I just moved house, so I had to pack up all of my books (a sad moment). As a life-long reader, books are very important to me. They don’t just entertain me; bookshelves make a house feel like a home.

And that’s where the perfect aesthetic reading corner comes in: a perfect cosy place to sit where you can read your book. If you are wondering how to style a reading nook in your own home, here are 7 of my best design and organization tips.

1. Start with a solid foundation

Scroll through bookshelves on Bookstagram or Pinterest and you’ll find endless bookshelf styling ideas. Bookshelves come in every style imaginable, from the classic IKEA Billy shelves to bright orange designer statement pieces. There is truly something for everyone!

However, since you mostly see white or wooden cabinets online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with colour options. Before buying anything:

• Consider the space: What actually suits the room where you want to create your nook? If it’s ultra modern, a vintage solid wood case might clash
• Measure everything: Double-check your dimensions before hitting “add to cart.” There is nothing worse than buying a dream bookcase that blocks a window or doesn’t quite fit in the space you’d wanted.
• Think of your own taste: Don’t just buy a white Billy because everyone else has them. If you have a more eclectic style, then second hand furniture might be more to your taste. Conversely, a statement coloured bookcase might be perfect in an otherwise neutral room.

2. Choose colours that suit you and your space.

Don’t just settle for a generic idea. Use a tool like Coolors.co to generate cohesive colour palettes. That way, you’ll get just a little further than simply saying, “I want a pink reading nook.”

My Personal Nook’s Palette: I used a mix of peach, yellow, orange, white, and purple. However, my wall is peach-coloured and my shelves are white. Because the foundation is neutral, I can easily swap out a blanket or pillow to change the vibe for autumn or winter.

The Strategy: Build a solid, timeless base with colours you love, then use budget-friendly textiles to change things up with the seasons.

3. Organize Your Books Your Way

Do you prefer a pristine, alphabetized shelf, or a messier, more “lived-in” look filled with plants? There is no wrong answer when it comes to how to style a reading nook. Organize your books exactly how you want them.

• By Genre & Alphabet: I keep my literature in the living room (merged with my boyfriend’s massive collection). My actual reading nook is in my office, where my shelves hold children’s books, YA, romance, graphic novels, and fantasy. Each of my separate shelving areas are organised alphabetically.
• By Colour: A classic choice for a striking visual impact. Jenny’s romance books (below) are a statement rainbow.
• By Theme: Create a special shelf dedicated to a specific topic like nature, art, feminism, or plants. It makes your space feel incredibly personal and curated.

4. Give It a Personal Touch

Once the books are in, it’s time for the fun part: accessorizing! The best way to make your reading nook feel cosy is to add meaningful items to your shelves.

For my shelves, I added:

• A Sonny Angel figurine from a vacation with my boyfriend.
• A Frankenstein bookmark gifted by my best friend.
• LEGO plants that I built together with a close friend.
• Beautiful candles in my favorite scents, polaroids, and bookmarks from local indie shops.

5. Keep It Balanced (Avoid the Clutter Trap)

Unless your aesthetic is intentionally maximalist and cluttered, I wouldn’t recommend overstuffing your shelves with trinkets. A few larger items paired with smaller ones create the best visual balance.

Try this trick: Place a larger item (like a potted plant or a Jellycat plushie) next to a stack of books, and tuck a smaller figurine slightly further back on the shelf to create depth.

6. Step Back and Test It Out

Once you’ve moved your items around, step back and take a look at the whole picture. Let it sit for a few days. You might realize something needs to be added, swapped, or moved—and that is totally okay!

When you’re planning the style of your reading nook, it takes time to get it exactly right. Don’t pressure yourself to make it picture-perfect on day one.

7. Mindfully Collect Quirky Trinkets

Last but not least: I love a good trinket! I frequently visit thrift stores to find unique, budget-friendly items like vintage candle holders. Other times, I’ll splurge on a special item, ask for decor for my birthday, or bring home a small souvenir from vacation (like my little lighthouse).

A quick note on slow decorating: Make sure you don’t become an over-consumer of “dust collectors.” Carefully choose items that genuinely appeal to you and that you know will still make you happy a year from now.

The Golden Rule

At the end of the day, it’s your corner and your sanctuary. If you feel comfortable there, you’ve succeeded.

If you’re a content creator like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the visuals. But remember: your reading nook isn’t there for the internet or your photos. It’s there primarily for you to feel at home and lose yourself in a new book.