Gotta read? Then, this post is for book-loving newlyweds like you! We know that space in your first home may be modest. But if a reading area is a priority, then we have just the inspiration to show you the possibilities. From cozy window-seats, to his-and-hers armchair groupings, to combined living room-mini libraries! Then, to make your choice a reality, you can shop away among our suggested book-lover furniture pieces and accessories.
Living Room with a Reading Nook
Whether with built-in components or free-standing furniture pieces, see how tight spaces magically transform into inviting reading nooks!
1 – Turn even a tiny alcove into a cozy reading corner by installing a window seat with built-in book storage underneath. Then, all you’ll need are natural light from an overlooking window, and an oversized throw pillow to hug!
2 – Create a double-purpose dining and reading nook by adding comfy bench cushions and throw pillows to a wooden or concrete built-in bench. Use baskets as book holders and have a wall-mounted lamp for late-night reading.
3 – Keep your eye out for “dead spots” like the space in front of the fixed half of glass sliding doors. Assemble a stylish grouping of a classic upholstered armchair, paired with a modern side table and tripod lamp (3). Make it comfy with a crocheted throw pillow, and well-lit by balcony sunlight.
Image credits: 1 – Homedit / 2 – Jasmin-Marla Dichant Zartrosa, via Wohn Idee / 3 – Decoist
Living Room with His & Hers Reading Chairs
Prefer a larger reading area with a spot for each of you? Opt for a pair of armchairs, plus modular bookcases for both reading materials and decorative accents.
1 – Go for a bright, cheery vibe with matching yellow wingback chairs set in an all-white area. Keep the look unified with more yellows and greens in the white modular bookcases, the throw pillows, glass vases and area rug.
2 – For a more sophisticated ambiance, choose a pair of modern chairs in burnt orange to contrast with a blue-grey wall. Then, display your book collection and bric-a-brac in a glass-door bookcase, and have one sleek floor lamp each to read by.
Image credits: 1 – Ikea / 2 – Ikea
Living Room as Office or Library, Too!
Limited space calls for creativity and resourcefulness. So “doubling up” the use of your living room as a mini workspace or library can provide your must-have reading area!
1 – Position a scaled-down office desk amidst your living room seating and have multi-purpose open shelving in the same style. Cozy up the space with items like a fluffy pouf, assorted throw pillows, flowers in a vase, a soft throw, and fun decor accents
2 – Combine mid-century to modern in a living room-library graced by a leather sofa and a swivel armchair. Then, install a wall-to-wall shelving unit to have all your books ready at hand and save space at the same time.
Image credits: 1 – Pier1 Imports / 2 – Room and Board
Book Lover Basics to Style Your Home Reading Space
We went ahead and “read” your minds! Here are our starter items we recommend for creating a book haven in even the smallest living room. *Affiliate links below.
Chair and cushions
1 – Mitzi Stone Chair – via Pier1 Imports
2 – Standard Contour Settee Cushion in Calliope Birch – via Pier1 Imports
3 – Ottoman Cushion in Vibrant Paisley – via Pier1 Imports
4 – Gold Geo Chenille Lumbar Pillow – via World Market
Shelves and table
5 – 72” Leaning Bookcase – by Matrix via Wayfair
6 – 31” Cube Unit Bookcase – by Wildon Home® via Wayfair
7 – 63” Accent Shelves Bookcase – by Wade Logan via Wayfair
8 – Curtis Coffee Table – via Wayfair from Corrigan Studio
Lighting, décor, and accessories
9 – Loden Arc Floor Lamp Base – via World Market
10 – A to Z Natural Wooden Bookends – by EC World Imports via Wayfair
11 – Natural Hyacinth Rectangular Molly Baskets – via World Market
12 – Set of 4 Live Indoor Potted Plants (red aglaonema, snake plant, philodendron, and peace lily) – via Amazon
13 – 2’X3′ Block Print Jute Chindi Area Rug – via World Market
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