Last year I got back to reading books.

It’s not that I ever really let go of reading. I would manage to polish off a book here and there over years. But in 2022, I decided to make reading a daily priority.

I started off the year in January of 2022 with the goal of reading 1 “business” book a week.

By the end of March, that was getting old, and I started to feel like I was DONEZIES with business books.

So, to not lose complete interest in my goal, I opened to themes in self- help and spirituality as well. Variety helped to spice it up.

Then, I discovered library sales and that tipped the scales even further. Now, I could buy books in bulk for mere dollars a bag. I expanded the themes more: fiction, non-fiction, mystery, thriller, biography, autobiography, and essays. Let’s just say, it’s become a thing and I needed to convert my hall closet into a full-on mini library just to keep up with the accumulation.

(I know what you’re thinking… Why not just get a Kindle and call it a day. Why bother with all these books?) Well, I’m one of those people. The ones who prefer to hold a book, smell the pages, feel the weight, it’s all kinds of sensory stuff for me. And, judging from the scores of people at these sales, I’m not alone. Sure, there’s the handful of book re-sellers: the folks who buy low and sell for profit online, but the vast majority are voracious readers just trying to satisfy their fiction fix. That’s me.

What does this have to do with small rooms?

Well, since I ended 2022 with hundreds more books, I wanted to write about pretty ways to store and keep books in small homes. It’s inspiration for me and, hopefully for you too.

Let me set the scene…

This is about cozy spots that combine some book storage and a comfortable place to sit while enjoying a good read.

Since I also live in a small house, I know that space is precious and allocating a spot dedicated to one activity; reading, might seem frivolous to some, but for those of us who get it, it’s a small luxury.

The trouble is many small houses don’t have tons of unused space just waiting to be turned into reading nooks. So, I wanted to challenge myself to find the best of the best in terms of:

• space usage,

• storage,

• comfort,

• and aesthetics.

What you’ll see are well thought out and masterfully implemented book nooks.

If you’re a reader, plagued with piles of homeless books, you’ll find creative book nooks for any room in your small house here.

Let’s get into these 25 gorgeous small home rooms reading nooks!

Common Spaces

1. The Secret Book Nook Hang Out

I love this idea, It’s a small nook under the stairs.

This little spot is for kids, but don’t you just want to crawl in there and chill?

I love the storage underneath the bench seating and the different paneling on the walls makes it so special, don’t you think?

In case you were wondering, the door on the right leads to a secret hangout for the kids and the little Hobbit door on the left is another way into the hideout.

It’s giving me all kinds of Alice in Wonderland vibes! Talk about a masterful use of space.

The pitch of the ceiling in the nook follows the angle rise of the stairs.

Perfect!

This is a great way to steal some unused space and make it useful. I Love that there’s an upholstered bench seat and some throw pillows to bring up the cozy to another level.

And it would be super easy to switch up the soft coverings as the kids grow; just recover the seat and change out the pillows.

I also love that they added a light fixture to the wall as well. You can’t have a reading nook without a reading light, right?

A no-wire option would be to install a rechargeable USB light bulb in the fixture.

Easy peasy.

2. A Hamptons Window Book Nook

This nook space is for the grownups.

It’s a genius way to make a sort of awkward nook into a fully functional space with purpose.

Think about that for a second. It can be tough to find function for smaller corners like this. You could put a plant in the window or a table or chest with a lamp. But turning it into a reading nook is a lovey way to cozy up the space and make it come alive.

Notice how the book storage seeps into the nook from the shelving on the left side. Like the last space, the use of coordinating bench seat cover and pillows helps to unite the entire room in a flawless color scheme.

I’m feeling a coastal influence and I’m so curious what the view outside is… Could it be a beautiful garden or a secluded path to the beach in the Hamptons?

3. A Tiny Library Room

It not necessary to build into a niche or window area. You can also steal space in smaller areas to create the perfect little book nook oasis.

Here you can see the room is quite small. It could be in a house with small rooms, or it could be in a space like a den or former nursery room…

Notice the wrap around bookshelves all painted the same color. That touch blends the room and creates a unified color palette contrasting the vastly different colored book spines.

The architecture in the room being all the same color makes the space feel cohesive.

An inviting chair and side table for a hot beverage or glass of wine. The symmetry and balance of the shelves, and the window seat radiator cover, it’s all perfect and it makes this space incredibly inviting.

4. The Open Cubby Book Nook

This idea is great if you only have a little bit of space for a nook.

They used the depth of the bump-out next to the window to determine the depth of the bench seat.

The open storage for tons of books underneath is great, don’t you think? It’s neat and organized.

This space could be used for other things but building out something purposeful and unique like this is so much better!

I can see something like this is a small living room or family room. Again, the simplicity is really what makes it so special.

It would be a snap to change the colors, paint the built-in, change the bench upholstery and pillows. You can easily customize this look to any room and update it whenever inspiration strikes.

I found this image on the “This Old House” website and the article it was featured in has lots of detailed pictures and material plans in case you’re looking to DIY something like this for yourself. Check it out for lots more inspiration.

5. Surprise at the Top of the Stairs Book Nook

This is like the last idea but it’s in a different spot.

Dare I say a spot that would probably not get used for something as purposeful as this, right?

I love that this nook is incorporated into the window space. It looks like a dormer style window judging from the slope of the ceiling. These kinds of spaces are notoriously difficult to furnish and make useful.

And the fact that it’s at the top of the stairs makes me think it would otherwise be a dead space.

Turning it into a reading nook with book storage crates a whole other level of useful functionality and purpose.

I love the sconces on both sides for symmetry and evenly distributed light. The whole space becomes an integral part of the overall design.

Bedrooms

6. A Book Nook Within a Nook

I found this wonderful picture by David Engelhardt, a travel and lifestyle photographer based in New York City.

This picture is in a super small 240 square foot, NYC apartment.

I was immediately drawn this gorgeous integrated nook. I love how the nook is inset into the wall. The room looks very small indeed, so figuring out how and where to place this nook was probably a challenge, but the result is wow!

I love the architecture of it and the use of wood slats to comprise the ceiling and wall.

This would be the most perfect place for some quiet meditation and study.

My guess is that they had to make a very intentional decision to build into the existing square footage to make this happen. That’s a gamble in such a small space, but when you want to create a meaningful and purposeful space, that’s a gamble worth taking.

I say brilliant!

7. The Whimsical Hideaway Book Nook

Okay, this one is really making me want to me to be a kid again. Talk about a secret hideaway! Who would even know there’s a little nook behind the shelves?

This could be a closet or an awkward niche that they decided to make super functional. Whatever the case, how amazing is this?

You have book storage at the top, shallow shelf storage on the front. Then there’s that whimsical, skateboard pipe looking seating on the inside. The thought behind it is astonishing!

A kid could stand on the curved bench to reach the books above. The incline of the bench seat is perfect for curing up and reading for hours.

So good!

8. A Bookcase Headboard

It’s not always necessary to create a special spot for reading in a small bedroom. Sometimes it’s best to work with the space you must reimagine how it could be.

I love how they used the short bookcases instead of a headboard. That’s worth thinking about in small bedrooms. Do you really need a headboard, or could you save that extra 6” to 12” of space and incorporate it into something beautiful and useful like this?

I can see this working in a dorm room, spare bedroom, or master bedroom as well. It’s all about what’s important to you.

If you’re a lover of books and you need the storage, this is an ideal solution!

9. A Stolen Corner Book Nook

Keep it simple. I can absolutely see this working in even the smallest bedroom. It works great for kid’s spaces, as seen here, but you can easily translate it to a teen and adult reading nook idea as well.

I think if you have a couple hundred bucks, this is a super easy layout to replicate.

Let’s break down the elements.

There’s a relatively small corner. Most of us have those, check.

There’s a very nice and durable rug on the floor, probably an 8’ x 10’.

Then there’s a faux fur rug on top of that for an extra layer of comfort, check.

A few toss pillows or floor pillows that coordinate with the rug, check.

Last, there’s two different size white picture ledge shelves that can hold a bunch of books in a neat and tidy way, super check!

Here’s a more “grown- up” mood board of this look, so cute!

10. Better Use of Awkward Space

Speaking of keeping it simple, here’s an idea for another awkward corner.

Sure, you could put a chest or bedside tables in this recess nook, but it’s behind the bed… So, it’s not accessible, especially for a lamp next to the bed.

Instead, I really love the idea of a cozy corner chair with a small pouf. This is the perfect spot to curl up with a good book and a glass of wine.

Sometimes all you need is an underutilized corner and a comfortable chair.

I could also see making it even more styled out to look like a true reading nook.

Maybe put some floating shelves in the recessed niche and move the lighting to the other side.

Like this:

Kitchens

11. Display for Cookbooks

Here’s an idea for claiming some space in plain sight.

Now, I could see the builders, Trickle Creek Homes, extending the counter and base cabinets all the way to the left pass-through doorway. That would’ve given the space more countertop and storge.

I think this is a much more creative solution – a book nook in the kitchen.

You could store oodles of cookbooks on those shelves. I can see myself planning out a special dinner sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee. I’d lose hours of my day leafing through my favorite cookbooks.

I like the idea of the small window seat, but it feels a bit too small. It looks more like a place for a small child than an adult, I’d probably stack a few more books on the seat and call it done.

12. Banquette Reading Nook

If you have the space, you can beat banquette seating in small kitchens.

They’re tucked into the corner and they’re one of the easiest to navigate around, eat-in kitchen, table solutions.

This idea grabbed me because of the recessed cabinet and shelf on the back wall.

The designer of this space paid great attention to the window and made sure to mimic the size and shape of it on the perpendicular wall.

Genius!

It brings symmetry and balance to the space.

At first glance, I thought the recessed cabinet WAS another window. The cabinet lighting is a beautiful touch bringing extra light to the dark corner.

Now the books… What a perfect place for a little extra stolen space, right? How great is that? Sit at the table, grab a book, and enjoy reading all you want.

13. A Borrowed Book Nook

Here’s another example of a tiny bit of stolen space in a small kitchen.

It seems that this space would’ve been for a refrigerator. Perhaps they did a small remodel and shifted appliances around?

Anyway, I like that they created a small space to sit and relax with a good book.

The seat depth looks to be quite generous and that means it’s probably very comfortable.

I wouldn’t mind seeing a small bistro table in front of the built-in seating and maybe some shelving or a functional drawer built into the bench seat.

14. A Booth Book Nook Done Right!

This is one of my favorite finds.

I love the white and the stunning, contrasting dark kitchen table.

This is a spectacular booth style, small dining area that uses storge beautifully.

Notice the recessed book storage area in the wall and the nooks at the top for some extra display space.

The drawer in the bench seats is long and deep, perfect for things like baking pans or occasional serving dishes.

I found it on the website, One Kind Design, but I’m not sure if the image is attributed to them.

I could get lost for the better part of a day in this booth.

So good!

15. Multi-functional Kitchen Reading Nook

Sometimes you don’t need to build into or reclaim space for a little reading nook.

This tree bar set is an ideal piece for a moderately small kitchen wall.

It’s compact and makes great use of the space on this small wall. I like that the benches will tuck neatly underneath when not being used.

It’s multi-functional, display, seating, and storage.

It’s the perfect little spot to read a magazine, plan a meal or to get a bit of work done with a computer.

Dens

16. The Perfect Corner Book Nook!

Here’s a lovey idea that looks retrofitted in this room.

This could be a great weekend project.

The shelves, which could be built from scratch, or you could use prefabricated shelves and trim them out to look built-in…

Whichever you choose what a spectacular small reading corner, don’t you think?

I love the storage – it’s so thoughtfully curated.

The art and lamp on top and the books interspersed with décor, so lovely.

You can’t miss the book easel in front of the classic wind back chair. What a fun way to keep your place on the page.

How great would it be nestling into that chair to read some Agatha Christie? Sign me up!

17. A Reimagined Doorway Book Nook

Here’s a built-in idea for a small nook library.

That recessed book storage looks like it could’ve been a door at one point. Maybe it led to a kitchen that was reconfigured and the doorway was no longer needed?

If that’s the case, what a great idea to not completely erase the “history” of the doorway, but to reimagine it as a new functional space, right?

I love the way they incorporated not only books buy pottery and art as well.

The addition of the classic leather reading chair is right on point and a lovely brass reading light, drink table and ottoman finish off this eclectic and purposeful design.

Perfection!

18. A Nice Niche

Oh my gosh, do you love Emily Henderson’s design style as much as I do? I swear she’s never designed a bad room!

This little niche reading nook is no exception.

What a great spot to sit and chill for a lazy afternoon.

First, the recessed niche could hold many different things. I wouldn’t mind one bit if it was stacked neatly with books. A space that size is the perfect place to keep the book you’re currently reading and all the ones you’re planning to read, close at hand. That’s the way to stay motivated to keep reading!

• Tip: Notice the round chair-side table. When you need a table close to a doorway, like this, it’s best to use a round or rounded table because you’ll be able to pass around it very easily, no square edges to catch as you walk by.

A chair and matching ottoman styled just so will make this cozy niche your favorite spot to catch up on the latest Louise Penny mystery!

19. An Awkward Corner Solved…

I really like the simplicity of this living room reading spot, from Amy over at Homey Oh My blog.

She’s a girl after my own heart with the super white walls and paired back décor. Don’t get me started on the contrast, LOVE!

Anyway, Amy explains that this corner of her living room was frustrating because it has a heating element that could not be blocked and a doorway right next to that. Then there’s the large window on the perpendicular wall.

It’s a classic, what can go in this awkward spot, dilemma.

Her solution: make it into a comfy ‘open’ reading corner. Brilliant!

I love how she utilized the wall in between the corner and the heater to place a couple of low-profile book racks.

A plug-in reading light, wall sconce makes the perfect space saving light source.

So good!

20. A Masterful Use of Vertical Space

This small den reading nook comes courtesy of a designer couple from Iceland.

I loved this example because it shows a floor to ceiling, seemingly built-in bookshelf.

I’m imagining that this space might be a divided room and there could be an office or den or living room on the other side. How dramatic and embellished…

This space is as interesting a spot as many of the books that you’d read in it, right?

It goes to show, even small spaces can benefit from big use of vertical space.

It looks like the width of the room is about 4’, from the wall to the shelves– just enough space for the chaise, a small table, and the arched reading lamp.

It’s so inviting.

I’d love to hold up in this space for hours, how about you?

Closets

21. Nautical Kid’s Themed Book Nook

This space is so cute!

It looks like it was a small hall closet or linen closet, judging from the stairs on the left.

I love the book storage on the right. It looks like they’re using the picture ledge shelves from the kid’s corner above. It’s great to also have that little bit of basket storage underneath too.

The little nautical sconce ties right in with the fun throw pillows, so cute.

Now that’s the way to do a themed closet kid’s book nook!

22. Immersive Moody Book Nook

I don’t know if you can make a space more customized and special than this.

First off, wow!

Second, this reimagined pantry closet is epic. I love the teal green trim, such a great way to pull that color into this space. I also really appreciate how they painted the shelves and drawer storage that same color. It makes it so inviting and cozy.

The ONLY think I would do differently is I would paint the ceiling of the nook the same teal color- that way it would be a total immersive experience that would just be so amazing.

As you can see, the recessed lights still add enough light even though a white ceiling isn’t reflecting light. That makes the teal color on all surfaces immersive, like a cocoon.

I would want to spend hours in this nook!

23. Pretty in Pink Book Nook

See, this is what I mean?

The ceiling in the nook, which is lower than the room ceiling, is painted the same color as the walls- which is stunning!

• Tip: A good rule of thumb to remember is, anything beneath the top room ceiling is considered the wall. So, lower ceilings in nooks like this, or soffits, or angled walls, should wall be painted the same color as the wall.

I love the small recesses for décor and books. This marvelous, converted closet.

I feel like there might be too many sconce lights, 5 seems a bit excessive, but two would’ve been ideal, maybe 3…

Other than that, so good! It’s another super inviting space that just begs to be curled up in.

24. Serene Book Nook

Subtle and neutral, this converted closet makes a spectacular built-in reading nook.

Are you wondering why someone would ever convert a perfectly good closet into a reading nook?

I would say it’s all about priorities and quality of life.

Most closets constantly go through phases where they’re over filled, then totally cleaned out. It a roller coaster of stuff. I don’t know about you, but I would certainly prefer losing some cluttered-up space to get something like this instead. Lovely.

Even folks who live in small homes deserve a little luxury and that’s exactly what this is.

Perhaps they did a renovation, and they were able to get a walk-in closet elsewhere? That’s a possibility, right? And, instead of walling up this perfectly good space, they decided to make it into a pretty spot that they can enjoy instead. I’m all for that!

25. Hallway Library

I couldn’t resist this last idea.

So, this one isn’t exactly a closet converted into a reading nook. It’s more about using space in a unique and purposeful way.

Perhaps you don’t have an extra closet that you can bing, bam, boom, turn into a book nook. But you may have a hallway that could become storage and display for your collection of books.

The reason this works so well is because the hallway is a generous width, probably in the range of 4’ to 4.5’ wide. That gives you the depth for the built-in shelves, which are probably 12” deep at least. That leave you with about 3’ to 3’ 5” of comfortable walking space.

The other thing that makes this work is the all-white walls, trim, shelves, and ceiling. That monochromatic color scheme makes this space feel open and airy.

Such a great use of space!

There you have it, 25 gorgeous reading nooks for small rooms.

I’d love to know if you have a favorite, or if you’ve created a special book nook for yourself. Tell me all about it in the comments below.

Also, I’d love to hear your recommendations for authors you love to read. I’m ALWAYS looking for some new reading adventures, so let me know who your favorites are!

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.