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Featured
Refresh Your Summer Reading Nook with Bloomingdale’s
Summer is all about escape. Whether you’re dodging the heat or daily grind, your next great read deserves the right setting. That’s why Bloomingdale’s is helping us reimagine the classic reading nook into something light, refreshing, and summer-ready. Read on to style your perfect setup.
Featured
Refresh Your Summer Reading Nook with Bloomingdale’s
Summer is all about escape. Whether you’re dodging the heat or daily grind, your next great read deserves the right setting. That’s why Bloomingdale’s is helping us reimagine the classic reading nook into something light, refreshing, and summer-ready. Read on to style your perfect setup.
01
Set the foundation
If there was a main character for your reading nook, it would be the accent chair. The proper throne not only sets the tone for the space, but it also dictates your go-to reading posture. If you like to curl up with your feet tucked underneath, we recommend a wide and deep chair with armrests. But if you like to lay out like you’re lounging on a poolside chaise, a recliner or a chair and ottoman may be right for you.
Shop relaxing accent chairs
02
Create a gallery
Sure, you can pile up your books in nooks and crannies around the house, but we’re making a case for airy bookshelves —not only for storage but also for displaying your personal taste. From color-coordinating your books to adding in vases, decor, and frames, you can curate an exhibition that’ll inspire you and your guests. Make sure to add in enough white space when styling to keep things from looking too dense and busy.
Shop artful bookshelves
03
Choose your sidekick
We love combining practicality with beauty, and there’s no better vessel for this practice than the humble side table. It’s there whenever you need it — and you inevitably will — to set down a drink, a bookmark, or maybe even the next title on your TBR list. Add some flair with airy frames that seem to float or cool statuesque marble pieces.
Shop statement end & side tables
04
Find your glow-up
Want to instantly add ambiance that sets your reading nook apart from the rest of the room? Consider a floor lamp. Similar to an area rug, overhead lighting is excellent for delineating a zone with its own mood. Plus, it’ll keep your pages illuminated, making sure you don’t strain your eyes even during cloudy days and summer showers. For that extra summery look, we recommend lamps featuring thin metal frames, glass, and light-colored lampshades.
Shop sculptural floor lamps
05
Add finishing touches
Coziness isn’t solely reserved for the colder months. Make sure that your summer setup still has all the plush accessories you’ll need to stay comfortable — from that perfect bolster pillow for propping up the book to the throw blanket to drape over your bare legs. Just make sure to swap out any dark and heavy textiles for bright and breathable pieces made of linen and cotton to maintain an airy and easygoing look.
Shop summery pillows & throws
Explore more
Reading Nook Furniture
Whether curling up with a book or flipping through your favorite magazine, the right reading nook design makes all the difference. Think soft light, plush chairs, warm throws, and zero distractions.
A reading nook can be as simple as a comfortable chair in an unused corner. If you want to create a space so inviting you’ll never want to leave, think beyond the basics.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about reading nook furniture, from the essential building blocks to the finishing touches.
Essential Reading Nook Furniture to Create a Cozy Retreat
Every great reading nook starts with the right foundation. Beyond a comfy armchair and a lamp, the right furniture pieces bring comfort, function, and a bit of charm to your new reading space.
Here are the must-have reading nook furniture pieces to build your ideal literary escape.
Reading Nook Seating
As the focal point of your reading nook, the right seating makes all the difference. While you can stick to the classic armchair or snug loveseat, the seating options are endless.
The right type of seating depends on your personal preference, whether you like reclining on plush cushions or prefer to be propped up with a firm backrest. Just make sure it has supportive cushions, a place to rest your arms, and enough depth to curl up for a long reading session.
Take your comfort and relaxation to the next level, consider adding a footstool or other footrest to your reading nook furniture lineup. Something as simple as an ottoman, pouf, stool, or bench seat is the perfect place to rest your feet.
Reading Nook Lighting
From focused task lights to soft ambient glows, the right lighting can transform a regular corner into a dedicated reading nook.
Keep any overhead lighting soft, diffused, and warm. This keeps the lighting easy on the eyes and sets a cozy vibe. A well-placed floor lamp is also a great way to light the whole space without overpowering it. Even a set of warm string lights around the room creates the perfect ambiance.
Of course, you can’t forget task lighting. Use a table lamp to illuminate your reading area. For even more focused lighting, try a reading light with a flexible arm. This allows you to adjust the position, giving you strong lighting exactly where you need it.
Side Tables
With the right table at your side, it’s easy to keep everything you need close by. Any nightstand, pedestal tables, swivel tables, or ottoman works as a side table.
A sturdy, yet stylish side table holds the essentials, like a reading lamp, coaster, or book stack. It can also host small decorative pieces like candles or plants.
Storage and Organization
To create the ultimate reading space, you can’t forget the importance of storage and organization. A wall-mounted bookshelf is perfect for displaying your book collection. But that’s not all you can add to your space.
Floating shelves, ladder shelves, and cube organizers help you organize things like books, blankets, reading glasses, bookmarks, craft supplies, and more. To tuck items out of sight, look for storage ottomans or benches with built-in cubbies.
Styling Tips: Arranging Your Reading Nook Furniture Like a Pro
Even the coziest reading nook furniture can fall flat if it’s not well placed. The right layout should give space to breathe while making sure each piece of furniture has its time to shine.
Start by choosing a focal point. For most reading nooks, this is the chair or sofa. Position it facing a window for natural light, if you have one. If not, create a cozy atmosphere by placing it in the corner, right next to your side table. Larger spaces can even fit two chairs with a side table between them.
Keep your side table and lighting within easy reach of your chair — no more than four feet apart. Always leave about 30 to 36 inches of room between furniture pieces to ensure a natural flow.
Elevate Your Reading Nook
The magic of a reading nook lies in its harmony. Furniture and decor shouldn’t just coexist — they should elevate each other to create a space that's as functional as it is beautiful.
F.A.Q.
What furniture do you need for a reading nook?
To create a reading nook, you need a few essential pieces: A comfortable seat, a side table, ambient lighting, and storage options.
With that being said, there’s so much more you can add. Think bookshelf ladders, magazine racks, indoor trellises, writing desks, and privacy screens.
How do I choose the best chair for a reading nook?
Even the most beautiful reading nook won’t feel quite like home if it has stiff cushions or uncomfortable backrests. Start with deep seats and lumbar support, like a high-back armchair, recliner, or sofa.
And don’t forget ergonomics. The armrests should be comfortably at elbow height with a seat rest that allows your feet to easily touch the floor.
Can I use a small sofa in a reading nook?
Absolutely! As long as it fits well in the dimensions of your space, a small sofa can make the perfect reading nook centerpiece. This is especially if you share the space or just want room to stretch out.
Just make sure to map out the room's dimensions ahead of time and make sure the sofa won't make the space feel cramped. A sofa needs about 30 to 36 inches of clearance in front to stretch out your legs and make navigation easy.