Whimsies of a Nerd Girl

View Original

Cozy Reading Den DIY | Book Nook

Ashley Holdren

First of all let me start off by saying welcome to #25DaysofBookmas! If you’re new to my blog thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read up on my latest posts and if you’re a current follower thanks again for coming back!

I’m not gonna lie I thought I was pretty cool in coming up with the name of this #25DaysofBookmas series, but apparently I didn’t invent it as I had originally thought! A few years back some people had started it on Twitter as a means for adults to enjoy YA books so I guess in a way I’m sort of bringing back that tradition? *brow raise* Anyways, I just wanted you to know I’m not trying to take the credit of being the first to have ever used the hashtag, but I’m happy to bring it back to life since 2015 was the last year someone had used it! So without further ado let’s get this Bookmas party started!

Seeing as winter is a really chilly time of the year I thought it only fitting to blast off #25DaysofBookmas with a simple and fun DIY which is...creating yourself an awesome cozy reading den (aka book nook). Now you can make this as intricate and fancy as you want or more minimalist if that fits your style more. Keep reading further to build your perfect reading area!



All about that base, ‘bout that base!

#Sorrynotsorry, I couldn’t help myself there. Anywho, to begin we need to figure out exactly where this space is going. Will you be chilling on the floor? Lounging on your bed or couch? Pick a comfy spot for you and your books. If you’re not sure of a space here are some ideas:

  • Floor

  • Bed

  • Bay window

  • Corner of your favorite room (bonus points if it’s your own personal library)

  • Harry Potter style - in the closet

  • Blanket fort - b/c we all want to be a big kid, you know?

  • Teepee

  • Canopy



Sitting Arrangements

This is probably the most important part of the reading den process because the best part of reading is the relaxing. What floats your boat?:

  • Armchair

  • Couch

  • Lounge Chair

  • Floor pillow

  • Back pillow

  • Pillow nest

  • Blankets

  • Body pillow

  • Bean Bag chair

  • Butterfly chair

  • Hanging egg chair

  • Hammock/Hammock Chair

  • Chillbo Baggins - for when you’re limited with the other options. It’s easy and quick to set up!

  • Outdoor idea that I found while researching - TreePod Cabana (and now I can’t stop daydreaming about chilling in there during summer time)



Quotes & Decor

Now here’s the fun part! Spruce up that space with any of the following:

  • Decked out pillows

    • Some ideas on where to find some cool bookish ones:

      • Etsy

      • Society6

      • Redbubble

      • Amazon

  • Blankets

  • Tapestries / Posters / Signs

  • Dry erase board for all the musings

  • Lightbox

  • Canvases

  • Quotes in picture frames

  • Marquee board

  • Funko pop characters



Book Homes

Something that would be sweet to put in your reading den is a place to put your books! This can be a:

  • Storage basket/bin

  • Wooden crate

  • Tray

  • Bookshelf

  • Table

  • Desk

  • Pile into Bookstacks if you’re limited on money/space

  • Tote

  • Ultimate book dream: Book cart - BookRiot hosted a giveaway for one a while back and I cannot tell you how disappointed I was to have not won that 😭

    • Here are some nifty ones I found online instead:

      • I’d totally buy this teal one from Target if I had the extra space for it (I can dream though, right?). It also comes in black and white.

      • Technically this black one from Overstock is a trolley cart, but it works the same



Lighting

Whatever lighting you choose will really set the tone for your reading zone. Below are some basic and adorable ideas:

  • Floor lamp

  • Lamp

  • Fairy lights

  • String of large light-bulbs

  • Book Lights for those camping feels

  • Be extra: Chandelier 💁




Atmosphere

This is one of my favorite parts of my own personal book nook, it’s those little details that help make up the atmosphere for reading:

  • Candles

    • Bath and Body Works

    • Bookish candles

  • Wax warmers

  • Wall scents

  • Air freshener

  • ASMR

  • Spotify Playlists

  • Youtube videos/playlists

  • Fireplace - natural or store bought




That’s basically the gist of how to create your very own reading den! Do you already have a book nook? Did you see any ideas you’d like to add to your current one? Or are you excited to get started making one? Also, if you have any other suggestions to add to this list please share them with myself and others! I’d love to hear all about them! Feel free to tag me on Twitter: @WhimsiesofaNerd or Instagram: @WhimsiesofaNerdGirl to share some lovely pictures of them because they are seriously my bookish eye candy! 😍



If you’re taking part in #25DaysofBookmas, #Bookmas, and/or #BookBlogmas link your blog in the comments below so I can check them out! I get so excited about this time of year and I can’t wait to read your posts!

Read my other posts in the #25DaysofBookmas series!


Subscribe to my blog so you never miss another post!

Learn more about me - your friendly, interweb book nerd! :)



Follow me where I’m social:

Twitter: @whimsiesofanerd

Instagram: @whimsiesofanerdgirl

Goodreads: @whimsiesofanerdgirl

Pinterest: @whimsiesofanerd

Facebook: @whimsiesofanerdgirl



Have a suggestion or want to get in touch? Email me: whimsiesofanerdgirl@gmail.com