As a bibliophile, I dream of having a home library filled with beautiful shelving and loads of books. But space hasn’t always permitted me to fulfill that dream, so instead of a room lined with my favorite literary works, I’ve settled for developing the perfect reading corner. Smaller than a library and much more aesthetically pleasing than a book nook, reading corners are quickly becoming a favorable space in apartments and homes.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a quick search will show you just how prominent the trend is. Aesthetics and decorative styling are just two of the reasons why these quaint corners have become mainstream. With such a small allotment of space, you can easily create a cozy nook styled and decorated to your tastes. Beyond their Instagrammable appearance, book nooks offer book lovers the opportunity to create the ultimate D.E.A.R. corner. If, like this writer, you’ve been dreaming of a sprawling home library, consider this your cue to opt for a reading corner instead. Keep reading to learn how to build the perfect reading corner in your home

@tamtmai

set up my cozy reading corner with me 🍵 #homedecor #interiordesign #aesthetic #apartment #loftapartment #midcenturymodern #howtostyle #livingroom #dayinthelife #fyp #foryou

♬ Falling Behind – Laufey

Start With Seating

When it comes to reading corners, the chair is everything. Unlike a living room sofa or office furniture, you want the seating in your reading corner to be comfy and compact. With that in mind, look for silhouettes that are conducive to corners and don’t sacrifice comfort for style.

@teresalauracaruso

My reading corner is finally complete 📖🤍 It was already my favorite spot & now it’s perfect! Thank you to @Maxie Elise for inspiring me to get this bookcase! #booktok #readingcorner #bookshelf #bookcase #booklover #organizedhome #homeorganization #amazonfinds #amazonfavorites #amazonhome

♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish

Consider Small Shelving

Unlike a home library, your reading corner thrives on a minimal amount of books. Even if you have a library’s worth of titles, you don’t need to store them all in your corner. Instead, work with a simple shelving unit that holds a nice amount of books but still feels light and airy. A rotating option like the one in this clip allows you to store several titles while saving space in the area.

@khadijahdjenne

📖💭❤️ #roommakeover #roomdecor #bedroomdesign #bedroommakeover #readingcorner #cozyroom #bedroominspo #readingchair #luxurybedroom #bookcart #fyp

♬ original sound – slater

Think About Lighting

Lighting is essential to any reading space. Since most corners are light-deprived, it’s important to put in extra effort when choosing a lamp. The best reading corners have the option of being either well or dimly lit, depending on your preference. To ensure your needs are met, try opting for an oversized lamp that offers several different lighting settings. Then add a soft LED light bulb that will produce a warm glow,  perfect for hours of reading.

@stephtrebus

love how this all perfectly pieced together for a minimalistic reading corner 🥲🤍 #amazonhomefinds #amazonhomedecor #amazonfurniture #readingnook #readingcorner #home

♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – nad♡inem – 𓇼

Choose an Aesthetic

You don’t have to give up your personal décor style to create the perfect reading space. If your tastes skew more minimal than maximalist, lean into that and decorate your space accordingly. Look for clean colors and sharp lines that embrace simplicity, then add subtle elements that keep the space feeling airy. Sheer curtains, black and cream colors, and simple plants are all good places to start when building a minimal reading corner.

@sorryimalwaysbooked

Things in my Black AF book nook #bhm #booktok #blackbooktok #booknook #blackbookrecommendations #bookshelf #reading #blackgirlmagic

♬ Ur 22 RMX – Z X N N Y

Add Artwork

Artwork instantly makes a space feel warm, and that goes tenfold for reading corners. Whether prints, posters, or commissioned works, adding art to your reading corner further infuses your personality into the space. Take a cue from this clip and opt for a few stylish pieces to complement your favorite books.