There is no better way to unwind after a long day at the office than losing yourself in a good book. Reading has the power to let ourselves be transported into a world full of excitement, drama, romance, danger and passion and there is simply no better way to forget the stresses of life for an hour or five. Finding the perfect reading spot, however, can be a process of trial and error and even after searching for what may seem like forever, you may still not be able to find that perfect place to settle down. So why not just create it yourself?
Nobody knows you as well as you do, and so you are the ideal person to create your perfect reading spot. Use furniture that is most comfortable for you and design an area based on your personality and style, creating your own little bubble and solace from the rest of the world with a vintage reading nook in your own home.
Seating
Vintage style is making a major comeback and there are a wide range of places you can find some beautiful pieces of retro furniture perfect for your vintage reading nook, such as eBay, antique stores or simply an old piece of furniture you already own. Whether you find a deep armchair to curl up in and sink into with your latest read or prefer to stretch out on a comfortable sofa, choose comfort first – whilst a chaise longue can add a decadent and antique feel to your vintage reading nook, it may not be comfortable enough for you to sit on for some time, so test your furniture first.
Tables
Don’t forget to add a table to your vintage reading nook for somewhere to place warm drinks and snacks so that once you are enveloped in your book you don’t need to keep getting up whenever you need something to drink or nibble on. A sturdy antique coffee table can add the feel of old world charm and also give you somewhere to prop your feet on if you have decided on an armchair for your reading nook, and in addition to this, a decorative side table gives you an elegant space to set an ornate lamp so you can read without straining your eyes and without having to ruin the atmosphere by turning on the bright main light.
Accessories
Other vintage accessories you can include to really give your reading nook the feel it has come straight from an Austen novel include decorative lampshades and vintage wall art. Antique wooden storage boxes are ideal for your reading space as they not only add a touch of old world elegance but also give you a fantastic usable space to store your books and magazines to prevent your nook looking over crowded. Vintage wooden crates and baskets also give you storage options for your favourite books and keep them all in easy reach.
Make use of unused space
Even if you think that there is no room in your home to create your own little reading space, there is always some unused corner of the house that could be transformed into reading paradise. Spare rooms are often the easiest places to create a reading area but if you don’t have the luxury of an entire spare room then it is time to get creative. Look at the space under the stairs to convert into a book lover’s haven or perhaps create an intimate reading area in your loft space. Conservatories also offer a lovely area to delve into a good book whilst enjoying the scenic views of the garden and the different types of weather.
Cover the basics
When creating your vintage reading nook you need to make sure that you have the basic fixtures and fittings covered to ensure you will be the most comfortable. You don’t want to be shivering with cold or squinting to see the text in your book, even if you have read it so many times you could possibly recite it by heart. A cast iron radiator is the perfect visual to create that vintage inspired look in your reading area. Not only will it keep you warm and toasty but it will also help you create an atmosphere that is a world away from modern life. Good lighting is essential for any reading nook to keep your eyes from straining to make sure you have nearby sockets for lamps or have adequate lighting from the main light in the room.
Don’t waste your time searching in vain for the perfect reading nook - create one yourself in the comfort of your own home to reflect your personality and style as you sink into the fictitious world of your latest read.
Working on behalf of Coventry Demolition Company, Dean Ronnie regularly writes about the influence of vintage elements within modern interior design. Dean is a fan of classic design and believes that there are many designs out there that will never be bettered. Designs that he urges people to embrace.