When the days get shorter and staying in feels like the best plan, few things are as comforting as a well-planned reading nook. You don't need a library or a spare room: a comfortable seat, gentle light and a couple of details that invite you to sit down and forget the clock for a while are enough.
In the south, where autumn arrives softly and the light is still generous, the reading nook feels almost like an extension of the terrace: by a window, overlooking the garden or the sea, surrounded by wood, natural fibres and linen. It is a small retreat you live in every day, not a stage set.
In this guide we explain where to place it, which seat to choose, how to light it and which pieces turn it into everyone's favourite spot in the house.
In this article
1. Where to place your reading nook
The best spot is almost always next to a window. Natural light is easier on the eyes, and looking outside every now and then is part of the pleasure of reading. If you can choose, look for a spot that gets morning or mid-afternoon sun, and avoid placing the seat facing the glass: side-on is better, so the light falls on the page without glare.
The second condition is calm. A corner of the living room away from the television, the space under a staircase, the end of a wide hallway or one side of the bedroom all work very well. You don't need more than 1.5 × 1.5 m: what matters is that it is slightly away from the flow of the house and feels sheltered.
Key idea: a reading nook is not defined by square metres but by intention. If, when you sit there, there is nothing else to do but read, you already have one.
2. The seat: armchair, chaise longue or bench
This is the star piece, so take your time choosing it. An armchair with a high back and arms supports your back and head during long reading sessions; a chaise longue lets you stretch your legs; and a built-in bench with a cushion, very Mediterranean, makes the most of a window recess or a thick wall. Ideally, try it out: if your feet rest flat on the floor and your back feels supported, you are on the right track.
As for materials, solid wood and natural fibres (rattan, pith, rush) bring that serene warmth so typical of southern homes, and pair beautifully with linen or cotton cushions. If you want something cosier for winter, an armchair upholstered in a soft-touch fabric is a safe bet. And if your living room already has a good sofa, take a look at our guide on how to choose a sofa so both pieces sit together harmoniously.
Measurements worth remembering
3. The right light for reading
During the day the window takes the lead, but in autumn it gets dark early and artificial light becomes essential. The rule is simple: combine soft general lighting in the room with task lighting aimed at the book. Reading with only the lamp on and the rest of the room in darkness tires your eyes because of the contrast.
For task lighting, a floor lamp placed to one side and slightly behind the seat is the most comfortable solution: it lights the page without your head casting a shadow and without glare. If you want to go further, our guide to choosing the lighting for each room has more ideas.
Keys to lighting a reading nook
- Colour temperature: between 2,700 and 3,000 K, warm but crisp.
- Height: the light source roughly at shoulder height when seated (about 110-130 cm from the floor).
- Position: on the side of the hand you don't turn the pages with, slightly behind you.
- Dimmable: a dimmer or variable-intensity bulb lets you switch from reading to ambient light.
4. Side table, books and storage
A reading nook needs a surface within reach: for the book you are about to start, a cup of tea, your glasses or a candle. A side table about 40-50 cm in diameter, at the height of the armrest, is all you need. Solid wood, a tree-trunk table or ceramics give it that natural feel that suits the Mediterranean style so well.
Books are best kept close and in sight. A built-in bookcase, a few simple shelves or a fibre basket on the floor are enough to keep what you are reading at hand. If you have wall to spare, a bookcase around a built-in bench turns the nook into a small library.
5. Textiles and colour for autumn
Textiles are what turn a seat into a retreat. A throw folded over the arm of the chair, a couple of linen cushions and a natural fibre rug underfoot are enough to make the nook feel warm when the temperature drops. They also absorb noise and create that enveloping feeling that makes you want to stay.
For colours, keep a light base (ecru, sand, off-white) and add one or two earthy tones. For more ideas for this time of year, read our article on autumn textiles for the living room and, to complete the atmosphere, the one on autumn candles and scents.
6. Reading nooks in the bedroom and in small spaces
The bedroom is one of the quietest places in the house during the day, and a great candidate for your reading nook. An armchair by the window, a chaise longue at the foot of the bed or a small bench under the windowsill create a space of its own without taking up room. If you love the idea of a bedroom with a hotel feel, here we explain how to achieve it step by step.
If space is minimal, think vertically: a few shelves above the seat, a wall light instead of a floor lamp and a pouf that doubles as a side table. Natural fibres and light colours make things feel lighter, and a rattan armchair takes up little room and looks airy.
Key idea: less but better. A comfortable seat, good light and a well-chosen side table are worth more than a nook full of objects.
Quick checklist
- Choose a quiet spot near a window, with the light coming in from the side.
- Try the seat: feet flat, back supported and, if possible, head support.
- Add a warm floor lamp (2,700-3,000 K) to one side and slightly behind.
- Keep a side table at armrest height within reach.
- Store books nearby: a shelf, a bookcase or a fibre basket.
- Finish with a throw, linen cushions and a natural rug.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do I need for a reading nook?
1.5 × 1.5 m is enough for an armchair, a side table and a floor lamp. If you have less space, a bench under the window or a compact armchair with a wall light also work.
What kind of light is best for reading?
A warm but crisp light, between 2,700 and 3,000 K, aimed at the page from the side and slightly behind. Always combine it with soft general lighting in the room to avoid contrasts that tire your eyes.
Which armchair is most comfortable for reading?
One with a high back, arms and a seat depth of around 50-55 cm. Rattan or wooden armchairs with a cushion are light and cool; upholstered ones feel cosier in winter. It is best to try it before deciding.
At Pino & Jacaranda we believe a home needs places designed for nothing but enjoyment: a comfortable seat, warm light and a good book. Pieces in natural materials, made to last and to accompany you through every season.
Because the best moments at home often begin with a page.
