It's the first weekend of summer months, but the forecast doesn’t have sunshine in the mix; instead, we’ll get our first peek at summer storms. Because of this, we’ve gathered some cozy reading nooks you could set up at home. We have 15 of our favorites from various Pinterest posts, but the options are endless, depending on the space you have. So grab a cup of tea, some blankets, and read up: Some of these dreamy spaces are life-changing for the coziness lover.
#1 TENT FORT
There's never a bad time for a tent fort, especially if rain is involved. And this one is tricked out with a chandelier!? Whatever light source you use, bring a little box or stand of some sort in so you can set up a little tea station in the middle of your soft blankets and pillows (there's never enough). Why not keep it up through the weekend so you can #NetflixAndChill in the comfort of your fort, inside the protection of your home, as it thunders outside.
#2 CHICKS LOVE BOOKS
For those who have the gift of sunrooms in their apartments or houses, this would be a great addition. Hang a papasan cushion or hammock from a corner in the space, and add your favorite blanket for extra comfort. Plants and healthy greenery put a level of serenity and inspiration into the room as well, so you can finish that novel you've been working on the past couple months. Aromatherapeutic candles could be lit in a safe place nearby for when the storm really sets in. And don't forget your farm chicken. They like to read, too.
#3 P.S. I LOVE YOU
This little living room corner just whispers rainy day laziness. Set up a love seat or your armchair of choice near some windows like this one. This property is surrounded by trees, and if yours is similar, then you're in luck. The wind and rain blowing through the trees will emulate ocean waves -- a nice solution to that beach dream you keep having at your work desk. There may not be sand around, but there's plenty of water. The only thing missing is your imagination, which is why we're catching up on our reading this rainy weekend.
#4 CHAMPAGNE
The light tans and champagne accents of this space will be a nice lift from the dark clouds out your window. Put some light colors and a nice glowing lamp near your spot and you're set. But if you can't figure it out, remember: champagne is always the answer.
#5 UNDER THE STAIRS
This is a true nook. Being under the stairs isn’t so bad all the time (sorry, Sir Harry Potter), especially when it's as comfy and secluded as this one. But what do you think is behind the door on the left? Surely there isn't a house elf taking up residency...
#6 SOUTHWEST FLAIR
If you don't have a cowhide, no worries! Just add a blanket or floor rug to your space so you can have something soft to rest your feet on as you turn the next page. This hanging chair could use an extra cushion or two, but there's something about lounging in a floating chair that makes the nook experience a little more magical. And the earthy tones of the wood accents (obviously the logs in the fireplace cutout) mixed with pops of color from books and knick-knacks create a bit of character that sets it apart from typical room corners.
#7 BUILT IN
This is a pretty sweet way to fill a built-in space near a front room. In fact, it looks like the one pictured was built specifically to be a reading nook. If your home doesn't have a custom space like this one, we found an easy tutorial (because it has pictures and walks you through each step!) for a DIY custom breakfast nook that you can make into a reading corner, or whatever you want. Check it out.
#8 MID-CENTURY FIREPLACE
Some of us have a thing for mid-century furniture like the ones pictured. Sidenote: the smoky gray with pops of red buttons make me swoon. Anyways: This is simple, like a couple others we have pictured. Natural light is important. With a window this large, you'll get all sorts of light, so when the storm rolls in, have a hovering lamp like this one nearby.
#9 CLUB LOUNGE
Oh, so cozy! The charcoals with purple accents... So nice. And the old picture on the wall, along with a random VHS tape make it feel like a secretive club lounge. Grab your Rolling Stone magazines and a Cosmopolitan (who said tea was the only drink for reading?). It's hip and comfy.
#10 RE-PURPOSED TRUNK
A faux-fur rug on top of carpet? My feet are calling for this level of comfort. A small log has been re-purposed into a nightstand, complete with a couple candles and reading glasses (for the fine print, of course). It doesn't get much better than this.
#11 IN THE TREES
This is basically a treehouse, right? Awaken those childhood memories and dreams. You're surrounded by trees old and recycled, and calm feelings galore.
#12 ROLL AWAY YOUR TROUBLES
If you need me, I'll be lounging in my bed-with-wheels, listening to Edith Piaf on vinyl and catching up on what Nancy Drew is up to today.
I love the simplicity of the lighting fixture and shelving. Even though nothing matches, everything matches, you know?
#13 SUITCASE SHELVES
This is more of a project than anything, but if you don't want to be lazy all weekend, it might be something for you. The re-purposed crates and suitcases add a vintage feel to the modern set-up. It's clean and simple, yet the wall decor compliments the art of old-fashioned books and publications instead of swiping through e-book pages on a Kindle or iPad. All hail the feel of paper rustling between your fingers.
#14 ATTIC SPACE
This one is pretty self-explanatory and simple. Use some of that attic space you've been unsure what to do with for a Personal Time Nook. Hear the rain pitter-patter on your roof as you get to Chapter Seven.
#15 WOODEN PATIO AND PAPASAN 2
Snuggle up with your cat and take a little snooze. The wood-paneling is impressive in this picture -- besides what's pictured, not much else is needed on the patio (besides you, if you have a chair of this size).
honorable mentions: inspiration
Cue "Moon River" by Holly Golightly (the sweet, late-Audrey Hepburn) in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."