How-to
October 6, 2026
6 min read
A reading nook sounds like a Pinterest thing. A chair, a blanket, a lamp. Done. Then you try to read in it for forty minutes and your neck hurts, the light glares off the page, and the side table is just out of reach. Building a good reading nook is mostly small measurements, and they're easy to get right once you know them.
You don't need a spare room. A corner of a bedroom or living room around five by five feet is plenty. Here's how we'd set one up, based on what we see people return to our showroom to fix.
Chair choice is where most nooks fail. A chair that looks great in a photo can be a bad place to read. Two things matter most: seat depth and back support.
For reading, a seat depth around 20 to 22 inches suits most people, deep enough to sink in, shallow enough to sit upright without a pillow wedge. If you like curling up with your feet under you, go deeper. Pair that with a back that reaches at least shoulder height, or add a head cushion. A pair of our accent-chair picks is covered in how to pick an accent chair people actually sit in.
Swivel bases are handy in a corner, since you can turn toward a window or the room. Check the chair's width, too. Many comfortable chairs run 30 to 34 inches wide, and that's a lot of floor in a small corner.
A footrest changes everything. Without one you perch. With one you settle. A small ottoman or pouf, around 16 to 18 inches tall to match the seat, is enough. It can tuck under a side table when you're not using it.
This is the part people get wrong. A ceiling fixture alone throws shadows on the page. You want a dedicated light close to your shoulder, not aimed at your face.
A floor lamp with an adjustable arm works well because you can angle it over your shoulder. Aim for the bottom of the shade at about eye level when you're seated, which usually puts the lamp's head 40 to 45 inches off the floor. Pick a bulb around 2700K for a warm feel, and one with enough brightness to read without squinting. Our post on floor lamps vs table lamps goes deeper, and Flos is worth a look if you want a piece that doubles as sculpture.
A side table should sit within easy arm's reach, with a top about the same height as the chair's arm, or an inch or two below. Too high and you're reaching up. Too low and you're bending. Keep the top roomy enough for a mug and a stack of two or three books, at least 14 to 16 inches across.
A throw and a small rug under the front legs of the chair make the nook feel like its own zone, which helps it stand apart from the rest of the room. A rug that lets at least the front two chair legs sit on it works fine. Skip the clutter. One small shelf or a stack of books is enough, and a too-full nook starts to feel like storage.
If you're not sure the pieces will fit, try them in the Trig Studio room planner. You set your corner's exact dimensions and arrange real pieces at their true sizes, so you can see whether chair, table, and lamp all fit before you buy anything. It's free.
The best nook is the one that fits your body and your habits. We'd rather you come sit in several chairs than guess. If you're anywhere in the Raleigh area, stop by the showroom at 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd, Tuesday through Saturday. You can plan your visit here, or browse seating at our shop page first.
About five by five feet handles a chair, a small side table, and a floor lamp. Tighter corners work with a compact chair and a wall-mounted light.
An adjustable floor lamp placed beside or slightly behind your shoulder, with a warm bulb around 2700K. Avoid lighting that shines straight at the page.
Usually yes. Arms give your elbows and a book somewhere to rest, and they're handy for a side table at matching height.