Read the room: Creating the perfect Book Nook

In the UK, 53% of adults consider themselves regular readers. However, 55% of adults in the UK also say they read less than they would like to. So where is the disconnect? We know there is an endless supply of literary masterpieces out there, and the ways to enjoy them have never been greater. Paperback, audiobook, even Kindle.

This got us thinking: maybe it's not always about what or how you read, but where? The comfort, the cosiness, the practicality. Can your surroundings turn a table-leg support into a veritable page-turner? Well, considering we are quite invested in the whole “better spaces, happier places” mantra, our answer is yes. A good spot can enhance any experience in the home, and the literary arts are no different. So hold onto your Hemingway and take your Austen in your arms. This is how to build the perfect Book Nook.

All stats courtesy of The Reading Agency

If you're a “one more can’t hurt, I’ll just add it to the list” type of reader, then you will know your home needs public library levels of storage. Or at least somewhere to put those paperbacks firmly sitting in the “I’ll get to it” pile. The reasons to prioritise storage in your reading space are myriad, but the two most important are practicality and aesthetics.

The right storage solution stops a space designed for relaxation from becoming cluttered and overwhelmed by your literary to-do list. It is also the perfect starting point for displaying your collection. After all, books are simply art in the form of words. They deserve to be displayed with just as much pride as any piece of visual art in the home. Keep your space organised so you can focus on one book at a time, while showcasing the collection that reminds both you and your guests what a cultured curator of the written word you truly are.

Reading is the third most popular free-time activity nationwide. Ranking so highly among the nation’s favourite ways to unwind tells us one thing: comfort is a key part of the bookworm experience. The right library lounge chair is the perfect way to let time slip by while each chapter builds its own alternative universe for you to enjoy from the comfort of home.

So, what is right for you? Well, that depends. Size, shape, shade — the three S’s. Firstly, size. Your chair should suit the proportions of the room. While it will likely become the focal point of your book nook, it should never dominate the space to the point of feeling cramped. Secondly, shape. This comes down to personal taste, but plush curves and pronounced lines are always a strong place to start. Thirdly, shade. Try to keep the neons to a minimum when choosing colourways. You want all the excitement to be dancing off the pages, not competing with them.

From amplifying emotion through ambience to simply allowing you to see the words on the page, lighting is crucial to the reading experience. Honestly, with this one, the more the merrier. Small lamps that create a multitude of lighting combinations throughout the space are always a good idea. If they are portable, even better. Adjustable floor lamps, wall lights, table lamps — you want to be able to set the mood from every angle and at every level.

We'll end at a bit of a fork in the road. Leaving it up to reader interpretation, if you will. The level of noise appropriate in your book nook is a divisive topic. If the viewership numbers of those lo-fi YouTube channels are to be believed, then there are a great many of us who enjoy some background noise to fill the room while we read. However, for some, silence is golden. 40% of readers say they struggle with distractions while getting stuck into their favourite novel.

So here are some options for both the "quiet, please" and the background boogie crowds. Dampen any outside agitators with a bit of soundproofing. Whether the real deal or just heavy-duty, DIY sound screening (Screens, rugs, and tapestries) or bring the noise with stunning quality audio systems: high-end speakers that can capture even the finest sound quality, even at a gentle level.