Seating Area Reading Nooks

Ceramic bird bath came in one winter and hasn't moved back outside since, good napping spot.

Seating Area Reading Nook Ideas

One of the first things I do when I set up a reading nook is place the chair in a spot where I can both read and enjoy the view. I love my garden so sitting down to enjoy it, even for a few minutes, is important to me, and relaxing.

Studies show one of the things we can do to be happy is unplug from our electronics and take time to relax. Some people have told me they think that means taking an elaborate vacation or pursuing a hobby. Although both of those can help, having a comfortable corner in your house where you can easily settle in and relax is more doable and something you can quickly use.

In my house, most of my chairs in my living room are facing towards windows, each one a small reading nook. The side table has space for books underneath, and baskets on the low tables by the windows are perfect places to put reading material. Or cats.

Pets, such as dogs and cats, help us reduce stress so spending a few quiet minutes in a chair petting a pet is a good way to take a break and contribute to our health.

More cats use those baskets than I do; the baskets are a perfect place to sit and bird watch.

Garden view out of the front living room windows include a perfect bird watching spot.

This chair can easily be turned around when needed.

Behind the chair is by my sofa, also a bit of a reading nook with a full book case nearby. A vintage log cabin quilt is draped over the back of the sofa, a bit of color that helps pull all the other colors together in the room.

It also comes in very handy when I decide a little cat nap is in order. Cat naps of 10-15 minutes have been proven to be very healthy and helpful to recharge batteries in the middle of the day.

The sofa behind the chair also has a small white bookcase with a selection of favorite books.

The throw pillows also pull the main room colors onto the sofa although it's all a bit eclectic. I'm not aspiring for high fashion, comfort is more my priority.

Here are the basic steps for making reading nooks:

1. Comfortable seating, either a chair or sofa. I scrounge for foot stools at thrift stores and antique shops and have a group that gets re-upholstered this year. Maybe.  I match up the foot stools with complimentary chairs so at least they look like they should be together until I update one or the other.

2. A handmade quilt or throw draped over the back or side for easy access will keep you easily warm and toasty, especially when time is pressing and you still want that little cat nap.

3. Side table with help aids, such as a coaster and reading glasses. In this reading nook the little yellow ceramic peach can hide a few chocolates.

4. Fluffy soft throw pillows for placing behind one's back.

5. A small white bookcase fills in for a side table next to the sofa.

6. Natural lighting and/or good reading lamps. Make sure the lamps have enough light so that you don't get eye strain.

7. Books and magazines. Yes, a Kindle is also ok as long as you stay away from checking emails and surfing, the idea is to unplug for a few!

8. Note card or something you can use for bookmarks. I like to use thank you cards, that way I get to re-read them every time I tuck them into my stopping spot. I have several tucked into the corner shelf in the book shelf.

9. A cat or dog for company. In winter, I also like having a fireplace going to keep the chill off the room. The fireplace, and baskets, tends to attract the cats so I also have towels that blend in with the chairs to pick up cat hair.

10. Research shows one of the healthiest things we can do is unplug so put the electronics on the "do not disturb" setting and take a break.

And now for the ceramic bird bath, not your usual living room item, I grant you, nor a requirement for a reading nook. I brought it in one fall to keep it from cracking over winter and one of my cats found a great use for it.

Bartholomew likes to curl up in the bird bath for naps and intense bird watching.

Bartholomew likes to nap in the bird bath in summer, too, I can easily reach him from the chair to give him a full body massage so the bird bath has stayed inside.

Inspired to set up reading nooks in your home or do you have some already? How about an inside bird bath?

Charlotte