You know those days when you just crave a quiet corner to escape? Perhaps with your favourite book and cup of tea? I know I do. That’s precisely why I think having a dedicated reading nook is such a great idea. No need for anything fancy here. Just a comfy spot where you can unwind and recharge. 

And you know what I think makes a reading nook even better? Art. Something that adds to the peaceful vibe and maybe even inspires you. That's what we're all about here at Haven Prints.

I thought it might be helpful to share some thoughts on creating the perfect reading nook. From finding the right spot to adding those personal touches, you’ll find all the tips you need. And of course, we'll talk about how art can play a role in making your space feel complete.

1. Choosing the Perfect Spot

Imagine a quiet corner bathed in soft, natural light, a gentle breeze whispering through nearby leaves. This is the essence of your reading nook—a place of tranquil escape.

Seek out a spot in your home that calls to you, a place where you can disconnect from the everyday. Perhaps it's a sun-drenched window seat overlooking a lush garden, or a cosy alcove tucked away beneath a sloping ceiling.

Consider the flow of natural light, the proximity to windows, and the overall ambience of the space. Ensure it's a place where peace and quiet reign supreme, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your literary adventures.

Discovering Calm Spots for Your Reading Nook 

• A quiet corner in your living room with big windows can be perfect for your reading spot.
• Turn your peaceful home office into a cosy reading space where you can enjoy some alone time.
• The sunny kitchen nook with a built-in bench can be a warm place to start your reading day.
• Your bedroom can have a cosy window seat or corner for a peaceful reading retreat.
• The attic, with its natural light from skylights, can be a quiet spot for reading.
• A landing or hallway with comfy seats and decorative screens can easily become a private reading area.

50% of homeowners have created a dedicated reading nook in their living spaces

2. Comfort First

Now that you've found your haven, it's time to infuse it with comfort. Think plush armchairs that embrace you like a warm hug, or a daybed piled high with soft blankets and cushions.

Choose fabrics that invite touch—think velvety textures, cosy knits, and natural fibres like linen and wool. These tactile elements create a sense of warmth and intimacy, encouraging you to linger longer in your literary retreat.

Ergonomic support should be top of mind as well. A footstool to elevate tired feet or a supportive cushion for your back can make all the difference in creating a truly relaxing reading experience.

"A room without books is like a body without a soul." - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Here's some Artistic Styles to level up Your Reading Nook 

Give your reading nook a boost by exploring different artistic styles. Whether it's modern minimalism or bohemian flair, these styles can add character and charm to your cosy corner. Incorporate abstract prints, vintage posters, or even a splash of bold colours. Each style brings its own personality, transforming your nook into a delightful space to snuggle up with a good book.

• Wingback Chair: Known for its enveloping design, a wingback chair offers excellent support for your neck and back, making it a stylish choice for your reading nook. Pair it with a plush area rug beneath to accentuate the comfort and add a touch of warmth.
• Chaise Lounge: Perfect for reclining and providing ample space to spread out with your favourite novel, a chaise lounge is a blend of comfort and luxury. Enhance its elegance by draping a soft throw blanket over the back and placing a couple of decorative pillows for a cosy and inviting touch.
• Rocking Chair: The gentle motion of a rocking chair can gently soothe, ideal for those long reading sessions. Add an ottoman alongside it to support your feet, and consider a nearby side table for your tea or coffee.
• Ottoman: More than a footstool, an ottoman provides additional seating options and can serve as a soft extension of your chosen chair. Coordinate with a knitted pouf or a colourful rug to complete the look and create a harmonious space where everything comes together beautifully.

3. Art to Set the Mood

Art has this remarkable power to transform a space and infuse it with emotion and personality. Selecting artwork for your reading nook involves considering the mood you wish to evoke.

Yearning for a sense of serenity and calm? Perhaps a minimalist landscape with soft, muted tones will soothe your soul. Or maybe you crave a touch of whimsy and inspiration? A vibrant abstract piece bursting with colour might be just the ticket.

Haven Prints showcases a thoughtfully selected assortment of artworks designed to inspire tranquillity and a deep connection with nature. Drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape and feminine silhouettes, our pieces infuse spaces with natural beauty and a serene, grounding presence.

Here are Some Art Choices You Can Include in Your Nook 

Choosing the right art pieces is key to enhancing your reading nook's ambiance. Opt for calming landscapes or abstract prints that inspire relaxation. Consider adding a personal touch with family photos or cherished framed prints. Don't be afraid to mix styles—eclectic art can add a unique character to your space. Remember, it's your nook, so let your choices reflect your taste and personality. 

• Consider botanical prints to breathe life into your reading nook. These pieces introduce an element of nature and can create a calming atmosphere.
• Abstract landscapes can transport you to vast, tranquil places, enhancing the element of escape in your space.
• For a more curated feel, display a series of monochromatic sketches or line art. These subtle artworks can provide a sophisticated, minimalist touch.
• If your nook doubles as a reflection spot, choose series of inspired quotes in stylish typography to both motivate and decorate.
• Feminine silhouette art can add an elegant and fluid feel to your space, perfect for those who appreciate soft, flowing forms.
• To make use of beloved memories, incorporate family portraits or personal photography to the walls, creating a space imbued with comfort and emotion.

4. Lighting for Ambience

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for your reading nook. Soft, warm-toned lighting creates an intimate and cosy atmosphere, inviting you to curl up with a good book.

Consider a stylish floor lamp that casts a gentle glow over your reading chair, or a string of fairy lights to add a touch of magic. Don't forget the importance of task lighting for those evenings spent engrossed in a particularly captivating tale. A well-placed reading lamp with adjustable brightness will ensure your eyes remain comfortable, even during those late-night reading sessions.

70% of people report feeling more relaxed in spaces with warm lighting

Lighting is crucial in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Natural light is ideal, so position your nook near a window if possible. Complement this with a soft, warm lamp or a reading light that can be adjusted to suit different times of the day and prevent eye strain.

Consider using dimmers to control the intensity of artificial lighting, allowing you to adjust the ambience according to your mood. A DIY lampshade can introduce a touch of personality while diffusing light softly. If space permits, a small floor lamp can add both style and function, offering a more focused light source for evening reading. 

If your nook is away from windows, invest in full-spectrum bulbs that mimic daylight to ensure a vibrant glow. Lighting doesn’t have to be purely functional. You can incorporate artistic light fixtures that double as décor pieces, adding character and appeal to the reading nook. 

Maximising Daylight and Supplementary Lighting Options  

Choose a spot with lots of natural light for the best reading experience. Natural light makes your nook feel bright and cheerful. If needed, add some extra lighting. A floor lamp or reading light is great for illuminating your page without straining your eyes. Consider a pharmacy-style lamp for adjustable and focused lighting.

• Adjustable Floor Lamp: A versatile solution, offering soft, ambient light with options to adjust the head for targeted illumination. Opt for warm white bulbs for a cosy glow.
• Table Lamp: Ideal for placing on a side table or window ledge, providing direct light for reading. Choose a soft yellow colour to create a gentle, inviting atmosphere.
• Wall Sconces: These are perfect for saving space while delivering light. Install them at eye level and pick neutral white lights to enhance concentration.
• LED Strip Lighting: For a modern touch, run a strip beneath shelves or around window frames. Opt for tunable white LED strips to transition from cool to warm as needed.
• Dimmer Switches: Integrate this with any light source to adjust the brightness according to your mood or time of day, using lightbulbs that allow dimming transitions.
• Reading Lamp: A clamp-on lamp attached to a shelf or e-reader. Look for cool white options to help keep focus during daytime reading sessions.

5. Personalise the Space with Artistic Décor

Finally, it's time to infuse your reading nook with personal touches that reflect your unique style and passions. Art prints, framed quotes, or cherished photographs can add a layer of meaning and personality to your space.

 

Consider incorporating elements that inspire you—perhaps a collection of vintage books, a vase filled with fresh flowers, or a handcrafted ceramic bowl. These small details create a sense of warmth and individuality, transforming your reading nook into a true reflection of your inner world.

75% of interior designers recommend incorporating personal art pieces to enhance a room's ambience

Here's how to make your space feel personal:

• When selecting colours and textures for your reading nook, consider what makes you feel most comfortable and calm. Soft textiles and soothing hues can transform your space into a cosy retreat.
• Incorporate art pieces or knick-knacks that hold special meaning to you. These personal touches can make your nook feel like an extension of your own story.
• Surround yourself with artwork or items that bring you joy and inspiration, as they will enhance your reading experience and add to the nook's charm.
• Reflect on any recurring themes or motifs in your personal style or home décor, and integrate them into your reading nook for a seamless and cohesive aesthetic.
• Consider incorporating pieces from your travels or memorable experiences, as these can evoke cherished memories and make your reading nook feel uniquely yours.
• If there's a style or aesthetic you've always admired but haven't tried at home yet, your reading nook might be the perfect small-scale project to experiment and bring that vision to life.

 

Turn Your Reading Nook into a Haven of Art and Literature

Incorporating Haven Prints into your reading nook can be genuinely transformative. Our artwork infuses a sense of tranquillity, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere that's ideal for getting lost in a good book. These prints can serve as a pivotal focal point, enriching the aesthetic charm and imbuing warmth to the space. By choosing pieces that truly resonate with you, you'll craft a bespoke sanctuary that reflects your personal taste, turning your reading nook into an extension of your personality and a delightful escape from the world.

For enthusiast of modern and minimalist art, Haven Prints offers a special selection to transform your reading nook into a stylish and calming space. Think about pieces like Monochrome Balance, which uses contrasting elements to add both energy and calm. Linear Elegance features clean lines and soft colours, ideal for those who love simplicity. The Abstract Geometry plays with shapes and space, giving a fresh visual feel that fits well with modern design. Embrace minimalist art to balance function and style effortlessly in your reading nook.

Explore the Haven Prints collection and discover artwork that speaks to your soul. Each piece is crafted with love and intention, designed to bring a touch of natural beauty and serenity to your home.