Creating the Perfect Reading Nook

As the evenings draw in, there’s something comforting about retreating to a favourite spot with a good book. A well-chosen chair, a few soft textures, and - most importantly - the right lighting can turn any corner into the perfect reading nook. Whether it’s a quiet spot in the living room or a window seat piled high with cushions, lighting makes all the difference.

Define the Space
Before you choose your lighting, think carefully about where the nook will live within the room. Different areas will require a slightly different lighting approach:

Living room corner: An armchair paired with a floor lamp is a classic choice. A tall floor lamp with a directional shade can create a pool of light over your shoulder, giving you excellent visibility without overwhelming the rest of the room.
Window seat: A pair of wall lights either side of the window works beautifully here. They frame the space while providing balanced task lighting across the seating area, and at night they double as a warm, ambient feature that makes the entire wall feel inviting.
Bedroom alcove: A side table with a lamp brings a softer, more intimate feel. The lamp should provide enough focused light for reading while also blending seamlessly with bedside lighting to keep the overall scheme cohesive.

Layer Your Lighting
A layered approach ensures practicality, comfort, and depth. The three layers to consider are:

Task lighting: The anchor of the nook. This is the focused light that makes reading comfortable. A floor lamp beside an armchair or an adjustable wall light above a window seat is ideal. Look for fixtures with adjustable arms, tilting heads, or bright lampshades- these soften the glow, reduce glare, and spread light evenly across the page. Metal shades can work too, but ensure they direct the beam precisely, avoiding harsh shadows.
Ambient lighting: The backdrop that sets the overall tone. Ambient light could come from a main chandelier, recessed downlights or even a nearby pendant light. Its purpose is to soften shadows and prevent the nook from feeling like a harsh spotlight in an otherwise dim room.
Accent lighting: The finishing touch. This could be a table lamp on a nearby side table, a decorative wall sconce, or even the flicker of candlelight. Accent lighting creates atmosphere and makes the nook feel part of a wider, thoughtfully layered room scheme.

When combined, these three elements transform the corner into a pocket of light that feels purposeful yet inviting - practical enough to read for hours, but soft enough to relax in.

Placement and Positioning
Where light falls matters just as much as the fixture itself:

Floor lamps: Place them behind or beside your chair so that the beam falls over your shoulder onto the page. This avoids glare and ensures your eyes are never looking directly into the light source.
Wall lights: Mount slightly above seated shoulder height. Where possible, choose an adjustable arm or angled design for flexibility.
Table lamps: Position them so the base of the shade sits at or just below eye level when seated. This ensures you get a clear spread of light without looking directly into the bulb.

Correct placement prevents glare, minimises shadows, and allows the lighting to support, rather than interrupt, the reading experience.

Choosing the Right Bulb
There are a few key considerations when it comes to choosing the right bulb to ensure comfort and consistency:

Brightness (lumens): Aim for 450-800 lumens per lamp. This ensures clarity without creating glare or eye strain.
Colour temperature (Klevin): A warm white (2700K-3000K) will create a golden, candle-like glow that feels relaxed and welcoming. Anything cooler can appear clinical, while anything too warm (below 2700K) can feel dim and muddy.
Dimming capability: Pairing your fittings with a dimmer switch gives you flexibility. You can set brighter light for daytime or detailed reading, then reduce the intensity in the evening for a softer, cocooning feel.

The Finishing Touches
Once your lighting is set, bring the nook to life with personal layers. A throw of blanket for warmth, cushions for comfort and a side table that reflects the finishes and materials found in your wider scheme. These finishing touches, combined with carefully considered lighting will ensure your nook is not only functional but also personal and indulgent.