For the Love of Cozy Book Corners
- Katie Kowalski-Little
- Feb 9, 2023
- 4 min read
Photo Credits: First photo from Book Bub. Second photo is from Boho Hippie Chick Facebook Page. Third photo is from Decoholic Blog.
For most of us, it is chilly outside right now as we embark into February. It is as if Winter has finally decided to make itself known. It can be difficult this time of year. Bitter cold. Snow on the ground with very little color popping through with brown trees, or a just a lonely red cardinal. It can really do a number on your mental health. Thing is, it does not have to. February is the month of love. It is the time to finish some decor designs inside, brighten up your home, make it cozy and warm. Or get that cozy book corner set-up. Granted styles can differ from person to person, but I hope I can provide some great tips and photo inspiration. Dig deep into what your ultimate book corner would look like and enjoy this post.
I have been reading a few other blog posts, most are from interior designers and a few from fellow book bloggers. One thing I have to say is that there are so many different aesthetics and preferences that it can be hard to decide how you want your area for reading to look and the vibe you want it to give off. Do you want color? Plants? Boho-chic? Traditional furniture? Window seats? The type of lighting, as in hanging, or lamps? Rustic, or cottage? Neutral colors? There are so many options and choices. Of course we all have own preferences, and no one preference is better than the next. However, there are some key essentials to creating the right space for you and your family.
Cost. What is your budget? We all have a certain range that we can live with when we are doing any kind of interior design projects or renovations. Some can range from a $50 all the way to $4,000+. Of course, be careful to stick to your budget, as it sure can go over the longer our wish lists become. Great places to get some amazing things on a budget are:
Wayfair: www.wayfair.com
At this site you can get so many neat shelves, chairs, decor and other furniture.
Your local antique shop:
You never know what you may find. Usually, you can find cheap DIY projects to complete.
Hayneedle: www.hayneedle.com
At Hayneedle, there are some great inspirational posts, curated pieces and decor for that perfect cozy book corner.
2. Theme. We all have an idea of our favorite type of design. We can prefer to have a rustic theme, Boho, French cottage, Country shabby, modern, minimalist. So many themes to choose. But one thing for sure is you want it to be comfortable, usable, and fits with the rest of the home if it is visible to the rest of the house.
I love a good Boho, Country Cottage/French, or Victorian style. If I could keep plants alive, I'd have them hanging from all over the place. I love wildflowers stenciled onto the wall. Victorian furniture. Beautiful rugs, and comfy pillows and plush blankets.
3. Lighting. This one is a source of contention in a way. I say this because as a book lover and someone with archiving in her blood, proper lighting is crucial in keeping the books and other reading materials you have in your nook protected (along with proper temperature & humidity control). It is necessary to know that sunlight exposure and wrong lighting can ruin books over time. However, if you look at blogs by interior designers, they love the natural light. They will even say you need as much as possible. I mean who doesn't love a great view!?! I do. But my hesitation is the preservation of the books or other materials in your book corner. Constant sun exposure to books or other reading materials/paper can make it deteriorate faster. While we may not see it, it is happening. That is why old home libraries and libraries are dark. However, we can work around this by having your reading nook with the view, but still preserve those books. You can figure out a location for the books where they receive the least amount of sun exposure, yet have your seating area by the window for the view. Another way to protect the books is to invest in windows that allow you to have the view and the sun, but the UV light is blocked from coming into the home. This is costly, but not out of reach.
4. The amount of shelving. This is very important. The space is for you to sit and read after all. Make sure you have enough shelving for your books and have room for new books that you may receive as gifts or purchase yourself. Thing is, this does not have to be boring old shelves either!
So now you have an idea what is a must in order to create that perfect for YOU cozy book corner. Honestly, many blogs will say that you need this or that, but to tell you the truth, the ONLY thing that matters is........
What YOU want & if it was FUN to plan and bring it to fruition!
Nothing else matters. So, get out there, enjoy the process, and soak in your time reading or simply relaxing in your own cozy little (or big) book corner. Happy Reading my fellow book lovers! Oh, and be sure to share your dream space, or what you have already created. I would love to see those spaces.
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