A piping hot cup of chai. A delicious murder mystery. A plush arm chair, right in front of two large windows, which let the sunlight stream in. And a beautiful rack of books at your back. No reader can confess to never having dreamt of being the proud owner of a cosy reading nook at their home. Even a non-reader would have yearned to have those perfect little reading nooks we've been seeing all our lives on TV. Worry not, because we're here to provide you with just that. We talked to experts so we could help you build a cosy reading nook right at home, no more yearning necessary. According to Nitin Mehta, Director, Alcoi, a decor company that supplies environmentally-friendly fenestration systems, there are three most-important elements to keep in mind, when it comes to designating a reading space: location, lighting and noise control. "Choose a quiet and secluded area in your home – free from distractions to create a peaceful ambience. Think of a corner in the living room, a bay window area, or a spare bedroom," Mehta elaborates. According to Aryaman Jain, CEO, Innovative Lighting Designs Limited (ILDL), you should maximise the use of natural light by designing the reading area near a window or in a well-lit area of your home. "Natural light provides a soothing and pleasant atmosphere for reading," Jain says. He explains that you should position your light sources in a way that minimises glare on the reading surface. "Direct light away from reflective surfaces, such as glossy tables or mirrors, which can cause distracting reflections." Steer clear of noisy areas. You can use room dividers or curtains to create a sense of privacy. Another important element to creating a great reading nook is your chair. You need a chair that will provide adequate back support for a long duration of time. You can consider options like a plush armchair, a recliner, or even a window seat with cushions. Explaining that window seats are an excellent way to transform an otherwise under-utilised space into a functional spot, Mehta says, "Not only do they maximise space, but window seats also create an intimate spot or a private retreat within your home." When storing books in your reading nook, organisation and accessibility are critical. You can incorporate shelves or a small bookcase in your reading nook, which will allow you to display your books in an organised manner while keeping them easily accessible, according to Mehta. He adds that if you have the means and opportunity, built-in bookshelves around the window can be a stunning and functional addition to your reading nook. Additionally, you can take advantage of the storage potential if your window seat has a hinged lid or drawers. "Use the space beneath the seat to store books vertically or in baskets," according to Mehta, as this will let you keep your books within reach while maintaining a clean and organised look. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
