Book lovers could read anywhere, even the most chaotic of places (on the underground, in a shopping centre….). But avoiding distractions is still a better idea. Reading in a park is especially nice, but isn’t always possible all-year-round. Welcome the ‘reading corner’, which offers exactly that: a quiet space to relax and focus. It is also a stylish way to do up a corner of the room. Here are 5 tips to create the perfect reading corner.
Choose the most suitable space in the house…
We often take time to deliberate which wall or corner is best for the TV. But rarely do we spend time thinking about the best place to read for hours in optimum conditions. It should be noted that reading is a highly active activity, quite the opposite from watching the TV…and once the plot has got you gripped, there’s no way to prise that novel from your hands. The best idea is to create a reading space near a window, where you can make the most of the natural light throughout the day.
The window allows you to also take small breaks from reading, to stop for a moment and just gaze at the horizon…this is one of the great things about reading: you can stop every now and again, think over what you have just read and what you can learn from it.
Another ideal location: near the bookcase, of course! While you’re at it, why not create a reading space next to the bookcase? Having all of your books nearby has a mysterious charm. If you don’t have a suitable window or a bookcase, then use any available nook that can house an armchair.
A comfy armchair: must-have item for a reading corner
Choose an armchair with a padded backrest and which is slightly reclined, around 10 to 15°. This is the best position to read in without risk of straining your back or falling asleep. If possible, use a footrest too. Yes—there is an art to choosing the ideal reading chair! And this is perfectly normal considering you might read for hours on end. If you have a decent budget, opt for a leather chair….comfort is the top priority when selecting your piece of furniture, but there is no reason this cannot be combined with an attractive look, making your arm chair part of the interior design.
A reading lamp…of the utmost importance!
If you intend to read at night, then you’ll need a decent reading lamp: a warm light that doesn’t damage the eyes but that does sufficiently illuminate the pages of your book. Avoid spotlights, they’re too harsh. The opposite extreme is also a bad idea. A lamp once again provides the opportunity to add a decorative flourish to your living room or chosen reading location.
A side table
The table will host your reading lamp, books, tea…positioned near your armchair, this table should come up slightly further than the height of your seat. The lamp light will thus shine from above, directly over the pages of your book. We recommend a round table, as straight lines are ‘harsher’ and less suited to rest and relaxation.
Decorative objects: plants, textiles….and books!
To refine the style of your reading area, add a nice houseplant or some cacti. You can also try out some interesting textiles, for example a floral print cushion to make the armchair even comfier.
Of course, the books themselves also serve as items of decor. If you don’t have shelves or a bookcase, then use a small cabinet to store your precious tomes! What would a reading corner be without a well-stocked library of books to hand?