Do you have a little corner in your home that is a bit of a wasted space? Or maybe you want to carve out a little area that’s just for you? I’m a big reader and decided to shop our home to create a cosy reading corner. My vintage Ercol chair is the hero piece, and I have added to it to create a comfy and cosy reading corner that’s perfect to curl up in with a good book.
Read on to find out what you need to create your own cosy reading corner. You can also use the same principles to make a cosy space for crafting or any other hobby! You could add a reading corner to your child’s room too – or you could go wild with a den, like we did in our girl’s bedroom.
Our living room is an awkward shape. It’s long and thin with two internal doors, some French windows, a bay window and a fireplace. So the end next to the French windows was a bit of a dead space, until this weekend. I swapped the girls’ play kitchen with our coffee table, so it can hold drinks, a candle and books. It works so much better, especially as there is a radiator there to keep it cosy.
This corner of our lounge corner holds a comfy chair, cosy blanket, chic lamp and even a massaging cushion!
What You Need To Create a Cosy Reading Corner
You don’t need much to create the cosiest reading corner, here’s how I did it.
Step 1: Pull Up a Comfy Chair
Ours is a vintage Ercol, I have the matching sofa in the main part of our lounge. It needs a bit of TLC with some new cushion covers, and I’d love to have the dark varnish stripped off. But I’ve covered it in some throws for now.
Update: Since writing this post I have recovered my Ercol sofa and chairs using a really simple hack – read about it here.
Step 2: Throw Over a Cosy Blanket
You could go for a colourful blanket but I’m using the grey blanket I made at an I Make Knots workshop last year. I knitted it on my arms and it’s so warm, it’s perfect to snuggle up under.
Step 3: Set the Table
If you have space, add a table or stool to hold drinks, books and flowers. My brother made ours out of reclaimed slate and wood. I added a scented candle to the table, for scent and a warm glow, and there will no doubt be plates of treats on here too – my ultimate flapjack is the perfect reading snack.
Step 4: Add Books and Magazines
My reading pile fits well on our table, and there is a stash of Mollie Makes and house magazines in my polar bear magazine holder.
Step 5: Let There Be Light
There is a plug socket behind the chair, so this corner was crying out for a lamp. I’d had my eye on this Aldi beauty for £39.99 for a few months and finally just decided I needed it! We have the smaller version at the other end of the room, and love it. Or at least I do… my husband asked it we were going to put a shade on it! Um. NO! Now we have matching lights with eco-friendly LED bulbs at each end of the room, it helps to tie the scheme together.
Step 6: Add Art
Behind the new lamp, you can see my two Zeena Shah prints. The grey and turquoise go so well with my scheme.
Step 7: Put Your Feet Up
I added a little beanbag footstool so we can kick back and relax in comfort. The monochrome bird cushion was from ASDA about three years ago and adds a cute touch.
Making Our Cosy Reading Corner Even More Inviting
I have found a new use for my sequinned belly basket – it holds my back massager when it’s not in use. Using this massager when I’m reading, drinking tea and enjoying my scented candle takes relaxation to a whole new level!
I’m hoping my new set up will encourage me to take time out for myself more often. We all need some down time. All too often mine is filled with life admin or scrolling around social media. What about you? Do you have a place to have some quiet time, in comfort?
I hope my post has encouraged you to make a little place for yourself to treat yourself to some me time! Why not Pin this post for later?