As the leaves change colors and the weather gets cooler, there’s no better season to spend more time indoors, curled up with a warm drink and a good book. Nothing makes an hour of reading (or two, or more) better than a beautiful, cozy nook to soak in the fall feelings. With some careful planning and some creative ideas, you can create your own sanctuary to dive into literary adventures and embrace all that autumn has to offer.
Choose a location
Regardless of the size of your home, there is a spot waiting to become a peaceful retreat. If you don’t have a spare room in your house to transform, elevating another room is a great idea. A bay window in a bedroom, a corner of an office, or a spacious attic are all viable options. While bay windows are a common choice, any place with an architectural quirk — lofts, slanted roofs, stair landings — will add a distinct charm.
In deciding on a spot, aim for somewhere that’s as quiet and secluded as possible. Consider which spaces in your house are farthest from busy streets or places where the kids typically congregate. Also, consider the lighting. Where are the largest windows in your home? A room with floor-to-ceiling windows, or a sunroom, allows natural light to shine in. Not only will this allow you to enjoy watching the leaves fall outside, but it’ll also help prevent seasonal depression, which occurs partly due to a lack of natural light.
Define the area
Make the space feel special by distinguishing it from the surrounding area as much as possible. If the room has hardwood or tile, consider adding a rug to bring some dimension to the space. A simple, decorative privacy screen will block off the space, making it feel like its own room. In a carpeted area, a small bookshelf in the right place will accomplish the same thing, while also adding some storage so you can easily pick up your next autumn read.
Pick your style
Before you rush into buying pillows and throw blankets, take a moment to decide on the colors and design elements you want in the space. Do you want it to match the rest of your house, or do you want it to feel completely different? If you’re looking for design inspiration from the most autumnal and cozy interior design styles, consider exploring English Cottage, Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional, and Midcentury Modern. Carefully choose your colors as well. Don’t limit yourself to typical fall colors like orange, burnt sienna and brown. Opt for more muted tones, like dusty rose, olive green, and steel blue. Jewel tones like forest green can also add some contrast as accent colors.
Find the perfect seating
With so many different options available, you can select something that perfectly suits your reading style and preferences. If you have a bay window seat, add some comfy cushions. If you prefer to sit upright while reading, consider adding an armchair. Otherwise, go for a chaise longue. A large, thick floor cushion or beanbag can fill up floor space that feels too vast, while also being a meditative seating arrangement that’s perfect for young children. Regardless of your preferred seating style, nothing says “fall” quite like prioritizing comfort. Cushions filled with down feathers will be ultra-soft and have a little extra height or “loft” — perfect for sinking deeply into them. Velvet, chenille, and microfiber are among the softest materials available for upholstery.
For fall-themed ideas, consider cute throw pillows, like these fuzzy pumpkins, or cushion covers to add a taste of autumn to your seating. While not as soft, wool, tweed, and corduroy fabrics exude autumn. Regardless of fabric type, high-backed chairs will offer more lumbar support and likely feel better on your back.
Add some light
Just like with seating, lighting is your opportunity to get creative and make the space your own. A floor lamp would be perfect over an armchair. Be sure that it is tall enough to provide ample light. This’ll make it easier to read and prevent eye strain. A smaller table or reading lamp (like a cute, smiling pumpkin with legs) can add a small, cozy, vintage feel to the space. This works exceptionally well paired with a small side table or a desk located in the area. When choosing lightbulbs, opt for more yellow and orange-toned colors to bring in some extra warmth. String lights and candles can also add to a calming, intimate feel.
Include extra storage
For a small space, incorporating clever storage solutions is always beneficial. Maximize storage through vertical and hidden spaces. Empty walls can be adorned with hanging bookshelves or magazine holders. A small basket or bin tucked into a corner of the room can be a great place to toss extra blankets or cushions. Benches, ottomans, and bay windows are all tall enough to double as chests for hidden storage, such as pillows, extra books, or decorations for other seasons. A boxy side table can also hide some items away, while serving as the perfect space to rest a good book and a mug of hot apple cider.
Bring the outdoors inside
To add some life to the space, incorporate some natural elements. Small pumpkins, dried flowers, or some branches will help add some fall energy to the space. Not a green thumb? No problem. A plastic pumpkin or fake dried flowers can have a similar effect and will last you all year long.
Make it yours
After adding all of the furniture, the only thing left is to personalize the space to make it you. A bookshelf is a perfect place to display some of your favorite things. Pieces of art or photos that represent the autumn season or match the room colors can be placed there or hung up on the wall. Other small decorations, such as simple statuettes or electric jack-o’-lanterns, can sit on a shelf or desk. Adding curtains or blinds will add more dimension to the room, as well as provide an option for privacy whenever needed. Cable-knit and faux fur blankets will add more texture to the space and offer some reprieve from the cold. Besides books, supplies for quiet and calming activities, such as yarn, needles, and puzzle books, can be tucked into any storage space.
Finally, make sure to make your reading nook a sensory experience, not just a literary one. An essential oil diffuser or scented candle will refresh the space. Scents like cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, pumpkin spice, and apple are ideal for the fall season. Add coasters that match the color scheme, for all the delicious spiced drinks you’ll be enjoying. If you like to read with music on, invest in a speaker for the space. Not a fan of the modern ones? There are plenty of options available online that resemble old vintage radios, allowing you to keep your space looking timeless.
Conclusion
Creating your perfect reading nook is about more than just picking out perfect decorations. It’s about crafting a space that feels like an escape and relaxes your mind. With a sprinkle of planning and a lot of cozy additions, you can build your own perfect hideaway to bask in the joy of reading all season long.
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