10 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Creating a Reading Nook in Your Small Home

10 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Creating a Reading Nook in Your Small Home

Creating a comfortable and inviting reading nook in your small home can be a challenge, but with a little creativity and some budget-friendly ideas, you can transform any corner into a personalized space that's perfect for reading. Here are ten ideas to get you started:

Use a Bookshelf as a Room Divider

Open shelving book shelf serving as a wooden room divider

Beautiful wooden open shelving room divider courtesy of Serena Mitnik-Miller.

If you have a small living room or studio apartment, consider using a bookshelf as a room divider to create a separate reading area. Arrange your favorite books on the shelves and add a comfy armchair and a lamp to complete the look. Choose a tiered, curved unit to make a small space feel larger and less confined. This one from Amazon is a steal and hits all the marks!

Five shelf tiered book case open on both sides, perfect for a room divider

Five shelf, tiered book case from Amazon. Click here!

Make a DIY Reading Tent or Canopy

Indoor tent/reading nook by Suzanne Boyd

Suzanne Boyd's custom-made tent in her lower Manhattan Art Deco apartment. Featured in House & Home September 2006.

Create a whimsical reading nook by making a DIY reading tent or canopy. Don't want to splurge on a pre-made canopy? Use a hula hoop, a sheet, and some fairy lights to create a magical space that will transport you to your favorite storybook.

Pink draping canopy for indoor reading nook with flowy fabric

No hassle canopy from Amazon can be found here!

Make the Space Romantic with Dark Walls

Dark gray blue walls of reading nook with leather chair

Dark walled reading nook by Max Kim-Bee.

Choose a darker shade for your wall paint to make the space feel like a romantic hideaway. Opt for a matte finish to give it a velvety touch that will create drama and depth.

Wise Owl Paint's Ceramic Wall Paint color Lux

This deep gray blue wall paint dries in record time and is a scrubbable matte finish!

Turn a Closet into a Reading Nook

Closet turned into dark reading nook with cushions and book shelf

Luxurious and cozy reading nook by Thomas Kroeger.

If you have a closet that's not being used, consider repurposing it into a cozy reading nook. Remove the doors and add a bench, cushions, and shelves to create a comfortable and functional space.

Dark storage shelf with 9 cubbies and cushioned top

Opt for a bench with cubbies for additional book storage! This one from Amazon includes a cushioned top.

Add a Comfy Bean Bag Chair

Bean Bag next to reading nook and fire place

Fireplace and bean bag in this cozy nook by Llimona Suites.

A bean bag chair is a fun and comfortable addition to any reading nook. Choose a colorful and soft bean bag that will make your space feel inviting. They are easy to move around or reposition to fit a small space.

Gray faux fur bean bag chair for reading nook

This faux fur bean bag chair has the same textural appeal at a great price point. 

Install Wall Shelves

Floating bookshelves behind gray chair in reading nook

Floating shelves by Love Create Celebrate.

Use wall shelves to create a compact and stylish reading nook in your small home. Floating shelves provide much needed storage but won't weigh down the area. Stack them with books, candles, and journals to have everything you need nearby!

Floating wood shelves with metal brackets

This set of four shelves can be found here!

Add a Hammock or Swing

Hanging circular rattan swing chair

Incredible rattan swing chair from Monnarita.

Create a relaxed and comfortable reading nook by adding a hammock or swing. Install a sturdy hook in the ceiling and hang a seat with soft cushions and a cozy blanket for the ultimate reading experience. There is something for every budget!

Hanging macrame chair with white cushions

This hanging macrame chair with cushions can be found here.

Use a Corner Space

Corner reading nook with book shelves and cushioned seating area

Comfy reading nook with seating area from Emily Henderson.

Maximize a corner space in your small home by creating a comfortable reading nook. Use furniture that fits the space like a built in seating area or a square corner chair to get the most out of the square footage!

Square seating area in teal tufted fabric

This square corner chair fits perfect in a small space!

Add a Pouf or Floor Cushions

Reading nook with floor cushion and pillow

Layered floor cushions give this reading nook by Haley a welcoming boho look!

Add some extra seating and comfort to your reading nook by adding a pouf or floor cushions. Choose a color and texture that complements your space for a cozy seating area that avoids bulky or oversized furniture. 

Yellow floor cushion with handle

At just $22, grab a couple of these square floor cushions for a stacked look!

Add a Rug

Reading nook with rug, cushions, and shelving on a brick wall

Reading nook with rug to separate the space by Spruce Street Commons.

Add warmth and texture to your reading nook by adding a rug. Choose a soft and plush rug that will make your space feel inviting and cozy and shows a clear separation of space.

Striped Throw Rug

Opt for a textured and durable throw like this!

Enjoy your new nook!

Creating a personalized reading nook in your small home doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and some budget-friendly ideas, you can transform any corner into a comfortable and inviting space where you can relax and read your favorite book.

Collage of ideas for a budget friendly reading nook in a small home

Woman reading book

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