A reading nook is usually just a chair, a lamp and a window. What makes it feel special is how the window is dressed. Here are the ideas our design team uses to turn a corner into the coziest spot in the house.
Frame the window with drapery
Floor-length custom drapery on both sides of the window turns it into a frame for the chair. Hang the rod high and wide so the panels stack beside the glass and you keep all the daylight for reading. See how high and wide to hang curtains.
Choose fabric you want to touch
Velvet, wool blends and textured linens feel warm and quiet, which is exactly what a nook needs. In a sunny window, a lined fabric protects the color. See our drapery fabrics guide.
Control the light, not just block it
Reading light should be soft and even. Layer a light-filtering shade, like a cellular or sheer shade, under the drapery so you can cut glare on the page without closing the room in. See layering drapery over shades.
Window seats and alcoves
For a window seat or alcove, a ceiling-mounted track can carry drapery across the whole opening, so you can close the nook off like a little room. A Roman shade on the window itself adds softness without crowding the seat.
Add warmth for winter
A chair beside cold glass can feel drafty in a Spokane winter. Thermal or interlined drapery and insulating cellular shades make a real difference to how comfortable the corner feels. See drapery linings.