Except for a hammock under a fine canopy during the summer, there is hardly a more pleasant place to relax with a book in hand than... the window. That's why it's not surprising that more and more people are falling in love with these cozy corners that combine the comfort of relaxation - with or without a book - with abundant light and homely warmth. If there's a drawer or a bench nearby, it becomes the perfect little home mini-library. Some may think that such a nook suits large houses with huge yards and spacious rooms, but due to its small size, it's not difficult to create one even in an ordinary small apartment. Below, we'll give you a few ideas on how to create your own cozy reading corner by the window.
To ensure comfort for relaxation, the corner should be comfortable above all, but you may be wondering how it should look exactly. Here are some basic guidelines that might help you.
What is it made of?
It depends, of course, on the interior. It can be made of solid wood in a furniture style, plywood or MDF, or even OSB boards. DIY enthusiasts can be inventive and use an old crate or a kitchen corner, for example.
What should be the size?
• Depth: around 40 to 60 cm.
• Backrest: preferably upholstered or with a framed wall section with a height of about 50 cm above the level of the "bench" itself.
• Length: at least 125 cm, enough for a person to lie down with their back against the wall and stretch their legs.
• Height: about 45 cm above the ground, at chair level, or around 70 cm - at window sill level; a cushion thickness of about 5-10 cm.
Which is the most suitable room?
Any room in your home can accommodate the reading nook. Here are a few options:
In the bedroom: If there is a sunny window in the bedroom, the reading nook will be perfect there. It can become a decorative element of the room. Those who read in this spot will benefit from the quietness of the sleeping area, allowing them to concentrate on their reading material.
It's important to keep in mind that the bedroom should be kept cool, so the reading nook may not be the most comfortable spot for a leisurely nap - at least not for those who prefer warmth. But what's stopping you from wrapping your legs with a fluffy blanket?
In the living room: The reading nook is suitable here if a person spends a significant part of their day in the room. Whatever activities they engage in at home, they are tempted to take a moment to relax. Guests will be amazed when they see the reading nook, and the fact that it is not just a sofa by the window allows everyone to fully enjoy the outside views.
In the home office: Those who have a home office can easily create a relaxing and reading nook in that space. Nearby, they can have bookshelves, a library, and a desk. Home offices should be well-lit areas, so a reading nook in the office is an excellent solution from an eye health perspective as well.
In the kitchen: If space is limited in the home, a reading nook can be created in the kitchen, as long as it is sufficiently bright. The construction below the level of the bench can be enclosed as a cabinet. Everything necessary for a pleasant reading session with a book in hand is within reach - for example, making aromatic tea, coffee, or homemade cookies.
In a niche: An ideal option is to create a reading nook near a window or at least in a location that provides quality lighting.
The window:
The window for the reading nook should be of the highest energy-efficient standards. It is important for the double-glazing to be made of so-called high-efficiency (thermal insulating) glass. It retains heat inside the home during winter and blocks it during summer. Moreover, a wooden window is probably the ideal choice for a reading nook because, in addition to creating a sense of warmth and coziness, wood is renowned for its excellent thermal insulation properties.
Last but not least, it is worth considering an airy and elegant curtain that can darken the room during sunny days and protect the eyes during reading. Rollplast offers a wide range of interior blinds in various colors and sizes to satisfy every taste.