10 Creative Reading Nook Ideas for Kids

Creating a cozy, comfortable, and quiet space in your home for you and your kids to read will give your junior bookworm the perfect environment to fall in love with the world of stories. Check out these 10 fun and imaginative reading nook ideas for children that are guaranteed to foster a lifelong love of books and reading.

Reading Nook Ideas for Kids

1. Display book covers facing outwards
2. Hang up fairy lights for nighttime reading
3. Store books under a window seat
4. Hang up colorful curtains
5. Bring in lots of natural lighting
6. Create hideouts using canopies and teepees
7. Snuggle up in soft seating
8. Build an outdoor reading space
9. Create a reading lounge under a bunk bed
10. Transform your wardrobe into reading rooms

1. Display book covers facing outwards

Have you noticed how the bestseller books in bookstores are always displayed with their covers facing outwards, instead of being shelved with only their book spines showing? By displaying the book covers facing outwards, you add pretty pops of color to the room and encourage young ones to try new titles. We like this white kids book rack ($28.69) for its low and soft shelves, making it accessible and safe for your child to pick out books on their own.

2. Hang up fairy lights for nighttime reading

One childhood habit I haven’t been able to shake off is tucking into bed with a book every night before sleeping. I love getting lost in a good story, entering other worlds and ‘meeting’ strange and hilarious characters. To make these bedtime reading experiences extra special, you’ll need a good environment for nighttime reading. Get a bedside dimmable reading light ($39.99) or hang up pretty fairy lights ($11.99) to create a magical atmosphere.

3. Store books under a window seat

A great way to maximize that awkward space underneath your windows is by placing a long cushioned bench underneath it to create a window seat. With all that natural lighting coming in, you can take this idea to the next level by getting an open storage bench ($48.49) for storing books underneath the bench to turn it into a snug reading nook.

4. Hang up colorful curtains

It’s important to carve out designated spaces in the home for different activities as this teaches young ones house rules, such as not playing soccer in the kitchen or eating in the bathroom. Even if you don’t have an entire room dedicated to a home library, you can use colorful curtains as a soft and fun divider to signal that this is a safe and cozy space for your children to read.

5. Bring in lots of natural lighting

It’s interior design 101 that lighting is one of the most important aspects of the house. Studies have shown that natural light has a significant positive impact on our mental and physical health, as well as academic success. To prevent fatigue and eye strain, make sure your little ones are reading comfortably by letting in plenty of natural lighting from windows, glass doors, and skylights.

6. Create hideouts using teepees and canopies

Tents, canopies, and teepees are almost a household staple for families with young children. Not only are they great for role-playing and general playtime or naptime, they also serve as the perfect cozy reading space. We love this waterproof kids teepee tent ($79.95) which has four extra pockets to store your child’s favorite books.

7. Snuggle up in soft seating

If your child is going to be reading for long periods of time, it’s important that they have a comfy spot to snuggle up in. An ultra-chic way to childproof your home is to avoid hard tables and chairs with sharp corners, and opt for soft seating instead. We recommend getting a large papasan chair ($183.99) or these bright and colorful bean bags ($54.42).

8. Build an outdoor reading space

People often have the misconception that “cozy space” equates to “indoor space”. In reality though you can design extra cozy spots outdoors as well. Perfect for warm and sunny days, an outdoor reading nook will ensure your little ones learn their ABC’s while getting plenty of vitamin D.

9. Create a reading lounge under a bunk bed

A great way to encourage a lifelong love of reading is to bring the reading nook straight into your child’s bedroom. Even if you’re working with a small space, you can get creative with it by creating a tiny reading corner, or by transforming the bottom bunk of a children’s loft bed ($155.99) into a comfy reading lounge.

10. Transform your wardrobe into a reading room

While Narnia might not exist, you can still create a magical world for your child by transforming an extra closet or wardrobe in the home into a reading room. Simply place some bean bags or a mattress with pillows on the floor, add some fairy lights, and install narrow floating kid-friendly wall shelves ($49.99).