Do you want to create a cozy nook where you can snuggle up with a good book on dark and gloomy days days and the weather outside is cold? Then have a look at how Scandinavians does it. No one does cozy reading nooks better than the Scandinavians. With their long and dark winters, they are used to spend a lot on time inside and know how to create a calm and warm atmosphere. The perfect reading nook requires only a few key elements to be a space where you can enjoy spending hours reading. I will in this blog post cover the key elements and some of my favourite places to create a reading nook in a home.
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The Scandinavian Basics
Scandinavian interior is easy and affordable to copy. The style is all about clean lines, neutral color palette, natural fabrics and keeping it minimalistic. The Scandinavian style tends to stay away from lots of pattern and bright colors. Instead, normal colors that are used will be colors like beige, white, brown, grey and black. Adding a calm green, like moss green, can also work. Try to focus on colors you can find in nature.
A calm place to read and relax
A reading nook should be a place where you can retire to after a long and busy day. A place where can mute all your engagements, requests and stress that you might feel throughout the day. It’s a place that removes all noise and makes you mind relax. Disappear into a novel for hours or get perspectives while reading the newspaper. It’s a place to reflect, relax and recharge.
What you will need for a Scandinavian Nook
To create a cozy reading nook, you will need the following pieces;
1. A place to sit
It could be on a sofa, a large pillow or on a bench next to a wall. But perhaps the easiest option is a relaxing chair where you can easily be comfortable in for hours. A comfortable back is also key to look for when you want to find the ideal chair for your nook.
2. Lots of pillows
Make sure that you have pillows that can support your back, but also make a atsmophere that is cozy and relaxing. Try mixing pillows in different fabrics and textures, but as mentioned earlier, keep it in a neutral color scheme if you are going for the Scandinavian look.
3. A blanket
A Scandinavian reading nook always has lots of blankets, even if it is warm outside. Make sure that your blanket fits with your temperature and make sure that it is always is within hands reach from where you are reading.
4. Your favourite candle
A reading nook is about making time for yourself, make therefore sure that you have your favourite scented candle in your reading nook. This is the time where you can finally enjoy your candles that you have been saving.
5. A tea mug
A great way to get straight into the right reading mood and relaxed mindset, is to have a dedicated mug for reading. Make sure that it is a mug that makes you smile when you see it and that you have only one reading mug, this will make the mug feel more special.
6. Sheepskin
For extra Scandinavian style points, add a sheepskin to the reading nook. A sheepskin makes a place more Scandinavian straight away and is also a material that makes you warm and cozy.
7. A reading lamp
Add a small reading lamp to the nook, it can be a standing reading lamp or a table lamp. The key element to the lamp is that it only light up your reading nook space and not the rest of the surroundings in the room.
Blanket from ScandiLiving // Warm and Cosy Mug from Amazon // White Mug from Broste Copenhagen // Brown Coffee Table from Amazon // Diptyque candle from Amazon // Furry pillow from Amazon // White pillow from Amazon // Sheepskin rug from IKEA // White blanket from IKEA // Scented candle from HM Home // White Chair from Amazon // Fluffy Slippers from Zara Home //
Now, that you have the essentials for creating a Scandinavian reading nook, here are my favourite places in a home to create that space:
The Fireplace Reading Nook
If you have a fireplace or a wood burner in your home, then a reading nook close to it is definitely a place to consider. Add a comfy chair, a pillow and a blanket in front of the fireplace and you have a dream corner of your home to enjoy a good book. I also love adding some candles to the fireplace. In this photo, I’ve used some old candle sticks that are suppose to be used for the dining room table, but I like mixing it up and not be too rule obsessed.
The Oversized Chair Reading Nook
The easiest way to add a reading nook, is to add an oversized chair to a corner of a room. Make sure that is is a chair that you can sit comfortable in for many hours. My recommendation is to get a chair with a high back rest and arm rest. These chairs will make you feel protected from the world outside. Add a few blanket, some pillows and a reading lamp and you will be ready to spend all day in an adventure of your mind.
The Window Reading Nook
Another brilliant place to spend all day reading a book, is in a window. I love reading in front of a view, especially when the seasons are changing. Summer transitioning to Autumn and Winter transitioning to Spring are definitely my favourites. Creating a reading nook that makes you appreciate nature while you are reading is definitely a good mix to help you relax.
Now it’s you turn
I hope you got inspired to make your own Scandinavian reading nook. It does not require many items to make a space into a cozy place to read. The most important thing is to make it a relaxing space for you where you can recharge. A place where you can slow down when life seems too busy to handle.
More Scandinavian Décor Ideas
For more ideas and inspiration, check out some other blog posts:
How to enjoy staying at home through a dark winter
Affordable Scandinavian Rugs for a perfect cozy vibe
5 tips to make your home warm and welcoming
