How To Design A Cozy Reading Nook For Kids

Looking to make a cozy reading nook for your kids? Click through to get dozens of ideas and suggestions for all budgets. We’ll show you how to create a book nook in the smallest spaces. DIY ideas for everything from corner nooks to shelves.

Do your kids love dens and cozy nooks? Mine did. It didn’t matter if it was a pile of cushions in a closet, a large box, or an elaborate blanket fort. They gravitated to these special places and would always end up reading in them.
One way to get kids excited about reading is to leave great books around. Pair those books with a cozy book nook, and you will have a winning combination.

Table of Contents

• The Benefits Of Creating A Reading Spot
• Reading Spot Essentials (A Check List)
• 5 Steps to The Perfect Reading Spot
• How To Make A Reading Spot When Money Is Tight

The Benefits Of Creating A Reading Nook

Let’s face it: our homes can be busy places at times. It can be hard for kids to find a quiet spot away from all the hustle of family life and the distraction of screens. A dedicated reading spot helps

• Conveys the idea that reading is valued in your family.
• Providing a space for a collection of interesting top-notch books will likely encourage reading.
• Allows for retreat into a quiet spot free of distractions.

Reading Nook Essentials (A Check List)

You need a spot that is

1. Warm and comfortable, but not too hot
2. A place that is quiet and away from the main bustle of family life.
3. Is well lit
4. Has some basic storage for books
5. No electronics allowed

How To Make A Cozy Reading Nook

I follow five steps when planning a reading nook. I’ve detailed these below and showcased several examples to provide inspiration.

Step 1: Pick a Spot For Your Reading Nook

Keeping our checklist of essentials in mind, find a special place for your reading spot. Is there a corner that could be used? Do you have a closet that can be transformed? I’ve seen pictures of nooks created under stairs, in corners, and in window seats. Here are two ideas for using corners.

Canopy Corner

This bright and cheerful nook is perfect for little readers. The airy canopy with colorful pom-pom garlands creates a cozy and playful hideaway.

Pops of color from the vibrant rug and cushions bring energy to the space. Nearby shelves keep books easily accessible for reading.

Shop The Look

Recreate the simple corner above with a hanging canopy, bright rug (check the size will fit in your space), pom pom garland , oblong cushion, and set of yellow throw cushions.

If money is tight, simply provide a box to hold books.

Let Kids Be Kids Reading Corner

This cozy nook is all about soft tones and playful touches! The layered cushions and oversized floor pillow create an inviting space for little readers to relax.

Charming details like the rainbow decor, whimsical wall art, and potted plant bring warmth and personality to this serene corner.

Shop The Look

You can create a similar look to the one above with floating picture ledge shelves, floor lounger, fruit decals, yellow boho art, cute prints and the cutest wooden stacking toys.

Get this look with a hanging pod swing chair, triangle bunting and floating picture ledge shelves and bright fabric basket

Here is a quick video tutorial for making an easy reading tent or teepee.

Window Seat Book Nook

A small window seat can also be transformed into a cozy reading nook.

This sunny reading nook transforms a small space into a cozy window seat perfect for relaxing.

The sheer canopy with colorful garlands adds a magical touch. Nearby shelves keep books close at hand for easy access.

Bright pillows and a handmade crochet blanket complete the inviting and charming setup.

Shop The Look

A bed canopy with bunting, a crochet blanket and some fun throw cushions is all you need

Step 2: Making Your Reading Nook Comfortable

Your reading spot needs to be comfortable or it won’t get used. Beanbags, floor loungers , and a pile of cushions all work perfectly. Here’s two ideas

Pastel Reading Corner

This dreamy nook is perfect for relaxing with a favorite book! Soft pastel pillows and a cozy beanbag create a snuggly spot, while string lights add a magical glow.

The corner shelves with books and framed art complete the serene and inviting vibe.

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Make a sweet spot like the picture above with a textured cream rug, pink bean bag, fluffy pillows, heart pillow, fairy lights, and corner shelves.

This tutorial shows you how to make some corner shelves.

Hanging Pod Reading Nook

This delightful reading nook is all about playful charm and cozy comfort!

A hanging hammock chair in vibrant blue and orange creates a fun and unique seating option that kids will adore. The blue shelves keep books close at hand, making it easy for little ones to grab their favorites.

Adding to the cheerful vibe, a string of colorful bunting and a patterned basket for storage bring in extra texture and a touch of whimsy.

Shop The Look

Get this look with a hanging pod swing chair, triangle bunting and floating picture ledge shelves

Step 3. Book Storage For Your Reading Nook

You need a place to store those books. I love shelves that show the books face out. This makes it easy for kids to pick the book they want. Still a book crate or classic bookcase works just as well.

The books are easy to see in the simple arrangement above. Create this simple nook with a reading teepee, floating picture ledge shelves and storage basket.

The book shelves above are made from Ikea spice racks. Add a personalized wall hanging, a one of a kind soft toy (the proceeds helps feed hungry children) and a wooden stacking rainbow to complete the book nook.

Another reading teepee and some canvas hanging shelves make a snug spot for reading.

Step 4. Decorating Your Reading Nook

Now comes the fun part! It’s time to decorate! Keep it simple or it will become distracting! Still a few prints, wall decals, or stuffed toys can make a huge difference. Let you kids choose the decorations if you can. It will give them a sense of ownership and they are more likely to use it. here are some cute and inexpensive ideas.

Reading Tree Corner

Look at this adorable corner reading spot. The tree mural and “READ” sign set a whimsical tone.

Soft cushions create a snug and inviting space to curl up with a story.

Shop The Look

It wouldn’t be too hard to recreate the tree with paint and small floating shelves. If you are feel intimidated by the thought of painting a tree, you can buy a white tree sticker and add the shelves.

Simple Reading Corner

This video shows how to use tape and paint to make a simple corner nook. It would be done in a few hours.

Step 5: Fill Your Reading Nook With Books!

Ok maybe this is the best part! You can’t have a reading spot without books! I used to work in a public library and worked with a lot of kids. Here are my top tips.

• Provide a variety of reading material. Don’t just stick with fiction, try to include comics, graphic novels, non-fiction and kid’s magazine. Your public library will let you do this easily and cheaply. Take advantage!
• Find out which books are popular with your kid’s age groups and include some of them. Yes I used to cringe over the Rainbow Fairies and Captain Underpants, but I saw those books get dozens of kids reading.
• Non fiction books with great photographs, joke books and comics will help entice reluctant readers (particularly boys). Dinosaurs, gross body science and space are very popular.
• Make sure you have some good literature, but allow your kids to choose most of their books. I cannot stress this enough. Studies indicate that children who choose their own books are more likely to read them.

Related: 7 Silly Picture Books TO Make Your Kids Laugh

How to Make a Reading Nook When Money is Tight

All these beautiful reading spots are lovely to look at, but what if you have no money? Is it possible to create a special book nook for your kids with a no budget? You bet it is! 

The first step is the same, you need to choose a spot. Corners are free! Now it’s time to “shop your house.”

• Do you have spare cushions or pillows for seating?
• Are there any rugs you can re-purpose? You can substitute a blanket or quilt if you have one.
• Do you have a play tent you can use?
• Find some free printables and pop them into frames for decorations. Check out these or these.
• Gather up some soft toys for few extra decorations
• Use a plastic tub or cardboard box to store your books. You can decorate the box if you wish, but honestly your kids won’t care one way or the other!