Why Have a Nook?

Because they are cozy, warm and comforting. Nooks are great spaces to enjoy various activities such as reading, eating, sleeping or relaxing. Not yet convinced? Here’s what else they are good for:

• They provide privacy. If you live in a busy and noisy home, a nook can serve as a private getaway to your own quiet space. You can read or work in relative quiet.

• They are special. Cozy nooks provide a break from the “usual”. It becomes a special place for you to escape to that allows you to relax with a book or bowl of ice-cream or just your thoughts.

• They are fun for kids. Some of our best nook ideas are designed for kids.  You can create a nook just for play or for certain activities like reading.


• They are easy and inexpensive to set up. You will realize just how easy it is even in a small home–you can even set one up in a closet. Since it is a smaller space, decorating and furnishing a nook will not cost you much. In fact, you can often fill it up with things you already have around the house.

The best thing is that you can set up cozy nooks just about anywhere. They take very little space and require very little in terms of furnishings. So don’t worry if you have a smaller home with less space, we have some examples to inspire you.

5 Factors to Consider When Setting up a Cozy Nook

1. How Big Do You Want It?

By their definition, nooks are small spaces. So most of the nook ideas you will come across feature tiny spaces turned into cozy spots. But a nook can also be big and even fill up an entire room. It all depends on what you need.

If you are creating a reading nook for your two kids, you need to make sure it is big enough for both of them. If the space needs to accommodate 3 or more kids, why not turn the attic into a nook where they can play, read and have fun?

If the nook is for you, make sure that you are going to be comfortable in it. Can you stretch your legs when inside? Can you easily get in and out? Otherwise, there is no point creating something that makes you feel cramped and claustrophobic.

The size will also be determined by what you plan to use the nook for. If it is simply for relaxing or reading, a small one will do just fine. If the kids need a place to play with their toys, create something large enough for them to jump and run around. If you are looking for a private space to do your art or work on your book, you’ll need a fairly sizable nook.

2. Where Will it be Located?

Most nooks are small, making it easy to find a place around the house to set one up. One of the most common locations is under the stairs. Depending on how large the space is, you can set up anything from a day bed for reading to a mini-bedroom for daytime naps.

Room corners are also ideal locations. Some dinning nook ideas take advantage of the seclusion offered by room corners. You will also come across small breakfast nook ideas that utilize a single corner to create a restaurant-style breakfast space.  You can set up a corner nook for your kids in their bedroom. Use color and furnishings to separate it from the rest of the room.

Here are other nook location ideas you can use:

Attic –  The low and sloping roof makes the attic feel warm and comfy. If you need a larger nook, the attic is perfect. You can set up a personal library, a private sleeping space or a kids’ play area. The only downside is that it may require more work and money to renovate.

Basement – If you have a finished basement, you could borrow a small part of it to set up a nook. The corner spaces are especially great. You can use it for work, reading or one of your many hobbies. Another idea is to create a small where you can enjoy a special beverage after a long day.

Hallway –  Instead of leaving a boring dead end at the end of the hallway, why not set up a cozy space anyone can relax in? Add some warm lighting for those who want to get lost your latest novel.

Window – A padded bench under the window is the quintessential reading nook. At the very minimum you can simply place a bench under the window and make it your own bookworm nook. For something a bit fancier, you can have a contractor build something more elaborate complete with padding and storage.

Closet – This is another location that is as popular as under the stairs. Because of the small space, closet nooks are usually for one person and are just big enough for reading.

This list could go on and on because there are so many places you could set up a nook. So don’t be limited by our suggestions. These are just the obvious ones. Go around your house and you are sure to find the perfect secluded spot for a cozy nook.   You could have a nook in the kitchen, in the middle of a room and even outside. With a little bit of creativity, your options are endless.

3. Decorating and Furnishings

Decorating and furnishings not only make a nook special and warm, it also makes it practical for whatever activities you are planning.

You don’t have to do a full renovation when decorating a nook. Often a new coat of paint will do. We recommend a color that stands out from the rest of the room while still creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

As for furnishings, what you need depends on what you plan to use the nook for. If it is reading, make sure you have something comfortable to lie back on. Consider throwing in a few pillows for maximum coziness.  A small bookshelf would also come in handy. If you have the space, you can hang a few pictures. If it is a play area for kids, add some storage for the toys. If it is a work area, a comfortable desk and lighting are essential.

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4. Lighting

Don’t forget this crucial aspect when setting up a nook. Whether it is for reading, playing or eating, lighting is essential not just for illumination but also for setting the nook apart in terms of style and décor.  The you use–overhead, wall or floor lamp; will depend on the unique architecture of your nook.

In some locations such as under the stairs, a recessed overhead lamp is great. If you have a bench under the window, a portable floor lamp will be handy when you want to read at night. For locations such as the attic or end of the hallway, you can take advantage of the space and use multiple lighting styles.