How to Create a Fun & Cozy Kids Reading Nook

Creating a cozy, welcoming reading nook for your kids is a great way to encourage reading for pleasure every day. Check out these must-have tips and kids reading nook ideas you’ll love.

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book and being taken away to exotic far-off lands, other worlds, and daring adventures. Reading helps children develop a better vocabulary, improve their knowledge and understanding of the world, and ultimately perform better at school. Some studies have even shown that daily reading can be a better predictor of a child’s success in school than their economic background.

You can foster your child’s love of reading in many ways. From an early age, you can read aloud to your child or simply describe pictures in a book. You can also make sure your kids have access to books, whether at home or their local library. You can also lead by example, showing your kids that reading is an enjoyable pastime that’s important no matter your age.

One great way to encourage your kids to read daily is to create a cozy, quiet space they can use just for reading. Start by setting up a small, inviting reading nook in your home and make time for your kids during the day so they can use it.

Kids reading nook ideas, tips & must-haves

The perfect reading space can be as simple or elaborate as you and your kids like, but there are a few basic things it should have. Here are the top three must-haves for creating a fun and cozy child’s reading nook or corner.

1. Quiet & well lit

Start by finding the right space in your home to create your reading nook. You want to make sure it’s quiet and somewhat secluded from the rest of the house. The child’s bedroom or playroom is typically a good spot, but you might find other hidden spaces in your home that could be great places for reading.

Remember, you don’t need a lot of space; in fact, the cozier the space, the better. Many wonderfully creative reading nooks for kids are in converted closets, unused spaces under the stairs, teepees, tents and hanging canopies, and small corners of rooms.

One thing to pay attention to, though, is making sure the space has plenty of light. Natural light is best, so a spot by any window is always great. But you can also get creative with lighting and make it part of your reading nook décor.

2. Super soft & extra comfy

You want your kiddos to snuggle in with a good book, relax, and get lost in reading, and the best way to do that is to make sure their space is comfortable and cozy.

You really don’t need much. A couple of pillows, a soft blanket, and a bean bag chair, an upholstered chair, or a backrest cushion should do the trick. You probably already have most (if not all) of these things around the house already. All you have to do now is simply carve out a space in your home to put them all together.

Get your kids involved and ask them what would make a comfortable and cozy reading corner for them. Adding something they find relaxing and enjoyable will make their reading nook a place they want to spend time in.

You can also get creative and hang a swing or hammock chair from the ceiling, create a comfy window seat, or layer on area rugs, floor pillows, comfy poufs, and lots of smaller throw pillows to make the space as comfortable as possible.

3. Fun & inviting

Adding fun and unique ideas to your reading nook will make your kids want to spend time in this space. Hang some twinkling lights from the ceiling. Add a picture, a sign, or other wall decor your kids might like, as well as a small table on which they can set their drinks and snacks.

If you want to make the reading nook more special, consider adding a personalized touch, such as a custom throw pillow, blanket, or wall art with their name, favorite colors, characters, or designs they love.

And don’t forget about the most important part — the books! In addition to functional book storage, you can create a fun book display so kids can see the book covers.

You can hang narrow book shelves or even picture ledges to display the books. Or simply make the books stand up on a book shelf and change out the collection periodically. Bookends are an option, too. Baskets, boxes, and totes also work great for kids’ book storage and make cleaning up a breeze.

You can also take advantage of the vertical wall space to create an enticing book display for your little ones. Picture ledges work great just for this.

BONUS: Go the extra mile

If you really want to wow your kids, build a reading nook in an unexpected space, such as an old armoire, a tree house, or a boat. Add some wonder and whimsy to your design — make it special and magical.

But remember, all your child really needs is books and a comfy, quiet, well-lit spot for reading.