019
Designer: James Davie
Finding a spot in your home that is somewhat separate from the hustle and bustle (especially when you have kids) can be tough, but this bright cushioned bench promises at least a few moments of uninterrupted reading.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Ami McKay
Dressing simple teak armchairs with oversized cushions and keeping a soft blanket close by creates a comfy lounging spot in this home.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home March 2020
Designer: Arren Williams
Patterned throw pillows add texture to an otherwise neutral reading bench. Don’t be afraid to mix contrasting hues and patterns.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home September 2019
Designer: Luke Havekes
Avid readers have the tough decision of choosing between a comfy couch or window seat in this moody family room.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens
Source: House & Home April 2020
Designer: Grace Doyle; Melissa & Sacha Leclair
Stack your books along the windowsill for easy access — it brings an effortless collected feel, too.
Photographer: Melanie Acevedo
Source: House & Home January 2020
Designer: Colette Van Den Thillart
Avid readers have their pick of a cushy bench or high-back wooden chair in this space designed by Scott Yetman.
Photographer: Andre Rider
Source: House & Home March 2014
Designer: Scott Yetman
A collection of cerulean throw pillows and an owl statuette perched on the windowsill give this Manhattan reading nook an eclectic vibe.
Photographer: John Gruen
Source: House & Home October 2016
Designer: Michele Varian
An arched alcove holds a collection of beloved tomes in this historic home.
Photographer: John Gruen
Source: House & Home July 2016
Designer: Alison Jeffery
A daybed piled with pillows makes this light-filled space perfect for unwinding with a favorite read.
Photographer: John Gruen
Source: House & Home June 2016
Designer: Frank Muytjens
A tan leather armchair draped with soft throws makes this space comfortable enough to spend all day lost in a good book.
Photographer: Zeke Ruelas
Designer: Emily Henderson
A playfully patterned ottoman invites you to put your feet up in this kid-friendly reading space.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home June 2015
Designer: Ashley Botten
Iconic Fornasetti wallpaper makes a whimsical statement in this alcove by designer Nam Dang-Mitchell.
Photographer: Colin Way
Source: House & Home March 2016
Designer: Nam Dang-Mitchell
Look up! A modest reading nook on the upper level makes use of a dead-end hallway. Glass railings make the space feel connected to the rest of the home.
Photographer: Tracey Ayton
Source: House & Home May 2016
Designer: Michael and Ann Soltis
H&H design editor Sally Armstrong transformed an awkward space under the window into a cozy reading nook with pillows and a neon-patterned pouf.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home Just For Kids 2016
Designer: Sally Armstrong
Fabrics in bright colors and daring patterns make this niche a favorite reading zone. Built-in shelves under the bench showcase colorful spines.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home September 2013
Designer: Sally Armstrong
A subdued palette gives designer James Davie’s reading nook a laid-back feel, while a deep inset shelf (left) makes the most of a compact footprint.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home February 2017
Designer: James Davie
Indigo accents give this vintage-meets-modern reading nook a cohesive thread. Designer Emily Henderson chose the sage-colored chaise for its charming, old-world European feel.
Photographer: Tessa Neustadt
Designer: Emily Henderson
A plush window seat is a favorite spot to read and relax in this young girl’s bedroom.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home March 2012
Designer: Alexandra Bennett
Designer Sophie Burke turned extra space in her dressing room into a quaint reading zone. Natural materials and a simple white envelope impart an air of serenity.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: House & Home April 2017
Designer: Sophie Burke
Tucked under a window and furnished with plush pillows and throws, this niche is the perfect spot to curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home May 2013
Designer: Michelle Lloyd and Christine Ralphs, Lloyd Ralphs Design
Plush materials, including a velvet armchair and faux fur rug, make this reading nook a favorite destination. Color-blocked books boost visual impact.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home September 2011
Designer: Sasha Seymour
Who wouldn’t love catching up on their reading pile while lounging under a large skylight? H&H design editor Kai Ethier relocated sliding glass doors to create this snug space.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: House & Home February 2017
Designer: Kai Ethier
Space under the stairs is often left unused, but L.A.-based designer Jeff W Troyer transformed this home’s spandrel into a quaint and cozy reading area.
Designer: Jeff W Troyer Associates
Architect Darcie Watson created a casual reading nook in this corner of her principal bedroom using thick, tufted floor cushions. “Lowering your level to the floor allows you to experience the room from another angle,” she explains.
Photographer: Naomi Finlay
Source: House & Home January 2017
Designer: Darcie Watson
A walnut-panelled dividing wall with a bench in its cutout turns this reading area into a stylish design moment. A slender shelf stores favorite titles.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: House & Home March 2017
Designer: Shirley Meisels