Reading is beneficial to human health in various ways. It helps us to escape our worries for a while, and it keeps our minds sharp. But many people don’t read as much as they’d like to, and sometimes they never get round to reading at all. How to remedy this?

One way to make sure you pick up a book regularly is to set aside a period each day to read. When you’ve decided upon this time, how about choosing a quiet, relaxing place where you can enjoy your book to the max? You could set about creating a cosy ‘reading nook’.

The Concept of Reading Nooks

A nook is a corner or recess that offers seclusion, so it’s ideal for reading. You don’t have to go to great lengths to create such a space since most homes have at least one or two quieter spots that might be suitable for reading. But you can do a few things to make this area more inviting.

Seating Arrangements

First things first, where are you going to sit when you start your reading habit? You’ll want a comfortable surface to sink into. Here are some ideas:

• Armchair (footrest optional)
• Bed (perhaps with a surrounding sheer curtain for intimacy)
• Chaise longue
• Sling chair
• Sofa
• Swinging chair
• Window seat

Lighting

Window light is always pleasant to read by. Otherwise, try a strong directional LED light. Senior readers usually need more lumens of light to discern text than younger bibliophiles.

Wallpaper

Choose some wallpaper or artwork that harmonises with the rest of the reading space and adds to the ambience. Creative online vendors such as Familywalls.co.uk provide plenty of inspiration.

Bookshelves

What could be more apt for a reading area than to have an extensive collection of books nearby, ready to be plucked from their shelves?

Cushions

For extra cosiness, have one or two cushions available. Floor cushions lend plenty of laid-back appeal. You could even catch forty winks on them if the reading makes you sleepy.

Houseplants

A few green-leaved houseplants or a bunch of flowers help to create a calm, de-stressed mood for reading.

Make It Happen

Few habits enrich our lives more than reading. If you haven’t already, start making books and literature part of your daily routine. Pick a time, fashion a space, and turn over a new leaf.