If you are looking for cozy booknook decor ideas, you have come to the right place. Below I share what a booknook is, where you can put a booknook, what you put in a booknook, and special ideas for children’s booknooks. Keep scrolling for helpful tips and tricks.
What Is a Booknook?
A booknook is a small and cozy reading area in your home that you transform into the ultimate space to concentrate on reading. It is much smaller and cozier than a home office or home library.
Where Do You Put a Booknook?
Some great places for a booknook are on a window seat, under stairs, in a closet, in a corner, in a hallway and in an alcove.
On a Window Seat
A window seat is a perfect location for a booknook, especially since it can show your bookshelf wealth. They are cozy, just the right size and have great lighting and views.
Under Stairs
Placing a booknook in the space underneath stairs is an effective use of what is usually unused space, and it adds such interesting architectural detail to your home. It’s something everyone will comment on.
Under a Deck
I actually placed my outdoor reading nook under our deck! It’s a perfectly shaded and secluded spot to relax.
In a Closet
Do you have an unused or oddly sized closet? Take the door off the hinges and turn it into a booknook. I especially like this idea for a child who wants a special space to hide away.
In a Corner
While “nobody puts baby in a corner,” if you are low on space, the good news is that you can still allocate one small corner of a room as a booknook.
In a Hallway
A hallway that has some space to it, which may otherwise be awkward or unused, is another great place for a booknook, and it will also add some warmth to a space that can often be more cold and efficient.
In an Alcove
An alcove is just about as good as it gets for a booknook. What are you waiting for?!
What Do You Put In a Booknook?
Books
The first and most important home decor for book lovers is books! You can use books for style or function or both in your booknook. Stack them from the floor to the ceiling, display them on the walls, or even just store your current read there for the next time you will pick it back up.
If you want to add some book-related picture books to define the area, I recommend:
- Bibliophile (my personal favorite and popular with my readers)
- Bibliostyle
- Reading Art
Bookshelves
While bookshelves aren’t a “must” in a booknook, it’s a great place to put them. Besides making for efficient book storage, they define the space as one for reading and add the coziness of your favorite library or independent bookstore. Built-ins look fantastic in booknooks, but if you don’t or can’t have them, here are some options I like:
- Open shelving (I have similar ones and love them!)
- Floating “invisible” wall bookshelves
- “Invisible” Spine Book Tower
- Wood floor bookshelf with 8 tiers (and a tabletop option)
- Industrial bookshelves (I have similar ones and love them!)
- Rolling book cart (I have this specific one in beige and love it!)
- Children’s book display wall shelves (and a floor option) (and a reading nook option)
A Comfortable Chair or Daybed
You simply must have a comfortable place to read in your booknook, whether it be a chair (with or without an ottoman) or a daybed.
Pillows
Pillows add to the comfortable look and feel of a booknook, as they make you want to curl right up and read. The best places to get quality pillows for low prices are HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx (Yes, you can shop online!) and Marshall’s.
Blankets
I simply can’t read without a blanket. This reading accessory allows you to easily spend lots of time in your booknook while feeling warm and toasty, and they offer a sense of peacefulness that is characteristic of reading books. The best places to get quality blankets for low prices are HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s.
Related Post: Review of the ChappyWrap Blanket
Lighting
You simply must have the right lighting for reading in your booknook. However, you can be really creative with lighting in your own booknook. Perhaps a ceiling light, sconce, small chandelier, or even a lighted bookmark will work for you.
I have and love this specific lighted bookmark. I actually had to buy a second one because my husband stole mine for reading at night!
Other Accessories
Some other accessories you may want to consider including in your booknook are:
- a side table (I love this specific small gold side table, which comes in many color options)
- a tv (I love the Samsung Frame TV which appears as art on the wall)
- tray
- a candle (I have this specific book themed candle and it’s divine)
- a collage of maps or other literary art
Booknook Ideas for Kids & Toddlers
Booknooks designed for people under 18 are especially fun and offer so many opportunities to be creative. Here a few booknook ideas for babies, toddlers, children and teens:
Conclusion
These cozy booknook decor ideas transform your small space into your personal reading haven. With a little creativity, you can create a place that brings happiness and sparks joy every time you sit down and pick up a book.
Read More: Bookish Lifestyle Ideas
Great post and amazing book nook ideas I love all of these ideas! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
These are all wonderful places for book corners!
I love these ideas so much! Thank you for sharing!
Love this, such cute ideas!
I love these ideas! I don’t have a booknook in my house, but now I definitely want one! We live in a Cape Cod, so my boys each have a perfect area for a booknook/window seat . . . that may be my next redecorating project. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love it!! We go to Martha’s Vineyard every summer and it’s where we got engaged.
I love all of these photos! I can’t wait until I can have an actual book nook (we’re currently in my in-laws basement saving for a house) but I’m definitely saving some of these for future inspiration.
So exciting, I wish you luck and can’t wait to see what you come up with!