Cozy Ideas for Lighting Up Your Reading Nook
There are some days when you just want to stay in a cozy space at home, curled up with a throw blanket on your favorite comfy chaise lounge, reading your favorite novel.
However, if you find yourself struggling to see the pages of your book because your reading spot is too dark, we have a few ideas on how to make your book nook a little bit better – especially when it comes to lighting. *Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Not only does the right lighting allow you to read a good book without straining your eyes, it creates a cozy and welcoming vibe in your reading space.
Table of Contents
Wall Sconces
Floor Lamps
Table Lamps
Pendant Lights
Styling your Space with Floor Lamps
Things to Consider when Buying Table Lamps, Wall Sconces, or Floor Lamps
How to Choose a Light Fixture for Your Reading Nook
Types of Lighting For Your Reading Nook
Whether you have a small space, an awkward corner or an entire home library, you have plenty of options when it comes to lighting. Here are my favorite choices for the proper lighting for your reading nook.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces, also called wall lights, are my favorite light fixtures to use in a reading room or nook. These fixtures make any space downright cozy.
Sconces are wall-mounted lights that can shine either up or down; perfect for providing a non-intrusive glow on the pages of your favorite book. Wall lights save on space, they don’t require a table to sit on or a spot on the floor. The perfect choice for an area where your only goal is to get away for a while.
Floor Lamps
Floor lamps are tall aesthetic lamps that look great in a cozy reading nook. If you have floor space, these reading lights could be the best option for you.
You can find floor lamps that allow you to adjust the height so you can move the light to the angle you want. They come in various shapes and sizes so there will be at least one that can surely catch your eye.
Table Lamps
If you have a small table in your cozy corner, a table lamp could be just what you need. A table lamp doubles as a reading lamp and provides the ideal task lighting for your book nook.
Placing your lamp on the side table right next to your comfy chair creates a space all your own to be swept away by your books – oh and don’t forget your blanket!
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights (or pendant lamps) can provide a chic, modern look for your cozy book nook. Pendants hang from the ceiling which saves you valuable floor space.
Pendant lamps are made to either plug into the wall where the control switch is placed on the cord or to hardwire to the ceiling so you can turn them on and off at the wall.
One thing to remember about having a pendant light in your reading space is to be sure to hang the fixture high enough so that you don’t hit your head on it when standing up.
Styling Your Space with Floor Lamps
Having a bay window or a large window seat for a reading space is nice because it gives you natural lighting during the day. However, if your dedicated space has limited access to the window then a small corner with a little extra floor space can be a perfect spot for a cozy little reading nook.
There are several types of floor lamps on the market, each with a different function. An ambient light like a tower or tree floor lamp diffuses light to a wide area and allows you to maximize light in the space.
A tripod, arched or swing arm floor lamp provides light directed more toward a specific area.
Grab a relaxing chair and pair it with a floor lamp and soft blanket and you’re good to go!
Things to Consider When Buying Table Lamps, Wall Sconces, or Floor Lamps
Size
If you use a small side table, consider getting a lamp that leaves enough space for some of your books or a cup of tea.
If you prefer a floor lamp, be sure you have enough space to stand up in the area without knocking into the lamp.
Your pendant light should be small enough to fit into the confines of your reading nook with enough light to make the space glow.
Color and Design
You want your light fixture to match the overall design of your cozy corner. Opt for a design that features a color that closely matches the shades of your accent chair or throw pillows. Or even consider matching your light fixtures with your door knobs and dresser pulls.
Light Temperature
Lighting comes in a variety of color temperatures, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences . You can choose from warm white, soft white, and cool white lights to illuminate your space.
The good news is there are table lamps and light fixtures that give you three or even more temperature options, so you can adjust according to your preference.
How to Choose a Light Fixture for Your Reading Nook
Lighting up your reading corner shouldn’t feel stressful.
Imagine yourself in your book nook. Picture the feeling a good book gives you. The lighting you chose for this space should contribute to this feeling. If you use your nook to study- you may need bright lights to keep you awake.
However, if you’re using this space to get lazy and read the newspaper on a Sunday afternoon, you may want a calmer flood of light.
You can easily find fixtures online or in Home Depot or Lowes but don’t forget local bazaars and flea markets which could be a gold mine for some absolute gems.
To sum it up, some of the best lighting fixtures to consider for your special reading spot are wall sconces, floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant lights. When buying lighting fixtures, size, color and design, and light temperature are important factors to consider.
Lastly, always take into account what you want for your space. After all, it is you who, at the end of the day, will be spending a lot of time in your little corner. So, ask yourself what makes this space more inviting to me.
I hope that I’ve given you a bit of insight and ideas on how to make your cozy reading nook even cozier with the use of lighting.
Let me know what type of fixture you choose for your space.
Until Then,
Cherie
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