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How to Create a Reading Room You’ll Want to Get Lost In

If you’re a book lover who longs for a cozy, stylish spot to curl up and enjoy the latest must-read, then it’s time to consider designing a home library. Whether you have the luxury of turning an entire room into a reading refuge or a small nook, creating a dedicated home library can bring an instant sense of relaxation after a long day.

Crafting the perfect ambiance, however, is an entirely different story. You want to get it just right—from the lighting to the quality and comfortability of the seating—or else, you’ll want to put your book down and relocate. Thankfully, our collection of high-end Southern furniture makes it easy to create a cozy, sophisticated reading room you’ll want to get lost in.

Not sure exactly which chapter to start on in your decorating journey? Keep reading. Our designers are revealing all the elements that will transform any room into a warm, inviting, and chic library space.

How to Create a Reading Room You'll Want to Get Lost In

A Great Book Needs A Great Chair

What’s the point in having a wall full of great books if there’s not a comfortable seat to let you enjoy them?

We recommend going with a chair style that will keep you relaxed for hours on end, such as a recliner or a design with a tall back, like our Quilted Harvest Chair. It not only makes a statement in a room, but it’s a great place to sink into for a few hours of reading.

And if you like to fully lay down while you’re reading, consider getting a chaise lounge. Imagine melting into this turquoise and chocolate velvet chaise on a fall afternoon with a well-worn novel in your hands.

How to Create a Reading Room You'll Want to Get Lost In

Add In Other Creature Comforts

After deciding on what type of cushy seating setup you want to have, it’s time to make things cozier.

Consider adding a few pillows and blankets to make your reading nook even more welcoming and comfortable. Even better, place an ottoman in the room to give yourself a footrest. Our Hide Ottoman and Champagne Tipped Round Ottoman are soft to the touch and will give you something to sink into while you delve deeper into your novel.

Rugs will also up the comfort factor in your at-home library, and the Murano rug does just that. Its vintage style will add plenty of depth and texture to the space while giving your feet the soft landing they deserve after a long day.

How to Create a Reading Room You'll Want to Get Lost In

Keep Everything In Reach With a Table

A table is a necessity for any home library, giving you something to set things down upon while your hands are busy flipping through the pages.​​​​​​​

If you have limited space, opt for a side table, like this Gettysburg End Table. It works as a perfect spot for a reading light and a warm cup of tea, all while adding an organic charm to the room. If you have more space to work with, consider this Dragonfly Coffee Table. All you need to do is pull up some extra chairs and add a pitcher of iced tea, and you’ve got yourself the makings of the perfect book club.

How to Create a Reading Room You'll Want to Get Lost In

Let There Be Light

A decent lamp will easily light the pages of the next bestseller on your reading list. A great lamp, however, can work double duty as statement décor AND create a well-lit, welcoming ambiance.

Looking for something with character? The Kallie Table Lamp is a great way to add a pop of color if you’re looking to liven up the room. Plus, this lamp is hand-made and hand-finished, so you can rest assured that your personal reading nook will feature a one-of-a-kind piece.

Or, maybe you’re partial to a floor lamp that’s a little more neutral and subdued. Another favorite pick is the Ombre Floor Lamp. Featuring a sleek steel base and an ombre finish that fades from light brushed brass to dark coffee bronze, this floor lamp is a stylish way to light up the night and your pages.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

How to Create a Reading Room You'll Want to Get Lost In

Pack Your Shelves With Personality

Shelves can do so much more than display your favorite novels. Rather, you can use them as an opportunity to showcase everything that makes you, you: your memories, likes, and most beloved treasures​​​​​​​.

Are you a plant lover? Add this no-maintenance Red Aloe Succulent to bring in a pop of greenery. Fan of the arts? Prop up an original artwork, like this Moon Indigo Canvas, to show off how cultured you are. Do you prefer to unwind with a good book and a good cocktail in hand? Go ahead and keep this handsome Jan Bargboglio decanter nearby.

It’s your reading room after all, and you deserve to escape into all of the things you love.​​​​​​​

How to Create a Reading Room You'll Want to Get Lost In

Bookends Aren't the End All Be All

Remember, this is your personal reading nook—not your grandfather’s stuffy library. Rather than relying on traditional bookends, you can use plenty of other items to zhuzh things up and hold all of your books in place, like interesting sculptures, ceramics, or tchotchkes. Really, any object with some heft behind it will work just fine.

Our favorite unconventional items: this gorgeous hand blown vase and this sturdy, floral cross. And if you want to go down a more traditional route, consider mixing and matching your bookends to liven things up.

Need Some More Inspiration For Your Home Library? Check Out Our Other Southern Furniture

Among life’s greatest pleasures is curling up with a cup of tea and getting lost in a good book—a pleasure made all the better if you do so in your own home library. ​​​​Luckily, crafting a home library you can look forward to unwinding in is easy with Brumbaugh’s high-end Southern furniture. From table lamps to cozy chairs and even more one-of-a-kind décor, we have everything you need to turn the library of your dreams into a reality. Shop online to find even more high-end furniture pieces or visit our store in Fort Worth.

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