Bedroom Window Reading Nook
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An old-fashioned chair sits in a bedroom corner to provide me with another reading space.
Bedroom Reading Nook
To the left of this space is the bathroom door, which sits between this corner and my bedside reading nook. This is a great spot to sit early mornings and read after waking up and exercising. It takes a few minutes to get my heart rate down so sitting here to leaf through a magazine, or look out the window while I get my thoughts organized for the day is a welcome retreat.
If you don't have reading nooks anywhere in your house, I'm featuring several through my house to inspire you. Studies show taking a break from our hectic schedules by reading and unplugging from our electronics reduces stress and helps us re-boot. Reading nooks are easy to set up and give us all an excuse to slow down, even for just a few minutes.
Here are my suggested steps to set up a reading nook. In most cases, you already have most of these items readily available, all you need to do is re-organize them in a way that beckons to you to sit down.
Ten Steps to Set Up a Reading Nook
1. Comfortable chair and foot stool. These two in photo don't match but their fabrics are complimentary. They will be re-upholstered later this year. Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on how many of those books behind the chair I want to read first!
2. A handmade quilt or throw draped over the back or side of the seating area is good to have, just in case you get cold or need to rest your eyes for a few minutes. Warning: reading nooks can lead to cat naps, another good way to recharge.
3. Side table with help aids, such as a coaster and notepad/pen for making notes. I also leave a pair of inexpensive reading glasses. These are on the bedside table nearby.
4. Fluffy soft throw pillows for placing behind one's head and back.
5. Baskets. I have them all over, some holding plants, others next to chairs to hold books and magazines. And cats. Cats and dogs are also known to help reduce stress because we pet them and by doing so, it calms us and reduces our blood pressure.
6. Natural lighting and/or good reading lamps. Make sure the lamps have enough light so that you don't get eye strain. I like natural light when at all possible.
7. Books and magazines. An Ipad or Kindle is ok to read something, too but no web-surfing or email checking, the idea is to unplug!
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 top book shelf for easy access.
9. A cat or dog for company. See Item 5.
10. Put your electronics on the "do not disturb" setting and take a break, even if it's just for a few minutes.
There's a basket here, claimed for cat naps so I have a wooden basket to hold magazines.
The low white table on the right is a shoe storage unit I have under my casement windows. They are the perfect height to fit under the windows and hold baskets that get periodic cat visits to watch outside bird feeders. Books and magazines are tucked in there, too.
Inspired now? Where are you going to start a reading nook?
Charlotte
