Home-Designing
Many book lovers dream of a comfortable place for reading. No matter where they live: in a small apartment or a spacious house. This hobby requires a special atmosphere and privacy and it is important to consider several factors when planning your perfect corner. So here we will be sharing tips and secrets on how to arrange the perfect reading area.
Choosing a place
It takes privacy to fully immerse yourself in the world of books. When there is no study room or library, you have to read anywhere. Even the smallest apartment can be equipped with a reading corner – a quiet, cozy place where you can comfortably settle down with your favorite book or magazine. Here’s what you need to do this:
– comfortable armchair;
– good lighting;
– storage space for books.
Comfort starts with a good chair
An ordinary sofa or couch is suitable for reading, but the most comfortable option is an armchair. Especially if it is equipped with armrests and a footrest (the latter can be replaced with a pouf). If you are not using a book stand, place a fluffy rug next to the chair for a cozy atmosphere.
The classic design of the reading corner includes a soft armchair. Its main advantage is that it takes up little space, and it is easy to find budget options in furniture showrooms. In addition, designers offer unusual models of armchairs, including in the form of mini-libraries, with built-in compartments for storing books. Don’t be afraid to experiment: original furniture from NYfurnitureoutlets will bring even the most discreet decor to life. A worthy alternative would be a rocking chair or hanging wicker structure on a round frame. It is important that it is comfortable and fits into the overall interior.
Another way to optimize space is a sofa bed or a chair bed. During the day it becomes a reading nook, and at night it turns into an extra bed. It doesn’t hurt to set up a small table next to the armchair, on which you can put books or a cup of coffee. Create an atmosphere that is pleasant for you to be in. It is ideal if the reading area is located by the window. Book storage can be arranged according to taste: hang shelves or put wicker baskets.
Decorating with books
Books can also be placed on the floor or on a table, in which case they will become a decorative element. Books in the interior create a special feeling. It is important that they support the stylistic decision in the house and do not clutter up the space, as this is a common bad habit as this article shows. Of course, it is convenient when bookshelves are close to the reading area, but if it is not possible, use baskets and boxes. This will allow you to select books without clutter.
Windowsill for your sitting needs
A windowsill can be a great option for setting up your reading corner. Natural light has a positive effect on vision and psyche, and the view outside the window will help you relax and get away from household chores. If width permits, the windowsill can be turned into a comfortable bench. A soft blanket and decorative pillows will add coziness and comfort. Nearby you can put a coffee table or a bookcase, install a rack.
Zoning the space
When there is only one room in the apartment, a screen or partition will help achieve the effect of privacy. This technique helps you immerse yourself in reading completely. For the same purpose, you can put a small armchair by the bookcase, so you will avoid unnecessary clutter, because the books will not need to be moved to another place.
A pantry can also be a great place to read. If you do not use it, disassemble the utility room and equip it with a mini-library. Be sure to hang extra lamps to provide enough light. As a practical solution, you can move to the balcony or loggia. Home textiles, a soft blanket and pillows, as well as a few shelves will help properly organize the place. It is not at all necessary to somehow insulate the loggia, it can be used only in the warm season by placing a comfy chair there.
If you own a house with a terrace or attic, you can create a full-on library in it. The special layout of the premises and the chamber atmosphere set you up for relaxation and reading. In the attic, you can arrange bookshelves, an armchair and a lamp.
A reading corner in a country house
Owners of a country house can create reading space under the stairs. The main thing here is to add good lighting. If the house has large windows, then, as a rule, the windowsills are low. This means that they can be used as a cozy platform for reading. A chest and pillows on top will simultaneously solve the problem of reading and storing books in a small house.
An unexpected option is under the ceiling. A special type of hammock is a highly stretched net, which can be climbed by a ladder. And you simply place an ordinary hammock in an apartment or on a closed balcony between two walls. Another “air option” is a hanging chair. It can be of two types: on a stand and fixed to the ceiling. In the second case, the structure can be hung on a wooden load-bearing beam or concrete base. Therefore, it is advised to think over the installation of such a chair before installing the suspended ceiling.
One of the simplest tricks is to put a small mattress on the floor, several pillows, and place a canopy on top. Finish the design with a beautiful luminous garland – this way you get a cozy reading space. It is important that the garland does not heat up.
The rules for organizing your reading space
Psychologists recommend decorating the reading space in light colors. These shades relax the atmosphere and diffuse the light. It is important that all elements are designed in a calm color scheme with a few bright accents. Avoid cluttering the space. If your reading space is small, replace the bookshelves with baskets where you can store books neatly to keep things tidy. The reading area must be equipped with high-quality light, close to daylight, in order to reduce eye strain. For those who like to read lying down, sconces and floor lamps, which can be adjusted in height, are suitable. They are usually placed by the bed or sofa. For those who prefer to read in an armchair or at a table, designers advise purchasing lamps with a long stem. They have an adjustable tilt angle, so you can easily achieve a comfortable position when the light hits the pages.
