Reading Nook - Creating the perfect reading corner

Fact: every primary school classroom needs a cosy reading nook. 

Whether it’s a reading corner, book den, reading area, mini library or reading nook, books and storytelling bring calm, focus and meaningful conversations into a classroom. We know classrooms come in different shapes and sizes, but here’s the thing - there’s a kids reading corner for every class. And we’re here to show you how to make it your own.

Need a bespoke Furniture Design Service for your reading corner? Get in touch today with your classroom reading corner ideas and requirements. 

Looking for simple reading corner ideas for classroom layouts? Read on for our handy children’s reading corner guide and discover some of our favourite reading nook ideas...

What is a reading nook? 

Reading nooks or reading corners refer to a small area of your classroom dedicated to reading and quiet time. It’s typically referred to as a reading nook or reading corner (as opposed to a reading space) because of its cosiness and warmth. Teachers usually kit their reading nook out with a rug, cushions, comfortable chairs, bookshelves and lots of stories. 

Reading nook ideas for small spaces

• Use minimal furniture: Less is more in small spaces - all you’ll really need is a rug, reading corner cushions and a small bookshelf. 

• Make use of the walls: No space for a bookshelf? Opt for a Wall Mounted one instead.

• Choose multi-purpose furniture: Look for ones you can move around the classroom, which are light to carry or have wheels.

• 2-in-1 seating: Book storage and seats in one? Meet our Reading Corner Sofa and Storage Set.

What is an example of an Outstanding EYFS Reading Area?

To us, every reading corner is an opportunity to immerse pupils into the world of books. To really elevate your space, make sure there’s enough room for children to move around freely, clear away any clutter, store books neatly and teach children to handle them carefully. Also, if pupils are learning a language in the classroom, you could include different titles in that language. Need some display wall reading corner ideas? Write down big, bold questions like ‘What’s the plot?’, ‘What does the cover look like?’ and ‘What did you learn?’

How does an EYFS reading area differ from a KS1 or KS2 reading corner? 

An EYFS, KS1 and KS2 reading nook should all feel inviting and calm to step into. The difference is, EYFS reading nooks are more focused on exploration, sensory elements, storytelling and play-based items (like themed decor, mood lighting and puppets), while a KS1 and KS2 reading corner is based around independent reading, evaluating storylines, taking ownership of books and having roles within a library space. A KS1 and KS2 reading corner could also have books in alphabetical or genre-specific orders.

How to create the perfect reading nook for school classrooms

1. Choose a corner
A classroom reading corner can feel like its own little hub, away from the bustle of a learning area. Having it in a corner helps define the space as a calm, quiet area, where children can relax and focus. From a teacher’s point of view, having a reading corner in a classroom can help them make use of the space by the walls. We’re loving the Cosy Healdswood Corner Shelving Unit, Wooden Reading Corner with Foam Cushions and Zona Tree House Library Corner. 

2. Make it cosy
Create a space that feels warm and inviting - you could even call it your Cosy Corner. Up the cosiness by getting a Snuggly Den, Soft Fleece Cushions, Cosy The Inside Arch and Enchanted Reading Nook with Floor Cushion. Top tip: Create a display board based around ‘Our Favourite Books’ or ‘What we’re Reading This Term’. Or grab some sweet animal signs for reading corner excitement.

3. Design with intention
Your reading nook isn’t just for reading - it’s for sparking their imagination too. One of our top book corner ideas? Encourage them to tell stories through shows, puppetry and props with our Wooden Puppet Theatre, My First Puppets - Pets and story sets like Jack and the Beanstalk Story Set, The Snail and the Whale Story Set and A Squash and a Squeeze Story Set with Puppets.

4. Include easy-to-access book storage
Your reading corner is a great place for nurturing independence. To encourage them to choose a book and read it themselves, look for book storage and shelves that are children’s-size - this means they won’t have to reach up high or balance on their tiptoes to get it. We love low, front-facing bookshelves like the Designs for Education Low Book Storage Unit and Double Sided Book Display Unit so that children can decide what book they want without taking each out. 

5. Get some comfy reading corner furniture
Reading corner comfort looks like ultra-soft carpets, cushions, bean bags, chairs and sofas. In other words, while they’re listening to a story, reading themselves or having some quiet time, they should always be in optimum comfort. Want to double (or triple) up on some ultra-soft rugs? Choose our Soft Touch Faux Fur Rug. Need cushions? YPO’s Soft Floor Bean Cushions will do the trick. To encourage good posture, reach for these adorable Cosy Reading Rabbit Chairs.

6. Add reading corner displays on the walls
If you need reading corner ideas for classroom learning, displays are a good place to start. From alphabets to numbers and phonics to seasons, pupils will love looking at a reading corner display and learning (even subconsciously) while enjoying their book corner. 

7. Create a calm atmosphere
Book corner ideas, sorted. Next, it’s about creating a calm setting. Choosing a soft, neutral colour scheme can add to a relaxing reading corner atmosphere, as well as wooden furniture or anything that resembles natural world themes, like woodlands or forests. We’re loving the Pinterest-worthy Cosy Reading Pod Wicker Den, Natural Cushion Set with Trolley and Calm Mountains Classroom Rug.

8. Switch up the themes
Areas in a classroom often need a refresh. That’s why we love switching up the themes of our book corners every few weeks (they don’t need to be big, bold changes - subtle ones will do). Our favourite themed children’s reading corner ideas? A Woodland World with Pine Seating Pods, Forest Adventures via this Corner Carpet, Under the Sea courtesy of these Wooden Sea Creatures and Big Feelings with our Monster Emotions Cushions. Alternatively, you could focus on seasonal makeovers, such as Spring DIY Paper Flower Decor, Summer Beach Shells and Starfish, Autumn Leaves and Winter Fluffy Snow.