In-house escapes: Creating a peaceful Book Nook
June 26, 2017
Sometimes all you really need in life is a quiet and cosy corner, a good book and, perhaps, a glass of wine or hot cup of tea! This dreamy corner of peace and quiet doesn’t require hours of travel, a passport or jumping through hoops of fire to find. It is, in fact, a corner that can be found in your very own home.

Creating the ultimate book nook or corner of tranquillity doesn’t need to be a mammoth task either – you don’t need to devote an entire room to renovation, but merely an opportune, unused space that you can convert and call your own.

Essential items needed to create the ultimate book nook include:

  • Your most comfortable chair (of any kind), such as an arm chair, day bed, bean bag, hammock or swinging chair
  • A small side table
  • Basic shelving or storage space  
  • A variety of scatter cushions to nestle into, as well as a throw or cosy blanket or two
  • A source of light such as a reading lamp (preferably), fairly lights, hanging lamp shade, down lighters with a dimmer function etc.
Choosing your comfy corner

This is a space you want to put your personal stamp on, but you also don’t want it to become incompatible with the rest of your home. Before picking your corner, ensure your planned style and décor ideas will blend in with the rest of the room – ultimately, you want your book nook to look like a natural extension of the room, but still remain your corner of peacefulness.

Adding flair

Brightening up this unused corner of your home doesn’t need to be an overly expensive or strenuous one either. Using lighter and cooler shades of colours such as pastels, light oranges or even a nautical blue and white stripe will create a feeling of calmness, while keeping the space free of clutter will ensure this is truly a corner of tranquillity.

You can simply re-purpose unused cushions and rugs, fill up a vase with beautiful fresh flowers and add a candle or two to the space- adding to the homely, comforting feel of your book nook.

Figuring out functionality

Even though this is a space for you to unwind and not have to ‘’sweat the small stuff’’, you still want your book nook to be as functional and convenient as possible. Follow our essential items ideas above for the functionality, then add a touch of African art for inspiration in the form of a small print or cushion cover and a calming fragrance with a scented candle or elegant diffuser.

Taking time out for yourself throughout the day is an absolute must! Everyone deserves some quality ‘’me’’ time, and what better way to enjoy it than in your very own corner of comfort – the book nook!

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By Kyra Harper August 15, 2023
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