Designing a reading corner in the living room: ideas and tips

Every space in the home must be carefully thought out to ensure that it reflects the personality of the person who lives there every day.

The home must be the perfect place where you can comfortably and pleasantly spend your time. Every space must be designed with great care. Every detail makes a difference. In relation to one’s passions, stylistic taste, and interior design trends, it is good to think and study environments that are functional and at the same time comfortable to live in. Those with a passion for reading, for example, cannot fail to think about creating a small reading corner in the living room where they can relax and take refuge, immersing themselves in the stories that each book tells.

Designing a reading corner in the living room: where to start?

In the home, carving out a space in which one can devote oneself to one’s passions and favourite activities is indispensable. To design, for example, a reading corner in the living room, in the bedroom, in the study room or in a small secluded space in the entrance hall, it is important first of all to consider a corner of the house that is sufficiently bright, so as to be able to take advantage of natural light as much as possible, thus limiting the use of artificial light during daylight hours.

A comfortable seat, a light point and a shelf is what is essential in a reading corner in the living room. Clearly, in relation to the space available, it is possible to insert more furniture or larger and even capacious furniture, more comfortable seating and storage space to accommodate books, the true protagonists of this great little corner of the home.

Designing a reading corner in the living room: ideas and tips

Reading corner in the living room in a small space

The reading corner does not have to be a very large room. On the contrary, an intimate corner can sometimes be more relaxing and provide more privacy during reading hours.

To organise a reading corner in the living room in a small space, what is needed is a chair and a light point. The ideal solution would be a comfortable chair with armrests or a wraparound backrest. MDF Italia’s Achille armchair, for example, with its minimalist design and original colours, is perfect for organising a reading corner in a small space.

Next to the armchair what is needed is a floor light source, in the absence of a table top, such as the Martinelli Luce Colibrì 2312 Lamp with a minimal and modern style and with an articulated head therefore with directional light.

Reading corner in open-plan living room

The open space is a popular solution. The total absence, or almost total absence, of partition walls guarantees a pleasant feeling of airiness and brightness. Usually an open space brings together the kitchen, dining room and living area, but sometimes it can even incorporate the bedroom or home office, as is the case in large lofts.

Carving out a reading corner in the living room of an open space is quite simple as the space allows for more furniture. However, great attention must be paid to the furnishing style of the entire room in order to create a certain harmony to the whole context. Within a reading corner created in an open space, it is possible to dare with larger and more comfortable armchairs, or it is possible to evaluate the insertion of a chaise longue such as the Loom Potocco chaise longue with a minimalist look, ideal for retro furnishing spaces.

It is clear that in the case of an open space, it is also possible to insert other pieces of furniture and small table tops such as the Alivar T-Gong coffee table which, available in different finishes, sizes and heights, is perfectly adaptable to any context and space.

Next to the small table goes the light point and to better define the reading corner, in relation to the available space, it is also possible to evaluate the insertion of a small bookcase. The most functional models are the modular ones such as the Biblos Grid Martex Bookcase that can be accessorized with shelves, drawers, baskets, doors, planters, cushions and visible compartments. Biblos is characterised by its originality and can also be positioned in the centre of the room, to act as a dividing wall and make the reading corner in an open space even more intimate

Reading corner in the living room with sofa

The reading corner in the living room does not necessarily have to be a real ‘corner’. It can also become a real room, a room in itself where you can have all the privacy and silence you need during reading hours. In this case, the available and usable space will undoubtedly be greater than in an area carved out within the house. Consequently, here one is free to consider one or even more seats.

The inclusion of a sofa, such as the Kastel Kameo Sofa or the Mia MDF Italia sofa, may be a valid option.

A footstool ottoman such as the Fuji MDF Italia Pouf, available in different colours, finishes and sizes, can accompany the sofa providing an even more comfortable reading position.

Next to the sofa, a bookcase, such as the Random MDF Italia bookcase, allows you to complete the room’s furnishings in the best possible way and at the same time keep all your books tidy and, above all, within easy reach.

Here too, the light point will be essential. And for an even more complete room, an interesting and appreciable idea could be to insert carpets to make the reading corner in the living room even warmer, cosier and more enveloping.