Imagine it’s Sunday afternoon and rain is falling outside your window. With nothing on your to-do list, you curl up with a book and hot cocoa. Can you picture it? Where are you in the house? If you aren’t lying in bed – under the covers, of course – you’re probably nestled in a nook somewhere. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big bay window or cozy corner in your living room. What matters is how it makes you feel. This space should be the most comfortable spot in your house, complete with cushions, blankets, reading lamps and more.

How to Create the Perfect Reading Nook

Don’t take this sliver of solitude for granted. You can’t just put a chair in a corner and call it a day. This precious place in your home has to have some functionality. Otherwise, it won’t actually be that comfortable. So make sure you have everything it takes to create the perfect reading nook, including (but not limited to):

• A place to sit – You want a chair that’s plush but has a strong back to support yours. If you can score a chaise, even better. They’re the perfect blend of wing-backed chair and cozy loveseat, so you can sit back and relax while you read.
• A table for your things – When you’re entrenched in a novel, you don’t want any reason to get up. A small coffee table or end table can conveniently house your cup of tea, a plate full of snacks, a box of tissues (because not all stories are slap-stick funny) and maybe a pair of reading glasses.
• A blanket to snuggle – Sweatpants and slippers are a good starting point, but they’re nothing compared to the hug of a soft blanket. Invest in a snuggle-worthy coverlet that also adds to your home’s décor.
• A pillow for support – Even with a sturdy back, your chair may not feel right without a pillow for support. Or, maybe you like to be horizontal when you read and need a place to lay your head. Get a plump pillow that doesn’t easily get misshapen. And, again, keep your décor in mind. This nook might be the best opportunity for a pop of color.
• A plant to liven the mood – On a dreary day, when you have no interest in leaving your four walls, plants bring a little slice of fresh air indoors. The hint of greenery can also lift your spirits and make the room feel homier – more lived in.
• A throw rug to warm the space – No one likes to step out of a hot shower and onto cold tiles. That’s why you put down a bath mat. The same is true for your reading nook. Why get up from a cozy spot only to be met with the icy bite of hard floors? Warm up your space – physically and visually – with a small area rug, preferably one that feels fuzzy underfoot.
• A reading lamp to light the pages – A picture window is a beautiful architectural detail and an ideal feature for your reading nook, but it won’t provide light at night. Even with gray skies, it can be difficult to read the fine print of a book. You need direct light that will actually illuminate every inch of your reading surface, which can only be accomplished by reading lamps.

How to Gauge a Good Reading Lamp

Because of their very specific use, reading lamps have very specific assets. Look for these features when shopping for a qualified light fixture:

• It’s bright but not blinding.
• It takes up very little square footage.
• It’s dimmable.
• It’s adjustable or easy to move.
• It coordinates with your style.

Lighting Levels Matter

According to the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, the recommended illumination for easy, everyday tasks – such as reading and working on a computer – ranges from 250 to 500 lumens per square meter. Of course, you’ll need to adjust the intensity based on the quality of light and if there’s any glaring effect. Also, if your reading nook is surrounded by a poorly lit room, you might need a lower lumen. Otherwise, the bright contrast could end up straining your eyes.

A note about lumens: Lumens are not the same as watts. Watts are a measurement of energy; whereas, lumens are a gauge for brightness. That said, you can achieve the right brightness with different wattages. For instance, a four-watt LED reading lamp can produce approximately 220 lumens. A halogen or other incandescent bulb, however, requires a higher wattage to produce the same brightness.

5 Reading Lamps That are Perfect for a Cozy Nook

With these tips and features in mind, you’re ready to find the reading lamp that inspires you to curl up with a book and waste a day away. Here are five that are fit for your reading nook:

1. Carlo Desk Lamp by Visual Comfort

It’s true, the Carlo Desk Lamp’s flat umbrella design is a modern shape. Yet, the antique brass finish makes it feel like an old find you could fit in a traditional-style home. That said, this reading lamp comes in three other finishes, including a polished nickel that would look sleek in a contemporary corner.

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2. Clarkson Reading Lamp by Visual Comfort

The soft and subtle glow that comes from the Clarkson Reading Lamp adds exactly what you need in an already bright room. Even when it’s turned off, the antique brass finish and linen lamp shade will visually warm your nook. And at 58 inches high, this floor lamp will have no problems reaching your reading material from behind a wing-backed chair.

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3. Classic Reading Lamp by Visual Comfort

The Classic Reading Lamp is, perhaps, the most universally accepted accessory for a reading space. The square shape is simple and to the point. Plus, the wafer-thin neck is adjustable, letting you find the right height for your chair. If that’s not enough, it’s available in four defining finishes to suit modern, traditional, rustic and industrial homes, alike.

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4. Copernicus by Vermont Modern

A sincerely modern home will appreciate the Copernicus Desk Lamp, thanks to a unique and artful design. It barely takes up any space on a desk and would fit snuggly on a small end table. The silver and wood accents further define how lightweight this LED reading lamp really is.

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5. Penbrook by Dimond Lighting

The Penbrook Arc Lamp is task lighting at its best. The 79-inch-high neck scoops over a high chair or wide sofa with ease to provide the most accurate and direct light. Design-wise, it works best in a contemporary or modern home. With a white marble base and silver-plated dome shade, this fixture has a refined sense of style.

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Tell Your Story

Creating the perfect reading nook is not as simple as it may seem. First, you must consider how much space you have to spare and how it flows into the rest of your home. Then, determine if it will only be used for reading. Finally, assess any sources of natural light and add a reading lamp to round it out. Aside from to an upholstered chair, reading lamps are the most important accessory in a cozy cranny. Make sure yours not only illuminates a good book, but lights up the atmosphere – even on a rainy day.