In a time when our children spend between 3 and 5+ hours per day on screens, a cozy reading corner could be the best gift for your kid(s)’ future. Books let your child explore new worlds, discover new characters, and learn about themselves at the same time. Plus, they’re great for developing skills that will come in handy later in life.
Every house, no matter how small, is better with a reading nook where you can hide from the world whenever you feel the need. Are you ready to start building yours? If so, here are a few tips to point you in the right direction:
1. Find the Right Spot
The ideal reading nook is away from high-traffic areas, as close to a window as possible. Look for areas that you don’t regularly use, like under the stairs, deep hallway niches, or unused closets.
If you don’t have such a spot, a corner in the child’s bedroom (or yours) is just as good. Bedrooms are usually away from noise and high-traffic areas like kitchens or family rooms. Plus, they’re the cozyest rooms in a house.
2. Clean Up the Space
Sadly, physical books are a feast for pests, especially if kept in humid or poorly ventilated spaces. Micro-fungi and mold grow on the pages, creating an additional food ecosystem for insects.
To make sure your child can fully enjoy the new reading nook, hire a pest control company like Anticimex Carolinas to conduct a thorough inspection of the area. They’ll be able to tell if your future reading corner is safe, health-wise.
3. Add Shelves and Lighting
Books look great on shelves, so you should add at least a few. If the space doesn’t allow for a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, floating shelves right above the reading area will do just fine. After all, what better way for your young reader(s) to flaunt their precious books?
Don’t forget to add lighting as well. If floor space allows it, add an adjustable floor lamp (for flexibility), but a wall-mounted sconce is just as good. Layer the ambient room lighting with a dedicated reading lamp placed slightly behind the reader’s shoulder.
4. Organize the Books
Nothing is more inviting than a well-organized reading corner, with books neatly aligned on the shelves, waiting for you to pick one. To make things even more attractive, stack your nook with classic children’s books and ask your kids to decide on how to organize them.
Add a small side table where they can leave current reads, snacks, and beverages.
5. Make It Special
The coziness of a reading nook comes from the softness of a blanket, the fluffiness of an old armchair, or the joyful colors of throw pillows scattered on the floor. Add a thick area rug, and you’re done.
Let your kids enhance the special vibe by adding the toys they love and cherish, photos, and other items that bring good vibes.
The Magic of the Reading Corner
It doesn’t need much. A cozy chair, good lighting, a stack of amazing books, and a few snacks are enough to create a magical reading corner your kid(s) will love. Add a few special touches, make sure it’s pest-free, and you’ve got yourself a proper reading nook.
