This DIY Built-In Bench Is The Ideal Place To Sit And Read

If you've ever found yourself saying "I'd read more if only I had a cozy reading nook," it's time to put that thought into practice. It can be difficult to find suitable reading furniture that fits a home's aesthetic while also providing a comfortable space to lay back and enjoy a new literary work, but this DIY hack is the perfect solution. Built-in benches are simple to create and will make for extra storage and a reading space, all in one, making them an ideal project. 

Normally, adding extra storage into a room would mean buying yet another dresser or finding a way to build a new closet (which costs $2,000, on average). But by building in your own bench and drawers, you can add storage that doubles as seating to a part of the room that would otherwise be under-utilized. Instead of taking up more space at the eye level, a storage bench offers a solution that is underfoot, making everything feel less crowded and more cohesive. Then, turning the area into a reading nook using pillows and blankets is almost too easy. 

First off, you should select where to build your bench. Consider choosing a part of the room with enough wall space so that you can comfortably sit on the bench without a protruding window or other feature getting in the way. Then, measure how deep the bench can be in order for you to still be able to comfortably walk around the room. Finally, measure the width and height you can allot for the bench, keeping in mind that an average bench is 18 to 20 inches in height. 

Once you have your dimensions all set, you can build a rectangular bench using planks of wood from your local hardware store. Instagram user Haley Orrock completed this project for a children's bedroom by using wood planks and wood glue to piece together an outlying rectangle and then separate drawers within the unit, with beveled doors that open and close to hide the stored toys away from eyesight and reduce clutter. Once you've made your own, you can use hardware to attach the drawers and paint the bench whatever color best matches your space. 

If you don't want to DIY, you can use a hack to turn basic IKEA cabinet into a chic bench or buy a pre-made bench. Regardless of how you choose to build the reading nook, you should complete the project with simple cushions and pillows for a comfortable seating space. Use a custom cushion option, like this one from Amazon, to personalize cushions to your exact dimensions and color palette. Then, embellish the area with throw pillows and comfortable blankets to finish the cozy look.