In my dream home, I have a reading nook, somewhere I can sit and immerse myself in a book. It might be in a corner, maybe in front of a window, or it may be by my bookcases. Wherever it is, I envision it to be a relaxing space, where I can cuddle up with my current book for hours. It is cozy, it is comfortable, and it has all the essentials needed to make reading ideal. Here are my seven essentials for a reading sanctuary:
1. Good lighting.
I have to have good lighting because, as I get older, I can’t read when it’s dark. If I am reading a physical book in the evening, I have to bring the book really close to my face in order to see the words. I love reading on my kindle at night because it is backlit and so I don’t have this problem. But if I’m not reading on my kindle, I need a lot of light. I mean, I often find myself turning all the lights and lamps on in my apartment. Therefore, I need good lighting or a lamp that shines right onto my book when I’m reading.
2. A comfy chair.
Usually, if I’m reading, I’m going to be reading for a while so I need somewhere comfortable to sit. Preferably this would also include some sort of footstool but it’s not necessary. I just need somewhere cozy where I can sit my butt down for a few hours.
3. A blanket.
Sometimes I get cold while reading, so a blanket is always a good idea. I can either put it around my shoulders or on my lap. It’s great to have something to cozy up with. I mean, who hasn’t dreamt of being wrapped in a blanket, snuggled up, reading a book? (Pets might work well here too, but I don’t have any pets.)
4. Snacks.
If I’m going to be reading for a while, I’m going to get hungry so I need snacks close to me so I don’t have to get up and put my book down. Even though I know it will only take a couple of minutes to grab something to eat, I don’t want to have to put my book down, heave myself out of my chair, and get out of the story, just to get a snack. Bonus points if your snacks can be eaten one-handed.
5. A side table for my drink.
I always have water or coffee or something to drink so I need somewhere to put it while I am reading. I can’t hold it on my lap or in between my legs or lean it next to me because that just won’t work. Putting a drink on the floor also will not work because how many times have I knocked a glass over? Too many to count! I need a little table close to me to set my drink.
6. Background noise.
At times it can be too quiet so I always like to have a little background noise. Sometimes I’ll put on a television show or movie that I’ve seen many times so I don’t have to pay attention to it. I might also put on some music (with no words though) just to have some noise in the background.
7. A bookmark.
It’s important to have a bookmark so I don’t lose my place in my book. I’ve used so many different things as a bookmark – receipts, napkins, other books – but I mainly just need something to mark my place. Although I guess if I don’t have a bookmark that means I would just have to continue reading until I’ve finished my book – what a travesty!
These are my seven essentials for a reading sanctuary. I know there are probably dozens of other things that readers prioritize for their reading areas but this is what I currently have on my list. Have I forgotten anything important?
Good lighting, that’s a biggie for me. And +2.00 reading glasses. And I usually end up just reading in bed because my quietest time to read is late at night but if I did have a nook I’d want a nice, solid daybed, not too squishy. the kind you can push up to a window. Some cool arms on either end but it doesn’t have to be fancy. Do they even make daybeds, anymore? Our neighbors have a really neat living roomy, couchy daybed. Give me a pillow, let me sprawl out on that thing….. I think that would be perfect. Where’s your dream home? In Seattle? What neighborhood?
A daybed would be great to stretch out on! I am always putting my feet up on things; I guess I should have included a foot stool to go along with my comfy chair.
I don’t really have a dream home location, just as long as my house is full of light and is comfortable!