Winter in Chicagoland is cozy season, and there's nothing cozier than curling up with a warm drink and a good book on a snowy day. Of course, it helps if you have a great space in your home dedicated to reading!
If you don't have such a space, our real estate agents are here to help. These tips and tricks will help you design the perfect warm reading nook for winter afternoons in your home.
Choose a Spot with A View
You want your book nook to feel cozy but not confined. The best way is to pick a spot with a window. Natural light and a view outside will keep your reading area from feeling too hemmed in, even if it's a very small space.
Make It a Place to Lounge
The type of seating in your reading corner is essential. You want it to be comfy above all, and most people like a piece of furniture that they can either sit, lay or lounge on as the mood strikes. Converting a chaise lounge or a day bed into a reading area is a great way to ensure maximum comfiness. Vintage furniture can add extra personality to this space.
Pick a Cozy Color
There are a couple of ways to pick a paint color for your reading nook, and it partly depends on your home's existing color scheme. Choosing a light neutral will make the space feel airy and open — a good idea in small spaces — while a darker shade will amp up the cozy factor. Think deep purple, forest green or navy blue.
Make It Minimalist
If you're a fan of crisp, clean interior decoration, keep your reading area minimal. Perhaps a tasteful throw pillow or two, a few well-spaced shelves and a bare-bones reading lamp will create the spartan look you crave.
Make It Maximalist
There's also a case to be made for abundance when it comes to book nook decor. Pile on the pillows. Let the shelves overflow with reading material. Adorn the walls with eclectic art. Create a look that embraces multiple patterns, colors and textures.
Create a Multipurpose Space
Not every home has the right space or layout to make a standalone reading nook. That's okay — you can make the most of your available square footage by creating a multipurpose space. For example, a book nook with a day bed can double as a guest room, equally suitable for curling up with a book or hosting visitors from out of town.
Keep an Outlet Handy
When choosing a space for a reading nook, make sure there's an outlet or two nearby. Outlets are good to have if you want to charge your phone while you read or if you decide to curl up with your laptop instead of a book. Having power will also allow you the freedom to plug in a lamp or two.
Display Your Books
One essential ingredient of any book nook is books. But how to display them? If there's a corner of your home with built-in recessed shelves, then let that guide your decision of where to make your reading area. Otherwise, consider your shelving options. You could mount shelves on the walls in any configuration, choose an antique bookcase or get creative with bins or crates.
Contact us today to learn more about getting the most out of your Chicago home. Our real estate agents are here to not only help you find your dream house but also to live life to the fullest in Chicagoland.
