51+ Best DIY Kids Reading Nook Ideas to Inspire

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As a mom and an avid reader, I understand the importance of nurturing a love for books in our children. One of the best ways to encourage reading is by creating a cozy, inviting space where kids can curl up with their favorite books.

In this blog post, I’m thrilled to share 51 DIY kids reading nook ideas for kids that will inspire you to create the perfect reading spot in your home. From simple reading nooks to elaborate hideaways, you’ll find a fantastic idea for every child and space.

Transform a Corner of Your Home

A quiet corner of a room can become a great book nook with just a few simple additions. Add a comfy seating option like a bean bag, floor cushions, or floor pillows in various sizes. A small table or side table is perfect for holding a cup of hot cocoa, while colorful pillows provide a pop of color and make the reading corner even more inviting. You don’t need a lot of space to make your own reading nook!

Repurpose a Closet

An unused space in your kid’s room, like a small closet, can easily transform into a cozy reading nook. Remove the door and add a built-in bench or cozy floor cushions, along with built-in bookcases or shelves for book storage. Add a curtain for a little privacy and a sense of adventure. Even the tiniest closets can become a beautiful reading nook with a cushioned seat, a small shelf for books, and a battery-operated wall light for a charming and functional space.

Nature-Inspired Reading Nook

Bring the outdoors in by creating a nature-inspired reading nook for your child. Use natural materials, such as wooden furniture, and incorporate earthy colors like greens, browns, and tans. Add an area rug with a leaf or tree pattern, and decorate with potted plants, hanging planters, or even a small indoor tree. Include nature-themed books and artwork to complete the look. This serene and calming environment will inspire a love of reading and a connection to the natural world.

Create a Window Seat

If you have a window with a wide sill or a small alcove, a window seat can be the perfect reading nook. Add a cushion, throw pillows, and even storage space beneath the seat for your child’s books. Natural lighting from the window makes it a bright and inviting spot for reading time.

Fairy Lights and Floor Pillows

Turn a corner of your child’s room into an adorable reading nook by adding fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere. Add a small table for a reading lamp and comfy floor pillows for seating, making it a great place to enjoy sharing classic children’s books with the kids.

Use a Cocoon Chair

Statement chairs, whether suspended cocoon chairs or a large pod, are a fun and trendy way to create a cozy reading nook. Add colorful pillows and a soft blanket, and your child will have the perfect place to enjoy a great book.

Make a Reading Tent

A simple DIY project is to create a reading tent using a few wooden dowels, some fabric, and a few floor cushions. This little hideaway provides a special space for kids to enjoy their favorite books.

Create a Book Nook with a Pop of Color

Bright colors can inspire children and make their reading corner a favorite place to be. Add a colorful area rug and matching pillows to create a cozy and vibrant reading nook.

Calming Pastel Reading Nook

Create a soothing and serene reading nook using calming pastel colors. Choose a soft, comfortable seating option like a plush armchair, bean bag, or floor cushions in shades of pastel pink, blue, mint, or lavender. Add a cozy area rug and coordinating throw pillows to enhance the inviting atmosphere.

Incorporate a white or light-colored bookshelf or floating shelves for easy access to books. Display children’s books with pastel-colored covers or illustrations to tie in with the color scheme. You can also add a small side table for holding a reading lamp or a cup of warm milk before bedtime.

Enhance the calming ambiance by adding subtle decorative elements like a watercolor wall print, a gentle wall color, or sheer curtains that allow soft, natural light to filter through. This calming pastel reading nook will provide a peaceful space for your child to unwind and enjoy their favorite stories.

Under the Stairs Reading Nook

The space under your stairs can become a cozy reading nook with a little creativity. Add a built-in bench, shelves for books, and even wall sconces for additional lighting. This is a great way to utilize unused space and create a special reading spot for your child.

Create a Reading Nook with a Theme

Choose a theme that your child loves and incorporate it into their reading nook. Whether it’s a space explorer’s pod, an enchanted forest, or an underwater adventure, themed nooks can spark your child’s imagination and make reading time even more enjoyable.

DIY Book Sling

If you’re short on storage space, consider creating a DIY book sling for a simple reading nook. Hang fabric slings from a rod on the wall, and you’ll have an easy-access spot for your child’s books, and a functional kids’ reading nook that doesn’t take up too much space.

Incorporate a Built-In Daybed

A built-in daybed can be the perfect spot for reading and lounging. Add storage underneath for books and toys, and a variety of throw pillows for comfort and style.

Use a Teepee or Playhouse

A teepee or playhouse can serve as a fun and cozy reading nook. Fill the inside with floor cushions, soft blankets, and throw pillows, creating the perfect spot for your child to escape into a good book.

Combine a Reading Nook with a Play Area

For younger children, combining a reading nook with a play area is a great idea. Add a small table and chairs for story time, and use storage bins to keep toys and books organized.

Use a Large Space

If you have a larger space, consider creating a dedicated reading area with a comfortable seating option, like a sofa or daybed. Add built-in bookcases or shelves, a coffee table for holding books and snacks, and a cozy rug for added warmth.

Create a Reading Nook with a Swing

Install a swing or hammock chair in a corner of your child’s room for a fun and unique reading spot. Add cushions and pillows for extra comfort.

Create a Reading Nook with a Fort

Build an elaborate wooden fort or a simple fort or canopy using blankets and pillows to create a cozy and private space for your child to read.

Create a Reading Nook with a Loft Bed

Maximize your child’s bedroom square footage by adding a loft bed with a reading nook underneath. This is a great way to make the most of a small space while providing a cozy place for reading.

Reading Nook with a Canopy

Suspend a canopy from the ceiling to create a magical and cozy reading nook. Add fairy lights or string lights for an extra touch of whimsy.

Use a Bookshelf as a Room Divider

A bookshelf can serve as a room divider, creating a separate reading nook in a shared bedroom or playroom. Fill the shelves with your child’s favorite books and add a cozy seating area nearby.

Reading Nook with Wall Decals

Add a personal touch to your child’s reading nook with wall decals that reflect their interests or favorite characters. This is a simple and affordable way to make their space feel special.

Create a Reading Nook with a Ladder

If you have a small nook with high ceilings, consider adding a ladder and a platform for a unique and fun reading space. Add cushions and pillows for comfort, and a small shelf for books.

Create a Reading Nook with a Bench

A simple bench with storage beneath can be transformed into a reading nook by adding cushions, throw pillows, and a cozy blanket. Place it near a window for natural light, or add a floor lamp for added illumination, and the extra space for storage inside the bench will definitely come in handy.

Use a Bookcase as a Reading Nook

Repurpose a bookcase with a lower level by adding cushions and pillows to create a cozy spot for your child to read. This is a great way to maximize space and functionality.

DIY Reading Nook in a Small Space

Even in a small child’s bedroom, you can create a cozy reading nook by utilizing a corner. Add a comfy chair or bean bag, a small side table, and a bookshelf or wall-mounted shelves for easy access to books.

Reading Nook with a Chalkboard Wall

Add a chalkboard wall to your child’s reading nook, allowing them to express their creativity and keep track of their favorite books.

Create a Reading Nook with a Gallery Wall

Showcase your child’s favorite book covers or literary-themed artwork on a gallery wall, creating a beautiful focal point for their reading nook.

Reading Nook with a Custom Mural

Consider commissioning a custom mural or painting a scene on the wall of your child’s reading nook to create an immersive and inspiring environment. Choose a theme or scene from their favorite story or genre to make it extra special.

Reading Nook with a Built-In Desk

Combine your child’s reading nook with a built-in desk, providing a space for homework, drawing, and other activities. Add a comfortable chair and proper lighting to make it a functional and cozy space.

Princess Reading Nook

Create a magical and enchanting reading nook for your little princess. Start by choosing a canopy or a delicate tulle tent to drape over the reading area, giving it a royal and dreamy feel. Add plush floor cushions or a tufted, upholstered chair in soft pastel colors like pink, lavender, or pale blue. Decorate the space with fairy lights or a small chandelier to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Include a small bookshelf or a set of floating shelves painted in a coordinating color, and fill them with princess-themed books and other children’s classics. Complete the look with princess-inspired decorations, such as a crown-shaped pillow, a plush royal scepter, and framed artwork featuring castles, unicorns, or your child’s favorite princess characters. This regal reading nook will transport your child into the world of fairy tales and inspire hours of imaginative reading.

Reading Nook with a Tree-Shaped Bookshelf

A tree-shaped bookshelf can be a fun and whimsical addition to your child’s reading nook, providing both storage and a playful design element.

DIY Reading Nook with a Crib Mattress

Repurpose an old crib mattress to create a cozy and comfortable reading nook. Add colorful pillows and a soft blanket to make it inviting.

Outdoor Reading Nook

If you have a backyard or patio, create an outdoor reading nook with weather-resistant cushions, a small table, and a shade umbrella for those sunny days.

Reading Nook with a Secret Door

For an extra touch of magic, create a reading nook with a hidden entrance, such as a bookcase that doubles as a door.

DIY Reading Nook with a Bookcase Bench

Combine seating and storage by building a bench out of a bookcase. Add a cushion and pillows to create a comfortable spot for reading.

Reading Nook with a Rocking Chair

Add a rocking chair to your child’s reading nook, creating a soothing and comfortable spot for story time with the whole family.

Create a Reading Nook with a Pet Bed

If your child has a furry friend, incorporate a pet bed into their reading nook so they can enjoy reading time together.

Reading Nook with a Vintage Twist

Incorporate vintage elements, like a repurposed trunk or an antique chair, into your child’s reading nook for a unique and charming look.

DIY Reading Nook with a Bean Bag

A large bean bag can provide comfortable and flexible seating for a reading nook. Add a small table or a bookshelf nearby for easy access to books.

Creating a cozy reading nook for your child is a wonderful way to encourage their love of books and provide a special space for them to escape into their favorite stories. Whether you have a small corner or a larger space to work with, there’s a DIY reading nook idea on this list that’s perfect for your child and your home. Happy reading!

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