Remember the joy of the reading corner at school? We had a cosy sanctuary in the corner of our classroom piled high with dog-eared books and some itchy blankets and it was always my favourite place to be. The kids also love their reading corners and often come home excited to tell me all about a story Miss has read them while gathered in a semi-circle in that quiet corner.
We all know the importance of encouraging reading for growth and development and what could be a better incentive for little ones to lose themselves in a good back than by creating a comfy and cosy reading corner in your own home? Even in smaller spaces, it’s possible to carve out a little sanctuary specifically for this purpose – simply add plenty of cushions, blankets, and of course, a pile of good books! By keeping things contemporary, the whole family can enjoy the benefits of a reading corner – I know that me and my husband will be just as happy to curl up here as the girls! Here are my top tips.
Add Bunting
A gloriously cheerful addition to any corner, bunting adds a sense of fun and frivolity to your reading corner. Choose from floral print, understated colour-blocked bunting or even make your own with the kids – all you need is some excess fabric and string and voila!
Keep It Cosy
Every reading corner needs plenty of cushions and throws to keep cold feet cosy as you and your little ones curl up. If you’re anything like me, as soon as I get stuck into a good story I feel my eyes closing so having a thick woolly blanket close at hand is always a good idea as I catch an impromptu forty winks! Fold a couple of blankets at the end of your chosen chair or sofa for those sleep post-story moments.
Inspire Them
Though the trend for adding quotes and lettering to your interiors has become slightly cliché over the past year, it’s one I’m still a huge fan of when done tastefully. A simple way to inspire the kids to lose themselves to their imaginations is with a fun quote – if you’re a dab hand with a paintbrush you could paint this on the wall yourself, or write it with a calligraphy pen then frame it to hang on the wall. I also like these stick-on wood-effect letters by Hobbycraft for creating your own inspiring phrase – try a literary quote such as something from Alice In Wonderland or Winnie The Pooh to stick to the reading theme.
Get The Seating Right
Obviously, the most important aspect of any reading corner is the seating – get this right and the rest will follow. Designer armchairs or smaller sofas are the perfect foundation for your quiet corner. The cosy and spacious Heywood Snuggler by Arlo & Jacob makes a statement choice and comes complete with deep pillow-like cushions ideal for getting snug on!
