There's something deeply satisfying about having a dedicated space for reading—a corner of your home designed specifically for escaping into books. Bean bags make excellent foundations for reading nooks, offering comfort and flexibility that traditional furniture can't match. Whether you're creating a space for yourself, your children, or the whole family, this guide will help you design a reading corner that beckons you to pick up a book.
Choosing the Perfect Location
The success of your reading nook starts with location. The ideal spot balances several factors:
Natural Light
Reading is easiest in good light, and natural light is gentlest on the eyes. Position your nook near a window, but not directly in front of it where glare on pages can be problematic. A spot beside a window, where light falls over your shoulder onto the book, is ideal. North-facing windows in Australia provide consistent, soft light without harsh direct sun.
Quiet and Privacy
Reading benefits from reduced distractions. Look for corners away from high-traffic areas, TV screens, and noisy appliances. A bedroom corner, a quiet hallway alcove, or a section of the living room away from the main seating area all work well. Some readers prefer semi-enclosed spaces—under stairs, in bay windows, or in dedicated nooks created with bookcases.
Temperature and Comfort
You'll be sitting still for extended periods, so ambient comfort matters. Avoid spots directly beneath air conditioning vents or next to cold exterior walls. In winter, a spot near (but not too near) a heater is cosy. In summer, ensure adequate airflow to prevent the reading session from becoming uncomfortable.
A basic reading nook needs approximately 1.5 metres square—enough for a bean bag, a small side table, and room to stretch your legs. Larger spaces allow for bigger bean bags, additional seating for reading buddies, or built-in bookshelves.
Selecting Your Bean Bag
For reading, you want a bean bag that supports extended sitting in a semi-upright position. Consider these factors:
Size and Shape
Reading bean bags should be large enough to fully support your body without feeling cramped. Bean bags with higher backs are particularly well-suited, as they support your head and shoulders while you hold a book. Avoid ultra-flat lounger styles where you sink horizontally—these are great for relaxation but make reading awkward.
Fill Type
Memory foam or hybrid fills provide better support for the long periods typical of reading sessions. EPS beads are comfortable but may require more frequent repositioning as they shift under sustained pressure.
Cover Material
Soft, cosy fabrics enhance the reading experience. Velvet, cotton, and microfibre are all excellent choices. Consider the tactile experience—you'll be in contact with this surface for hours at a time. Removable, washable covers are practical for spaces where snacks might accompany books.
Lighting Your Reading Nook
Good lighting is non-negotiable for a reading space. Natural light is wonderful during the day, but you'll need artificial lighting for evening reading sessions.
Task Lighting
A dedicated reading lamp positioned to illuminate your book without casting shadows is essential. Adjustable arm lamps allow you to direct light precisely where needed. Position the lamp so light falls on the page from above and slightly behind—typically over your shoulder.
Light Quality
Choose bulbs in the warm white range (2700-3000 Kelvin) for comfortable reading. Harsh cool white light can cause eye strain during extended reading. LED bulbs in warm tones offer energy efficiency without sacrificing ambience.
Ambient Lighting
In addition to task lighting, consider ambient lighting that sets a cosy mood. String lights, a small lamp on a nearby shelf, or a candle (safely positioned) can create the inviting atmosphere that makes you want to spend time in your nook.
- Primary: Adjustable reading lamp, warm white LED, 800-1000 lumens
- Position: Light source behind and above your shoulder
- Ambient: Softer secondary lighting for atmosphere
- Control: Dimmer switches for adjustable intensity
Essential Accessories
The right accessories transform a bean bag in a corner into a proper reading retreat:
Side Table
A small table within arm's reach holds your drink, bookmarks, glasses, and the book itself when you take a break. Low tables work best given the bean bag's seating height. C-shaped tables that slide over the bean bag are particularly convenient.
Book Storage
Keep your current reads and to-be-read pile close at hand. A small bookshelf, a basket of books, or wall-mounted shelves within reach ensure you always have something ready. Some readers love the aesthetic of stacked books on the floor beside their reading spot.
Blankets and Throws
Reading is often a cool-weather activity, and nothing enhances a reading nook like a soft blanket to snuggle under. Keep a quality throw draped over the bean bag or stored in a nearby basket. Choose natural fibres for breathability.
Cushions and Pillows
Additional cushions let you adjust your position for optimal comfort. A small pillow behind your lower back provides lumbar support. A larger pillow can prop up your arms while holding a heavy book.
Creating a Reading Nook for Children
Reading nooks are particularly valuable for encouraging children to read. A dedicated, appealing space makes reading feel special rather than obligatory.
Size-Appropriate Seating
Choose a bean bag sized for your child—they should be able to climb on and off independently and sit comfortably with their book. Smaller bean bags feel more cosy and personal than oversized options.
Visual Appeal
Children's reading nooks benefit from whimsy and colour. Consider themed bean bags, colourful rugs, fairy lights, and decorative elements that make the space exciting. A canopy overhead creates a magical, enclosed feeling that children love.
Accessible Books
Store books with covers facing out at child height. Children are more likely to choose books they can see and reach independently. Rotate selections regularly to maintain interest.
Durability Considerations
Children's reading nooks need to withstand more than just reading—they'll become play spaces too. Choose durable, washable materials and expect the space to serve multiple purposes.
Making It Inviting
Beyond the practical elements, the most successful reading nooks create an emotional pull that makes you want to spend time there:
Personal Touches
Add elements that reflect your personality—favourite artwork, meaningful objects, plants, or photos. These touches make the space feel like yours and increase the likelihood you'll use it regularly.
Sensory Comfort
Consider all the senses. Soft textures to touch, pleasant scents (a nearby candle or essential oil diffuser), and perhaps quiet background music for those who enjoy it. The multi-sensory experience makes reading more immersive.
Technology-Free Zone
Consider keeping phones and screens away from your reading nook. The absence of digital distractions makes it easier to lose yourself in a book. If this feels impossible, at least designate reading time as notification-free time.
To create a basic reading nook, you need: a comfortable bean bag with good support, a reading lamp with warm light, a small side table, a blanket or throw, nearby book storage, and something to make it personal. Start simple and add elements as you discover what enhances your reading experience.
Making Time for Reading
The most beautifully designed reading nook is worthless if you never use it. Creating the space is only the first step—building a reading habit is what brings it to life.
Schedule reading time, even if it's just 15 minutes a day. Keep your current book visible in the nook, beckoning you. Make it easy—your glasses, bookmark, and drink should already be there. The less friction between you and reading, the more often you'll do it.
A reading nook with a well-chosen bean bag at its heart can become one of your home's most treasured spaces. It's a destination for quiet mornings, rainy afternoons, and peaceful evenings—a personal retreat that costs relatively little but delivers enormous returns in relaxation and enrichment.