The perfect reading nook for £150
Four elements are enough to create a bubble of calm
A reading nook needs four precise elements and £150 well spent.
A reading nook does not need to be big. It needs to be well composed. Four elements are enough.
1. An enveloping armchair (£90-120)
Not a designer armchair that forces your posture. An armchair that wraps around you, with high arms and a back that supports the neck.
Where to look. IKEA's Strandmon IKEA, £199 new, which drops to £80-120 on Vinted Vinted or Le Bon Coin Le Bon Coin after a few weeks of searching. Thrift alternative: bergère or wing chairs from flea markets at Selency Selency.
2. An articulated task lamp (£30-50)
A floor lamp or clip-on lamp that lights the book, not the room. Articulated arm essential. CRI 90+, 3000 K (see rule 02.4).
Where to look. IKEA Tertial lamp IKEA at £15. If budget allows, Anglepoise or Tolomeo lamp Amazon at £60-150.
3. A small side table (£20-40)
To put the book, the cup, the glasses. A top 30-40 cm across, at the same height as the armchair's arm.
Where to look. IKEA Kragsta black metal side table IKEA at £24.99. Flea market: a small patinated wooden side table, £15-30 at Emmaüs Emmaüs.
4. A wool throw (£20-30)
Not optional. The throw laid over the armchair says "this is a reading nook"; the invitation is immediate.
Where to look. Maisons du Monde throw Maisons du Monde at £25 in a wool blend. For something better, an alpaca throw on Vinted Vinted (£50-80 instead of £150 new).
Placement in the room
The ideal spot, in a corner of the room, at 45° to a wall. The lamp sits behind the shoulder (on the left for right-handers, on the right for left-handers, see rule 03.14). A tall plant next to the armchair adds the organic touch.
## Key takeaways
A reading nook that invites you in is an enveloping armchair plus directed light plus a side table within reach plus a throw laid out. £150 if you mix new and thrifted. The rule, every element must be within arm's reach without standing up.