A separate reading corner is the absolute favorite place in the home for bookworms.
Set up a reading corner: the right seating
Does the reading corner also attract you magically when the weather is bad again outside? The new thriller can be really enjoyed in a cozy corner, the main actor here is definitely the seat.
armchair
It reads so much more comfortably in an armchair! Whether you like it in a retro armchair in the 60s look, a stylish velvet armchair or make a classic wing chair comfortable is of course up to you.
XXL armchair
Comfort is very important here! But be careful, you might never want to get up from an XXL armchair!
Recliner
An armchair bed is twice as practical! You use it to browse your favorite novel, and if you have an overnight guest there, they'll make themselves comfortable there.
Recliner
A recliner offers a lot of comfort, such as B. well-padded backrest, adjustable neck cushion and practical footrest or footstool.
Rocking chair
Rocking chairs are available in a wide variety of designs and styles: from minimalist chic with a metal frame to rattan chairs with a boho flair.
Bench with upholstery
Something very special is a bay window with a small bench for lounging around. Not everyone has that, of course! The good news: a small bench with seat cushions in front of the window is at least as sophisticated and cozy!
Chaise longue
Also one Chaise longue has high cuddling potential! Leaning against the high armrest, you can really stretch your legs and immerse yourself in your book.
Day bed
If you want to really relax while reading, a daybed is just right for you! Here you can stretch out and change reading positions as you are funny – and even take a nap.
The right light
Turn on the uplight and stick your nose in the book? You shouldn't make it that easy for yourself. Because our eyes need the right light for concentrated reading, especially when there is no longer enough daylight. Experts advise an illuminance of at least 300 to 500 lux, as well as an Ra value of at least 90. What is behind this value? This is the color rendering index, i.e. it provides information about the color rendering of a light: It shows how natural colors appear with a certain light source. On packaging for lamps, this is often indicated with the general reference index (Ra) or the Color Rendering Index (CRI). The sunlight offers the maximum natural color rendering and is the benchmark for this with an Ra value of 100.
In addition to general lighting, usually the ceiling light, you also need the right functional light. This includes direct light that should be glare-free, as recommended by Ludger Wollring from the professional association of ophthalmologists in Germany on NWZonline.de. Likewise, the light source should come from the left for right-handers and from the right for left-handers.
Floor lamp
A floor lamp or uplight does not have to disappear from your reading corner. Ideally, the floor lamp has a second arm so that the room is well lit on the one hand and offers a reading light for browsing on the other.
Clamp lamp
An alternative is one Clamp lampwhich is installed in the reading corner. Attached to the bookshelf, it can be properly adjusted for reading with a movable hinge.
For dimming
The older you get, the brighter the light should be. If there are several bookworms of different ages, dimmable lamps are the perfect compromise!
10 ideas for setting up the reading corner
The final touch-up for your reading corner is still missing. Be inspired by these 10 tips:
ceiling
If it's uncomfortable outside because summer is taking a break or it's winter anyway, the corner definitely needs a cozy blanket. Or really trendy at the moment: fake fur.
Side table
A glass of red wine or a cup of tea can be placed on the side table and should match the style of the rest of the corner.
Candles
A few will fit on your little table Candles for the right mood – especially hygge, especially in autumn and winter!
Plants / flower vase
Plants cut a good figure on the table, next to you or the side table and contribute to a homely feeling of living. It doesn't have to be a huge flower staircase, a few flowers on the table conjure up a nice atmosphere.
Magazine rack
Books, newspapers and magazines can quickly find their place in the good old magazine rack.
baskets
Instead of a magazine rack, baskets do the same. Depending on the size, books, magazines, reading glasses and the plaid fit in there!
carpet
Home textiles are one of the most important elements when it comes to comfort. In addition to a blanket, you can ideally round off your harmonious place with a rug.
photos
A small gallery can increase your feeling of relaxation even more. Here we show you how you can hang up pictures so that everything looks harmonious.
Photo wallpaper
Fancy photo wallpapers are more unusual, regardless of whether you are sticking a Caribbean landscape on your wall or have fallen in love with a current trend.
Wall decoration
Fortunately, there are many ways to beautify your own four walls (not just in the reading corner)! How about a DIY wall decoration in boho style or original wall towels? You can find even more inspiration in our wall decoration ideas.
Color for the feeling of living
Colors have a major impact on our wellbeing. Accordingly, it is advisable to choose a color that promotes a positive feeling of living:
- green works harmonious and calming
- yellow has a mood-enhancing effect and puts you in a good mood
- red can look cozy – if it is accentuated!
- purple is sensual and can have a calming effect in moderation
- pink has a relaxing effect
- blue promotes relaxation and serenity
Reading corner in the living room or bedroom?
The question of whether the reading corner should be set up in the bedroom or rather in the living room cannot be answered across the board. Every apartment is cut differently and the living situation also plays an important role. If you want an hour's rest to read, the living room may not be the right place to relax because the family or roommates come and go there … So which room is ultimately the right choice has to be decided individually. Who knows, maybe you feel most at home in an alcove in the comfortable eat-in kitchen ?!
Tip: You can find more kitchen-living room ideas here!
Reading corner by the window
A place at the window is ideal for reading, so the daylight is optimally used. When it starts to get dark, the exciting thriller is far from over thanks to the reading light. If you haven't set up your reading corner directly on the windowsill or in the bay window, you will find inspiration here on how to make your windowsill really cozy.
Tips for a reading corner in the nursery
In a reading corner, your child can withdraw and read in peace. Or you can make yourself comfortable to read aloud together. The same applies here, of course: The right light and the right seating should not be missing!
Ideas for the children's reading corner
- tent: Here the youngsters can withdraw and be completely to themselves!
- sky: Heaven gives the child a feeling of security and the opportunity to withdraw from the outside world (like affectionate siblings).
- Beanbags: With beanbags, comfort also moves in! Here the little ones can sink into their reading not only in the beanbag but also very relaxed.
- Floor cushions: Lounging on a floor cushion is particularly good – and reading in pairs.
- Day bed: Older children and adolescents can really stretch out on a daybed and probably don't want to stop reading at all.
- Hanging chair: Looks stylish and is also comfortable!
- Bench under the loft bed: A cozy reading corner is particularly good under a loft bed – and no space is wasted!
Bookshelf or stack of books – which type are you?
A reading corner is not only given a personal touch with seating and accessories. How you store your books also contributes to the feeling of living. Which type are you?
Book wall – for bookaholics
Do you love books? Then you probably already have a wall of books at home in which all your favorite pieces have found their place.
Bookshelf – for everyone who likes things tidy
Everything in a row and well stowed away, maybe sorted by color or alphabet – this is how the tidy feels really comfortable!
Book bar – for readers with style
The new photo book, the art magazine and the intellectual novel are perfectly staged on the bookcase.
Bücherberg – the book bohemian
Lock up books on a shelf, no, that's not for you, you'd rather have them close to you!
Whether you set up your reading corner right next to your books is not only a question of space, but also a matter of taste! Where you set up your reading corner, whether in the living room, office or on the balcony, is up to you.
Are you a decoration queen, a minimalist or just looking for a new style? Then have a look through the BRIGITTE Community – there you will find like-minded people.
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