How to create a book nook your kid will actually use

Reading is one of the most important pastimes a child can participate in, regardless of whether they’re 3 or 13. Of course, getting your child to curl up with a book on an ordinary afternoon may be easier said than done. One way to make reading an activity that your little one looks forward to doing day after day is to provide a space to read that feels cozy, stylish and, most importantly, like it belongs to them. Check out these creative tips from the design team at Sam Levitz Furniture to create a book nook that your child will use and adore. 

Location, location, location

The place where you build your child’s ideal reading spot matters. While the space doesn’t have to be large or fancy, it should be an area of your home where your child will feel comfortable but that also won’t be too loud or distracting. Kids love crawling into small spaces to play, relax and read. Don’t be afraid to use an unexpected space in your home, such as a corner of a large room, the space underneath your stairs, or even a closet. Using a space that is quaint rather than roomy will make your child’s book nook feel cozy and warm, providing the perfect atmosphere to relax and let the magic of a great story come to life. Wherever you choose to create your child’s book nook, try to keep it in a central location so that you can join in to read with them too!

Store the books in style

Once you’ve found a place in your home to transform into a cozy reading corner for your child, it’s important to consider how you’re going to store the star of the show: their books. An obvious yet reliable choice, of course, would be a traditional bookshelf. If space is limited, however, thinking outside the box may be more beneficial. If you’re looking for a creative way to store your child’s books in style, keep these ideas in mind.

• Hang floating shelves to free up floor space. 
• Place wicker baskets next to your child’s favorite chair.
• Upcycle wooden crates with a fresh coat of paint to create a one-of-a-kind result.

No matter how you decide to arrange your child’s book collection, be sure that their books can easily be seen and accessed by little hands. The reading corner will be for them, after all.

Provide a comfy place to sit

Of course, your child’s reading corner or book nook will hopefully be a place where they look forward to diving into exciting stories and magical tales, but it should also be a spot where they can relax. To help them feel comfortable and look forward to taking it easy for a while in a space that’s all their own, it’s important to provide a comfortable place for them to sit or recline. Some fun, kid-friendly seating options include:

• A colorful bean bag chair
• A chair made just for kids
• A miniature table and chairs

One great way to ensure that you choose the perfect chair for your child is to let them help you pick it out. Encourage them to sit in different chairs in person, if possible, to find the one that is the right size and feels the best. 

Personalize the space

Your kid’s book nook should certainly be a space that is functional and easy to use, but it should also be a reflection of their unique taste and personality. When your child’s reading corner is visually enticing and filled with their favorite things, they’ll be more eager to use it. Fortunately, designing a book nook that your child will love is easier than you may think. Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Use their favorite colors as much as possible, such as in the paint color and furnishings.
• Hang eye-catching art on the walls to add color and pizazz.
• Bring in themes, activities or characters that they love, including sports, music and movies.
• Frame pictures that your child has painted or drawn to decorate the space in a meaningful way.

Accessorize like a pro

If you think that accessorizing your child’s book nook isn’t necessary, think again. Using accessories in a kid-friendly reading corner can help it feel playful, inspiring and stylish. When searching for decorations that will enhance the overall look and comfort of the book nook, use the same techniques you would if you were designing a room for adults.

• Less is more: Rather than filling the space with a bunch of decor that could make it feel small or cluttered, stick with a few interesting pieces that can bring the overall look of the room to life.
• Prioritize comfort: An area rug and a few throw pillows can go a long way in making your little one’s reading spot feel cozy and inviting. 
• Keep it cohesive: Choose pieces that embody the same style so that the space feels balanced and intentional. 

Make it feel magical

Your child’s reading corner should be a space that inspires their imagination. To make it as easy as possible for your little one to get wrapped up in enchanting stories, adding magical elements can help. An easy way to make any kid-friendly book nook instantly feel special is to hang twinkle lights around the space. The result is sure to look beautiful and feel enticing both day and night. Likewise, hanging a canopy over the chair in your child’s reading nook is an easy way to feel like they’ve been transported to somewhere new every time they sit down to open a book.

Creating a book nook that your child will actually use doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The friendly design team at Sam Levitz Furniture in Tucson can help make the process simple and fun from start to finish. Visit us online or stop by one of our convenient showroom locations to get started today!