Creating the Perfect Reading Corner

Creating the Perfect Reading Corner

by | Dec 21, 2021 | Inspiration

As Christmas fast approaches, many of us will receive a new book to get stuck into. Or perhaps you’ve already got a big collection of novels, autobiographies and more that you’d like to keep in a special place.
It doesn’t matter if you already have a few ideas or if you’ve got a blank canvas, this article will help you with some useful tips when creating the perfect reading corner!

Location

Are there any empty or spare spaces in your bedroom you could turn into a cosy reading corner? Whether it be a nice bay window with a view or an alcove you’ve yet to make any use of, it’s ultimately down to you where you choose to create your new reading corner.
No matter the location, as long as you’re comfy and it’s somewhere quiet to read a good book, it will be perfect!

Lighting

Where possible, it’s best to choose somewhere that has good natural light to avoid eye strain. However, we know that not all rooms have enough windows or natural lights to make this possible, so we recommend that you use extra lighting where required. If you have enough space, a floor lamp that hangs slightly overhead while you read is a good idea. If you’re using a smaller space, a table lamp might be more appropriate, try one with a warm lampshade that brings a soft light into the room so you don’t get distracted by any harsh lightbulbs. A good side table also provides somewhere to pop your book down so you can come back to it later!

Soft Furnishings

Pillows, blankets and throws are all great options for making your reading corner nice and comfy. Adding a rug to the floor space of your reading corner will also help separate it from other areas of the room.
While adding plenty of pillows and blankets are great for making sure you stay cosy while reading, make sure you don’t overdo it. Adding too many pillows to your seating space might make things a little overcrowded and distract you from your book!

Distractions

There’s nothing worse than being distracted while you’re trying to read! For a great reading corner, we recommend placing it away from any windows facing busy roads where there may be a lot of traffic noise, and away from any technology such as televisions and music players. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to reach for the remote and have the TV on in the background! Also, don’t be afraid to tell your family or housemates that you need a distraction-free zone when reading and ask them to keep the noise down.

Storage Options

We all need somewhere to put our books! Whether you’d like bookshelves acting as pillars on either side of your reading corner or you’d rather have book cabinets underneath your bay windows, that’s where we can come in. When you book your showroom appointment, you can let us know everything you’d like!

Whether you’d like us to help create shelving for your reading corner that matches your wardrobes, or you’d just like to add storage options to improve your space, we can definitely help!

If you enjoyed this blog and want to read more, why not check out this guide on storage ideas for small spaces?

Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

by | Jun 14, 2021 | Inspiration

Whether you live in a smaller space or need to come up with some smarter solutions for storage, we’ve got some great smart storage ideas on how to use as little space as possible and still have a stylish living space. Tiny homes and smart living is on the rise, so here are the best ways you can make the most of the space you have to work with:

Fitted Wardrobes:

For all of your clothes, shoes, accessories and more, a fitted wardrobe is the best way to go. If you have a bare wall you don’t know what to do with, or an alcove in your room that could fit a fitted wardrobe, then this option could be the best one for you. Having a wardrobe fitted into this space means that you can choose the layout, what goes where, and you’ll be able to call the shots on how many drawers and shoe racks you’ll need, as well as railing. Any extra space at the top or bottom of the wardrobe could also allow you to store any storage boxes you may have.

Fitted wardrobes are very amenable in the design stage and even the door you choose will have a brilliant effect on your room. If you don’t have a lot of space for a full-size mirror, choosing a mirrored door will mean you don’t need to put an additional one in the room, plus mirrored furniture can make you room much bigger and can improve natural light.  Choosing shaker doors for your fitted wardrobe can provide a natural and stylish look to your room and will make for an attractive bonus if you decide to sell or move out of your home.

Multi-purpose Bed:

Having a multi-purpose bed is an excellent smart storage solution! Under-bed storage boxes or a liftable mattress can make all the difference between having storage boxes everywhere and keeping them all in one space. You can make your under-bed storage even neater by using vacuum bags and/or boxes. It’s an excellent idea to keep your clean towels and fresh bedding in your under-bed storage space if you don’t have an airing cupboard or ample storage cupboards in your home. 

Floating Shelves:

A big, bulky bookcase or shelf can take up a huge amount of space in your room and, if you ever want to redecorate, they can also be a pain to repaint or move around. Floating shelves can be screwed into your walls and can be positioned as close together or as far apart as you need them to be. They are also excellent as a multi-purpose smart storage feature. Need to use them as a bookshelf? The great thing is that floating shelves can fit stacks of books, and can also be used to hold miscellaneous decorations that you have for your room. And, as you can’t usually see the fixings, they look seamless and stylish against any wall.

If you’re looking to smarten up your living space or need to make use of some smart storage solutions, try our suggestions and see if any of them work for you!