35+ Ideas for a Cosy Reading Nook in Your Home Office

Looking for a little corner of calm in your busy workday? A cosy reading nook in your home office might be just the ticket. Whether you’re diving into research, browsing magazines, or unwinding with a novel after hours, a dedicated reading spot brings warmth, focus, and a touch of indulgence to your workspace.

Let’s explore how to turn a quiet corner into your favourite part of the office.

What makes a reading nook special?

A reading nook is more than just a chair and a lamp. It’s a haven—a carefully curated space where comfort meets inspiration. Think soft lighting, tactile textures, and a design that invites you to pause.

It doesn’t need to be big, just thoughtfully styled. Whether you’re working with a spare alcove or a sunny window ledge, these ideas will help you shape your dream nook.

1. Window seat with storage

A bright home office corner featuring a bay window with a built-in bench seat. The bench is topped with neutral-toned cushions and a soft throw. Underneath, there are wicker storage baskets and a drawer. A small wooden side table nearby holds a stack of books and a ceramic mug. Natural light floods the space, highlighting the warm, minimalist decor.

Make use of a bay window by adding a built-in bench with cushions. Add drawers or baskets beneath for extra office storage.

2. Armchair with an ottoman

A cosy home office reading nook featuring a beige upholstered armchair with a matching ottoman. The armchair has a textured throw cushion, and a stack of books rests on the ottoman. The setting includes a built-in bookshelf with neutral-toned books and a soft, warm colour palette. Natural light filters through a nearby window.

Choose a plush armchair in a soft fabric and pair it with a matching ottoman for comfort. Perfect for kicking up your feet with a good book.

3. Beanbag corner

A cosy home office corner with a large beige beanbag styled with a chunky cream throw and cushion. A small wooden side table holds a coffee mug and a book, while a black floor lamp provides ambient light. Built-in bookshelves filled with neutral-toned books are in the background. Natural light streams in from a nearby window.

Create a casual nook with a giant beanbag and soft throw. Add a floor lamp and a small side table for essentials.

4. Bookshelf alcove

A cosy reading nook with a soft brown armchair tucked between two tall bookshelves filled with warm-toned books. A wall-mounted brass sconce glows softly above the chair, and a textured throw and cushion add comfort. The space features warm wooden floors and muted, earthy colours.

Tuck your reading chair into a nook flanked by bookshelves. Add fairy lights or a small wall sconce for ambient lighting.

5. Canopy reading nook

A cosy reading nook in a home office corner with a linen canopy draped over a sage green armchair. The chair is styled with soft cushions and a textured throw. A wooden side table holds an open book and a plant. Bookshelves and a window with neutral curtains complete the warm, whimsical space.

Install a fabric canopy over a chair or small sofa. Choose flowing linen or velvet for a whimsical, private vibe.

6. Under the stairs

A built-in reading nook under the stairs with a beige cushion and throw pillows in rust and cream tones. A brass sconce provides ambient light, and a knitted throw is draped over the seat. A wooden bookshelf next to a window holds books and a small plant. The setting features warm wood floors and neutral walls.

Use the awkward space under your stairs with a built-in bench and reading light. Ideal for small home offices.

7. Rocking chair and rug

A wooden rocking chair with beige cushions sits on a textured rug in a softly lit home office corner. A black floor lamp provides warm lighting, and a nearby bookshelf holds books and a potted plant. A large window with cream curtains lets in natural light.

Place a vintage or modern rocking chair on a textured rug. Great for soothing movement while reading.

8. High-backed chair in a corner

A tall, tufted grey wingback chair sits on a textured rug in the corner of a softly lit home office. A black floor lamp provides gentle lighting, and a nearby wooden bookcase holds books and a leafy potted plant. A window lets in natural light, brightening the neutral-toned space.

A tall, winged-back chair adds privacy and elegance. Tuck it in a corner with a floor lamp.

9. Hanging egg chair

A rattan hanging egg chair suspended in a cosy corner of a home office. The chair is filled with cream cushions and an orange throw pillow, with a soft knit blanket draped over the side. A small wooden side table holds a glass of water. Behind the chair is a wooden bookshelf and a floor lamp, all warmly lit by natural daylight.

Suspend a hanging chair from the ceiling for a fun, cocoon-like reading nook. Add cushions and a throw.

10. Nook by the fireplace

A cosy reading nook beside a lit brick fireplace, with a beige armchair styled with a rust cushion and knit blanket. A sheepskin rug lies underneath, and a small wooden table holds an open book and ceramic mug. A tall floor lamp and dark wood bookshelf complete the warm, lived-in home office corner.

If your office has a fireplace, create a nook with a cosy chair, a small table, and a soft sheepskin rug.

11. Daybed with cushions

A cosy reading nook with a slim beige daybed styled with neutral and rust-toned cushions and a cream knit throw. A wooden bookshelf filled with books stands to the side, and a black floor lamp offers ambient light. Natural light filters through a window with beige curtains. A small round wooden table holds a closed book.

Add a slim daybed along one wall and pile it with pillows. Use it for reading breaks or quick naps.

12. Window ledge nook

A deep window ledge turned into a reading nook with a custom beige cushion, two decorative pillows, and a soft knit throw. A wooden bookshelf is filled with books, and a round side table nearby holds an open book and a potted plant. Natural light filters through cream curtains beside the window.

Turn a deep window sill into a perch with a custom cushion and a few small pillows.

13. Foldable floor chair

A home office reading nook with a beige foldable floor chair placed on a soft textured rug. A side table holds an open book and a mug, while a grey throw rests on the chair. Nearby, a woven basket contains books, and a phone lies on the rug. A wooden bookshelf and a black-trim window with a potted plant complete the scene.

Use a foldable, cushioned floor chair with a low side table. Great for casual readers or small spaces.

14. Luxe reading nook with velvet

A luxurious home office reading nook with an emerald green velvet armchair and a brass floor lamp. A wooden side table holds a cup and open book, and a woven basket sits on a textured beige rug. A tall wooden bookshelf filled with books stands nearby, and daylight filters through a window framed by beige curtains.

Choose a velvet accent chair and brass floor lamp for a luxe vibe. Style with moody wall art and a candle.

15. Rustic corner with reclaimed wood

A rustic home office reading nook with a reclaimed wood bench set against a wooden plank wall. The bench is styled with a chunky cream throw, textured beige and brown pillows, and a small open book with a mug. A vintage wall lamp glows above, and a wooden stool sits nearby. Natural light filters in from a window with cream curtains and a potted plant.

Use a reclaimed wood bench, wool throw, and textured cushions for a rustic, cabin-style reading corner.

16. Industrial-style nook

A stylish reading nook with a tufted brown leather armchair and ottoman, placed beside a metal bookshelf and brick wall. A vintage-style exposed bulb floor lamp glows softly, while a cream knit throw, open book, and glasses rest on the ottoman. The room features a dark rug, wood floors, and a black-framed window letting in natural light.

Pair a leather chair with a metal-framed shelf and an exposed bulb lamp. Ideal for lovers of urban style.

17. Mid-century modern seat

A cosy reading nook styled with a mid-century modern tan leather lounge chair and matching ottoman. A tulip side table holds a mug, and a black floor lamp offers light. An open book lies on the ottoman, and a grey cushion rests on the chair. A bookshelf filled with books and a large window complete the softly lit space.

Opt for a sleek lounge chair in a retro shape. Add a tulip side table and a reading light.

18. Ladder shelf backdrop

A warm reading nook with an orange accent chair and ottoman placed in front of a wooden ladder shelf filled with books, pottery, and a leafy plant. A floor lamp with a black shade stands nearby, and an open book rests on the ottoman. The room is lit with natural sunlight from a large window.

Place your reading chair in front of a ladder shelf filled with books, plants, and curios.

19. Green reading nook

A green-themed reading nook with a forest green armchair surrounded by leafy potted plants on all sides. A small wooden table beside the chair holds books and a mug. The space sits on a jute rug with light streaming through a window, creating a bright and natural atmosphere.

Surround your seat with potted plants and leafy greens. Bring the outside in for a calm atmosphere.

20. Pastel retreat

A blush pink reading chair sits on a pastel-toned circular rug, surrounded by a small side table, pastel-coloured books, and leafy plants. The seat has sage and cream cushions and a throw, while sunlight streams in from a large window. The space features soft neutral walls, light wood furniture, and gentle, calming decor.

Go soft with pastel tones—think blush, sage, or sky blue. Mix and match cushions and a soft rug.

21. Tapestry wall backdrop

A cosy reading nook with a rust-coloured armchair styled with soft pillows and a neutral throw. Behind it hangs a large woven tapestry in earthy tones. A light wood side table holds a book and vase, and a small bookshelf filled with books and plants adds a calming, warm touch.

Hang a large tapestry or woven wall hanging behind your seat. It adds colour and softness instantly.

22. Curtain divider nook

A soft pink reading nook enclosed with sheer off-white curtains. A pastel armchair with cushions and a throw sits on a cream rug beside a light wood side table with flowers. A pale wood desk and a pastel wall print complete the softly styled shared office space.

Use sheer curtains to section off your nook in a shared space. Pull them back when not in use.

23. Scandinavian-style simplicity

A Scandinavian-style reading nook with a light beige armchair, natural wood legs, and a cream throw. A wooden side table holds books and a ceramic vase with branches. A minimalist floor lamp and framed abstract artwork hang nearby. The space is grounded by a textured cream rug and bathed in soft natural light.

Choose a minimal, light-toned armchair, natural wood accents, and a neutral palette for a peaceful nook.

24. Vintage reading nook

A vintage-style reading nook with a golden velvet armchair, a floral cushion, and a cream fringed throw. A wooden round side table with a fringed lamp and books sits beside the chair. Soft sunlight filters through a window with cream curtains. A traditional painting hangs on the wall above.

Hunt for a vintage armchair and antique side table. Add a fringed lamp and floral print cushion.

25. Boho-inspired corner

A boho reading nook with a rattan chair, tribal cushion, and cream throw, set against a macramé wall hanging. Tasselled floor cushions sit on a cream rug. A wooden side table holds books and a potted plant, and a tall black lamp provides soft lighting. A large green plant in a woven basket adds an earthy touch.

Layer textures—macrame, tassels, floor cushions, and patterned throws—for a free-spirited boho nook.

26. Wall-mounted bookshelf nook

A home reading nook with a charcoal grey armchair under wall-mounted wooden bookshelves filled with books and a potted plant. A black floor lamp provides lighting, and a small wooden table beside the chair holds a mug and an open book. A cream rug and leafy plant add warmth to the neutral-toned space.

Mount slim shelves above and beside your reading chair. Keep your favourites within reach.

27. Built-in nook with arch

A built-in reading nook set into a softly curved archway with a beige cushioned bench and earth-toned pillows. A downlight glows above, and a floating shelf holds books and a trailing plant. A tan throw and a cream rug add warmth to the neutral, softly lit space.

If you’re renovating, consider a built-in bench under an arched opening. Add downlighting and soft fabrics.

28. Desk-adjacent chaise

A beige chaise lounge with two soft cushions and a cream throw sits beside a wooden desk with a brass lamp and open notebook. A potted plant and neutral curtains complete the softly lit, serene home office corner.

Place a small chaise beside your desk for a quick shift from working to reading.

29. Reading hammock

A white hammock hangs in the corner of a home office, styled with soft cushions and a beige throw. An open book rests on the seat, and a tall bookshelf beside it holds warm-toned books and a trailing plant. Natural light streams through a nearby window with sheer curtains.

Install a fabric hammock in a corner. Add throw cushions and keep it near a bookshelf.

30. Cosy nook with fairy lights

A cosy reading nook with a beige armchair beside a tall bookshelf, softly illuminated by string fairy lights. A knit throw and cushion rest on the seat, and a wooden side table holds an open book. A floor lamp and warm-toned curtains add to the ambient, softly lit setting.

Wrap string lights around a bookcase or along the wall for a soft, twinkly glow.

31. Reading nook for two

Two beige armchairs sit side by side in a reading nook, with a round wooden table between them. A tall bookshelf filled with warm-toned books and a trailing plant anchors the scene, and a cream area rug lies underneath. Sunlight streams in from a large window with sheer curtains.

If you’ve got the space, set up two matching chairs and a shared bookshelf. Add a rug to anchor the area.

32. Statement light fixture

A bold reading nook with a large sculptural pendant lamp over a burnt-orange armchair, styled with a cushion. A side table holds an open book, and a dark wood bookshelf is filled with books and a green trailing plant. A neutral rug and sheer curtains complete the warm, softly lit space.

Let your light be the hero. Choose a sculptural floor lamp or oversized shade to set the tone.

33. Minimalist mat and pillow

A minimalist reading nook with a thick beige floor mat and cylindrical bolster pillow on a woven neutral rug. A dark wood bookshelf above holds books and a small plant. Soft natural light filters through a nearby window with cream curtains.

For ultra simplicity, try a thick floor mat and bolster pillow near a low shelf. Great for short reading breaks.

34. Reading nook with mood board

A reading nook with a beige armchair styled with a cushion and throw, beneath a cork mood board filled with quotes and pictures. A black floor lamp provides lighting, and a round wooden table holds an open book. The corner is softly lit by natural daylight through cream curtains.

Add a cork board or wire grid near your seat to pin quotes, notes, and bookmarks.

35. Cosy nook with pet bed

A beige armchair with a chunky throw and cushion sits beside a wooden table holding an open book and mug. A small tan dog sleeps in a round grey pet bed on the wooden floor. Soft natural light enters through cream curtains.

Add a pet bed beside your chair so your furry friend can relax with you while you read.

Create your nook, your way

Your reading nook doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to feel like yours. Whether you prefer plush armchairs, boho cushions, or crisp Scandi lines, these ideas are a starting point to help you create a comforting retreat in your home office.

For more decor ideas, head over to Calendoo Studios on Pinterest and explore my printable planners and mood-boosting calendars on Etsy.