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Small Space-Reading Nook
by Jamie Novak
 You're just 10 steps away from having a place to sip a cup of tea and curl up with a good book...or this magazine!
1. Choose a corner of a room that you enjoy spending time in, preferably one that’s away from the noise of a television, computer or other distractions.
2. Find a comfortable chair, and consider how to best place it in the space you’ve chosen. Try the chair in different positions until you find the spot that suits you and the floor plan of the room. You may be surprised at how facing a chair in a different direction opens up a room or provides the seclusion you were looking for.
3. Toss a throw blanket over the chair, to make the space homier and more inviting. Choose a soft fabric like chenille or flannel or even indulge in cashmere. An inviting blanket is a small detail that can make a big difference.
4. Proper lighting is essential to a successful reading nook. Don’t skimp here. Splurge on good reading bulbs (try GE’s Reveal line) and a quality fixture, such as a floor lamp with a gooseneck reading light attached.
5. An ottoman with a lift-off top is the perfect place to store newspapers and magazines, and it’s great for putting your feet up. (TIP: If you recycle, crisscross two long strands of twine inside the bottom of the ottoman. As you finish with the newspapers and magazines, stack them on top of the twine and tie into bundles for the recycling bin. You can even store the twine and scissors in the ottoman for easy access.)
6. Placing a nightstand or small table, preferably one with a drawer, next to your chair will help keep your nook clutter-free. After all, you’ll surely want a place to put a drink, bookmarks, reading glasses, and a pen and paper.
 7. If you read a lot of magazines, consider installing a small, wall-mounted magazine rack. It stores and displays your magazines and takes up little room. If you’re short on wall space or don’t like the look, consider hanging the rack on the inside of a nearby closet door.
8. Books are the central element of your reading nook, so house them well. If there’s room, opt for a traditional floor–to-ceiling bookcase to maximize shelf space. If that’s not possible, consider wall-mounted shelving that you can customize according to your needs. (TIP: Unsure of how to categorize your books? Take a cue from any bookstore, and group the books by category. Place reference books together, mysteries side by side, memoirs in a group and so on. This way, you’ll easily find what you’re looking for.)
9. Personalize your reading area by hanging artwork or placing framed photographs on the table.
10. It’s hard to relax in a cluttered space. To keep your reading pile under control, maintain a running list of titles and buy a book only when you’re ready to read it. (TIP: Don’t forget the library. You don’t have to own every book you read. If you find something you love, you can always buy your own copy later.)
Your reading nook doesn’t have to be perfect right from the start. Put a few of the items in place and try them out. Add other pieces as you decide how you’ll really use the space. When you’re finished, curl up with a good book.
A RECIPE FOR READING
Here are some products to consider:
• A comfy chair
• A throw blanket
• Good lighting
• An ottoman with a lift-off top
• A small nightstand or end table
• A wall-mounted magazine rack
• Shelving
• Artwork or a photographs for display
PHOTOS: SETH SMOOT
STYLING: KENDRA SMOOT
Jamie Novak
Jamie Novak is the author of 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets (Sourcebooks). Find more tips and take her organizing quiz at jamienovak.com
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