Hello, reader friends,
Nature gifted us with a four-day weekend. The thing about this gift is it was unexpected. Last Monday, we were planning for a hectic weekend. Friday was a five-hour basketball event, followed by most of us going on the road for more extracurricular activities.
This had been a warm winter, and our plans, while tiring, were within reason.
Then the forecast changed on Tuesday. A cold front was coming through.
Then those tiring plans turned into a daunting cloud promising drives that would have us clinging to seatbelts, wearing layers, and packing extra clothes for a “just in case” situation.
On Wednesday, the Saturday events were canceled.
On Thursday afternoon, the announcement came: the school would be closed due to extreme temperatures (-57 with wind chill).
Winter waved a wand and gave us a four-day weekend.
During this time of year especially, curling up in a cozy corner and escaping into a book is something we all like to do. I have images on my Pinterest board of what I’d like, and one day, I’ll have a picturesque reading room. For now, I am in practice mode, which means I have a lot of reading nooks….just in case a friend wants to stop by for a reading retreat.
So, while the wind is blowing, snow is falling, and the barometer is dropping, I feel like a queen in my cozy little world. It’s easy to do. I’ll share how.
1. The Perfect Spot
As mentioned earlier, reading nooks don’t need to be large or take up too much space. It just needs to be cozy. Find a corner that feels right – it might be by a window with a view of the winter wonderland outside or a snug space next to the fireplace. The key is finding a place to cuddle up so you can be comfortable while getting lost in the pages of a good book.
2. The Throne of Comfort
A comfortable chair is the crown jewel of your reading nook. Choose something you can sink into, whether it’s a plush armchair, a rocking chair, or a bean bag. Add soft cushions for extra coziness and a throw blanket to snuggle under as you dive into your next adventure.
3. Lighting the Way
Proper lighting also transforms the reading experience. A soft, warm lamp with a welcoming glow is easy on the eyes and adds to the cozy ambiance. Natural light streaming through a window can be wonderfully soothing for daytime reading, especially if it’s snowing outside. To stay warm, I have a portable fireplace nearby.
4. A Mini Library
If space allows, a small bookshelf within arm’s reach is a delightful addition. For those spots that don’t have room for a shelf, I stack books I want to read with a knick-knack on the top. I also have a to-be-read (tbr) cart that I wheel around the house. I also store snacks, highlighters, pens, and a little notebook for quotes.
5. Personal Touches
Make sure to add little things that you love. A scented candle, a favorite cup, a plant, and definitely a blanket and some decorative pillows. These things say reading zone and sit down and relax.
Share Your Cozy Nook
I’d love to see the cozy reading spots you’ve created. Feel free to share photos or describe your reading nook in the comments. Let’s inspire each other with our little corners of literary peace.
As we embrace these colder months, I hope your reading nook becomes a beacon of warmth, comfort, and magical escapes into the world of stories.
Stay warm and happy reading,
Merri 🌟📚❄️