9 Simple Tips For Creating The Perfect Book Sanctuary In Your Home

There's nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book and forgetting the chaos around you. But what's even better is when you have an intimate space in which to do so. Whether you're a bookworm with an overflowing collection or just getting into the habit of reading, creating a magical haven for reading is one of the best ways to treat yourself. This is where you retreat, unwind, and venture into someone else's world without distractions. Basically, it's a must-have if you really want to make the most of your reading time.

So, what makes the perfect book sanctuary? It's not just about keeping your books in one place and having somewhere to sit. It's also about creating a calming ambiance that gets you in the mood to read, whether through your choice of colors, accessories, or music. Lucky for you, we've put together the ultimate guide to help you craft a little oasis that will fill your book-loving heart with bliss.

Think about where you feel the comfiest curling up with a book. You might love reading next to your fireplace or prefer a bright spot by the window. Or, maybe your bed is your ideal reading spot. You can even use the space under your staircase or repurpose a closet into a reading nook, which is a great solution if you get distracted easily. You don't need an entire room to create your dream library and reading space. But, if you do have a spare room, take this as your sign to transform it into your personal home library.

Though it's totally okay for your book nook to match your existing interior style, we also love the idea of treating it as a separate space. A moody palette with dark greens, blues, and grays can feel mysterious, making it fitting for fans of genres like horror and thriller. On the other hand, pastel pinks, purples, and peaches play up a romantic look, whereas soft neutrals exude a dreamy vibe. Not sure how to weave these colors into your space? Start small with accent pieces and furnishings. If you're ready to go bold, try painting the backdrop.

Next on the agenda is finding a home for your favorite reads (assuming you don't already have one). As much as we all dream of owning floor-to-ceiling bookcases with rolling ladders, there are plenty of other savvy ways to store your books without using a bookshelf. For instance, you could use floating shelves if floor space is limited, a rolling cart for flexibility, or a record cabinet to create a mixed-media display. And if you really want to get creative with your book storage and maximize space, stack them under a bench, at the foot of your bed, or better yet, inside a non-working fireplace.

You've probably heard the saying, "Life is too short to read books you don't like." Likewise, your bookshelf is too precious to be stacked with books you'll never read or make your blood boil. Give those away and dive into genres, topics, and tropes that tickle your fancy. You don't have to break the bank to do this. Charity shops, local libraries, secondhand bookstores, and garage sales are all great places to find discounted books. Or why not go the eBook route, so that you can spend more on decorating your nook?

The way you arrange your literary treasures can also make or break your book sanctuary. Ideally, you'll want to be able to easily find a book when you need it. For some bibliophiles, this means placing authors in alphabetical order, which is quite practical until you buy a new series and need to shift your entire collection. Others sort titles by genre, so they know exactly where to look when they're in the mood for a particular category. Then there are those who coordinate the covers by color for a visual pop. Unlike in libraries, there is no one standard classification rule — ergo, do what works for you.

Who wants to get lost in a captivating story only to re-emerge with neck pain and a stiff back? No one. Depending on your available space, you could opt for a plush chaise lounge, a reclining armchair, a padded hanging chair, or even build a cozy window seat using IKEA storage cabinets. If you're a lay-on-the-floor type of reader, a giant floor cushion could be just what you need for optimum body support. Bonus points if you add an ottoman or pouf to kick your feet up.

Speaking of elevating your reading sessions ... A hot drink station is another must-have for those who can't read without a cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa in hand. This saves you the hassle of running back and forth to the kitchen for a refill, which can be especially frustrating when in the middle of a juicy plot. Use a side table with storage to keep your snacks and drink-making essentials (think tea bags, coffee packets, cocoa powder, and kettle) within arm's reach. Better yet, splurge on a mug warmer, like this VOBAGA Electric Beverage Warmer on Amazon, so your drink stays warm at all times.

It's not a snuggle-worthy hideaway without fluffy pillows, a soft rug, and a throw blanket. Those items, coupled with a handful of plants and decor, can transform your reading setup into a super cozy nest. To set the mood, light your candles and put on some soothing music in the background. Classical music, jazz, and ambient sounds are your best bet if you want to fully immerse yourself in your book. Turn on your record player (if you own one) to invite a nostalgic feel or use noise-canceling headphones to block out the outside world.

Finally, the perfect book sanctuary is always complete with a reading lamp — because the last thing you want is to strain your eyes when it gets too dark to read. Make sure you place a table lamp, floor lamp, or wall sconces next to your seat to make reading more comfortable. These lights can also contribute to a cozy atmosphere in the evening, as long as you use warm-toned bulbs. Even better if the lamp can swivel, allowing you to direct the light as needed. One point to remember: 450 lumens (or a 40-watt bulb) is often the sweet spot for reading. Anything lower than that can cause eye strain.