Bedroom Reading Nook Ideas Revealed!

There are days I simply cannot drag myself away from our newly decorated reading nook. It’s just that comfy. I’ve been waiting to share our delightful new family spot with you, and finally decided not to wait until the blog’s new design to reveal our bedroom reading nook!

When I first took on recreating a corner of our bedroom, I thought to add a simple couch to make it a more useful space. Here’s the before look – plain, serviceable, but difficult to access the dresser, and attracted clutter.

Working with Raymour and Flanigan to recreate this space, I found many ideas by window shopping online first. I even tested potential layouts in their virtual room planner!

I had one main challenge: the area is underneath an eave. So part of that space isn’t fully usable as most people can’t stand up straight. The sloped roof required a certain size and placement of pieces.

Are you ready? Here’s the “after” look at our reading nook!

Doesn’t it make you want to curl up with a good book and cup of coffee?

Get inspired with our bedroom reading nook ideas!

SEATING: As you can see, I ended up changing my mind entirely about the couch and went with a double chaise lounge instead. I’m glad I did. The chaise lounge adds interest to the room. Angling it gives dimension, using the space in a cozy way. There’s plenty of space to relax and chat and read together on a double chaise. I love how the curved seat allows the baby to easily climb up and join us as he wills!

I feel that lounge inviting me to snuggle up with a blanket every time I walk in the room. Yeah, it can be a huge temptation this Mom has to resist at times!

ACCENT SEATING: I have a crush on these nesting ottomans – their elegant stitching and rich coffee color drew my attention right away. I use one as a side table to hold books and coffee cups. The other the boys love to sit and climb on!

SIDE TABLE: The faux leather trunk table compliments the leather features of the ottomans, but with a distinctive shape and texture.

I looked for items with functional beauty – this striking trunk table has an added bonus of storage revealed under the hinged lid!

FLOORING: To soften the overall look, I went with a circular area rug and placed it partially under the lounge. The colors in the rug pick up on nearly all the colors used, even a touch of blue hidden in there!

Circular shapes in the rug and nesting ottomans blend the reading nook into the rest of the room.

LIGHTING: I chose this metallic open weave table lamb, a contrasting texture to the leather and upholstery. I also liked how it has a round base to soften the feel.

Mixing textures can be done! Try repeating them in small details throughout the design for continuity!

COLOR! I had to have some color pop! The leaf patterned metallic kidney pillows gave me just what I was looking for; I especially love the metallic threads and brilliant teal color, which I highlighted with a teal throw blanket and extra pillow. I know, who’d have thought I’d have the perfectly matching teal pillow just hanging around the house, but I did!

Moving decor items into different rooms gives them new life!

ACCENT DECOR: For a few finishing touches, I created my own artwork with a DIY framed fabric wall hanging, picking up the colors throughout the setting. So fun to make! I also created a DIY frame tray to hold coffee or a notebook for journaling.

Hubby added a few frame shelves that I re-purposed as book shelves, and they hold several books at a time for us to browse and read.

How do we spend our time in our bedroom reading nook?

Our children have completely taken to this space. In the morning, our oldest son pads down the hallway and if he finds me sleeping, he scoots up onto the chaise lounge and happily reads a book, letting Mommy sleep! Hallelujah!

At night, the boys laugh and play, chasing each other up and down the sloped bench of the lounge, until settling in for bedtime stories.

When both boys caught colds and struggled to breath at night, we held them upright, where both parent and child could get rest and comfort! When I have to nap the boys in separate rooms, I snuggle the baby under the blanket and he falls right asleep. I have to be careful I don’t drift off too! In many ways, this chaise lounge is better than our rocking chair!

Our small space went from a clutter-magnet to a purposeful, cozy reading nook. It makes me — well, all of us! — rather giddy with happiness!

Professional advice made all the difference

I couldn’t have done it without the support and expertise at Raymour and Flanigan during my planning, shopping and delivery (which, by the way, major kudos for the delivery men moving that lounge UP stairs and AROUND corners!). It was so worthwhile to have the help of a seasoned interior decor professional help me work through colors and styles as I created this look.

In the Raymour and Flanigan showroom, friendly staff dedicated themselves to helping me select the perfect pieces. I’d told my mom I’d be out in 30-45 minutes (she was watching the kids!). Yet I became so absorbed in the process of coordinating accent pieces that TWO HOURS went by and I didn’t even know it! (sorry, Mom!).

The expansive showrooms give you inspiration at every turn, and they even allowed me to cart a few pieces back and forth to  see how they’d look together! (Thank you!). I’m one of those “I’ll know it when I see it” people!

For more “nook” inspiration, visit the Raymour and Flanigan Style Board here!

I hope I’ve inspired you with ideas for your small spaces….don’t you have a spot you’d like to reinvent?

Thanks to Raymour and Flanigan for providing items to create this post. All opinions are my own.