A Reader’s Paradise: Designing My Dream Reading Space

I was encouraged by those at arhaus.com to describe and design my dream reading space.  I thought this sounded like a lot of fun so I said I’d be happy to take part.  For me, the ideal reading space would be located in a quiet, secluded area of my house so that there isn’t a lot of distracting foot traffic.  The furnishings would be simple and I would go for a light and airy look – not quite beachy, but definitely headed in that direction with ocean blues, sandy colors, and a lot of white.  I’d want an oversized cozy reading chair, preferably one that allows me to put my feet up, and lots of pillows and a throw blanket (again for the cozy factor).  Since I’d be reading all the time in my dream space, I’d also want ample lighting as well as sheer curtains to let in lots of natural light.  Endless bookshelves would be a must as well, not just for my books themselves, but also to hold bookish knick knacks, fun bookends, etc.  Aside from the books themselves, decorations would be at a minimum, maybe a few literary art prints like the cool Pride and Prejudice one in my mood board below or something similar.  Last but not least, I’d finish off the decor with a few of those bookish themed candles that are so popular.

Dream Reading Space by thebookishlibra

 

Products used in the mood board:

1.  Grand Chaise Oversized Chair from shabbychic.com

2.  White Billy Bookcase from ikea.com

3.  Blue Printed Pillows from etsy.com

4.  Clarence Floor Lamp from arhaus.com

5.  Sheer Curtains from potterybarn.com

6.  Home is Where the Books Are Art Print from etsy.com

7.  Pride and Prejudice Art Print from etsy.com

8.  I Read Past My Bedtime Bookends from etsy.com

9.  Enchanted Library Jam Jar Candle from etsy.com

 

So, if you could design your own ideal reading space, what would you include?

16 replies
    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:

      Thanks! The bookends are so cute. I’m really tempted to buy them even though they don’t really match my decor now, haha.

  1. Angela
    Angela says:

    I love everything you’ve chosen here! It’s so bright and cheerful! I definitely agree with tons of bookshelves – I’d love to be able to style my shelves, right now I just have tons of books squeezed in wherever they can fit and stacked in front of each other!

    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:

      Haha, I hear you! My shelves are so stuffed right now that I’m not convinced I could actually pull a book off of them.

    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:

      Thanks, I’m glad you like it! And I think I’ll be exactly the same way. I had kind of a dream space going until my son was born and now he’s a bookworm like me, so he has infiltrated my space. I might need to design him his own so I can reclaim mine, haha!

  2. Greg
    Greg says:

    I like that airy, almost beachy look too- one can almost imagine living by the coast and having winds blow in off the water, rustling the blinds or whatever- and lots of bookshelves are a must! Plus some of those candles and of course beach decor knickknacks. 🙂

    Nice ideas!

  3. Lauren Becker
    Lauren Becker says:

    I love this! I could SO go for my own reading space with a comfy chair – and I’d definitely need a way to put my feet up, otherwise I’ll be sitting cross legged all the time and that kills my knees. haha

    -Lauren

    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:

      Haha, you read my mind! That’s exactly why I would love a chair like that for reading. I’ve been known to read with my legs crossed for so long that when I go to stand up, I can’t because my legs have fallen asleep.

  4. Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
    Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads says:

    I love this reading nook! It would be a perfect fit for my tastes as well, especially witht he light colours, lots of light, and the super cozy reading chair. And a few bookish knick knacks. I don’t think I’d ever want to leave this space 🙂

    • Suzanne
      Suzanne says:

      Thanks! I think I’d feel the same way. Now I just need to win the lottery so I can make it a reality some day! 🙂

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