Living Stone Design + Build
In this article, we have an assortment of cozy nook ideas for you. They include breakfast nook ideas, reading nook ideas, kitchen nook ideas, kids’ nook ideas and so much more.
Cozy nooks are great for everyone. You can create one for your kids to read in or make one for yourself to snuggle in when the weather is chilly. Large kitchens and spacious living rooms are all great and we love them, but sometimes you want crawl up inside a cozy space and escape to a world of your own where you can read, eat or simply daydream in peace and quiet.
UNDER THE STAIRS
A cozy reading nook by Sebring Design Build with a built-in bench and bookshelves, surrounded by large windows that provide ample natural light. The bench is topped with soft cushions and pillows for comfort.
TUCKED AWAY
A rustic reading nook by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. with a wooden bench, vintage-inspired rug, and a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows. The space is surrounded by natural elements such as wood and plants for a relaxing vibe.
CLOSET NOOK
A modern window nook by Annie Thornton with a built-in bench and sleek black frames that offer stunning views of the outdoors. The bench is topped with plush cushions and accompanied by a small side table for a comfortable reading experience.
CORNER COZY
A cozy bedroom nook by Twist Interior Design with a built-in window seat and bookshelves, perfect for lounging and reading. The space is decorated with soft pillows, a throw blanket, and wall art for added comfort and style.
EXPANSIVE
A vintage-inspired nook by Erin King Interiors with a patterned armchair and ottoman, a small side table, and a bookshelf filled with books and decor. The space is surrounded by wallpaper with a nature-inspired motif.
LEGO INSPIRED
A minimalistic nook by Dorrington Atcheson Architects with a built-in bench and floating shelves that display a mix of decor and books. The space is surrounded by large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding nature.
ATTIC NOOK
A cozy window nook by PEG Properties & Design with a built-in bench, soft cushions, and an array of patterned and solid-colored pillows. The space is surrounded by natural wood elements and a small side table for added comfort.
STAIR LANDING
A vintage-inspired nook by Visbeen Architects with a colorful patterned armchair, a small side table, and a mix of vintage and modern decor. The space is surrounded by white-painted brick walls and simple pendant lights.
WARM & COZY
A cozy bedroom nook by Walker Warner Architects with a built-in window seat, accompanied by a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows and a small side table. The space is decorated with a simple pendant light and wall art.
KNICKKNACK
A minimalistic nook by Phil Kean Designs, Inc. with a built-in bench and a simple pendant light, surrounded by large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding nature. The bench is topped with soft cushions and a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows.
Why Have a Nook?
Because they are cozy, warm and comforting. Nooks are great spaces to enjoy various activities such as reading, eating, sleeping or relaxing. Not yet convinced? Here’s what else they are good for:
- They provide privacy. If you live in a busy and noisy home, a nook can serve as a private getaway to your own quiet space. You can read or work in relative quiet.
- They are special. Cozy nooks provide a break from the “usual”. It becomes a special place for you to escape to that allows you to relax with a book or bowl of ice-cream or just your thoughts.
BASEMENT DINING
A vintage-inspired nook by Sebring Design Build with a rattan armchair and a mix of vintage and modern decor. The space is surrounded by white-painted brick walls and simple pendant lights for added charm.
BOARD ROOM
A cozy bedroom nook by Ruhl Walker Architects with a built-in window seat and a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows. The space is decorated with a small side table, a simple pendant light, and wall art for added style.
PET SET
A minimalistic nook by Michele Peterson-AMA Interiors with a built-in bench and a simple pendant light, surrounded by large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding nature. The bench is topped with soft cushions and a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows.
COLORFUL OASIS
A cozy window nook by Soorikian Architecture with a built-in bench, soft cushions, and a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows. The space is surrounded by natural wood elements and a small side table for added comfort.
- They are fun for kids. Some of our best nook ideas are designed for kids. You can create a nook just for play or for certain activities like reading.
- They are easy and inexpensive to set up. You will realize just how easy it is even in a small home–you can even set one up in a closet. Since it is a smaller space, decorating and furnishing a nook will not cost you much. In fact, you can often fill it up with things you already have around the house.
STEP IT UP
A vintage-inspired nook by Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc. with a patterned armchair, a small side table, and a mix of vintage and modern decor. The space is surrounded by white-painted brick walls and a simple pendant light for added charm.
POOLSIDE NOOK
A cozy bedroom nook by Push Pty Ltd with a built-in window seat and a mix of patterned and solid-colored pillows. The space is decorated with a small side table, a simple pendant light, and wall art for added style.
DECO NOOK
This cozy nook by Synthesis Design Inc. features a built-in bench with storage and a cushioned seat, surrounded by shelves for books and decor, and a pendant light overhead for added ambiance.
BAD DOG
A unique and creative way to utilize a small space by Maison de Reve Builders LLC, this cozy nook features a wooden platform with a cushioned seat, surrounded by built-in shelves and a window for natural light for your dog.
The best thing is that you can set up cozy nooks just about anywhere. They take very little space and require very little in terms of furnishings. So don’t worry if you have a smaller home with less space, we have some examples to inspire you.
TRADITIONAL NOOK
This cozy nook by AMDG Architects features a built-in bench with a cushioned seat, surrounded by a natural stone wall and wooden beams, creating a warm and rustic atmosphere.
NAP NOOK
This cozy nook by 2Design Group features a plush armchair and ottoman, surrounded by built-in shelves filled with books and decor, and a wooden ladder for easy access.
HALLWAY HAVEN
This cozy nook by E. B. Mahoney Builders, Inc. features a built-in window seat with storage underneath, and a cushioned seat for maximum comfort, surrounded by shelves and decor for added character.
STORYBOOK NOOK
This cozy nook by Priester’s Custom Contracting, LLC features a cushioned bench seat with storage underneath, surrounded by built-in shelves and pendant light for added ambiance.
5 Factors to Consider When Setting up a Cozy Nook
1. How Big Do You Want It?
By their definition, nooks are small spaces. So most of the nook ideas you will come across feature tiny spaces turned into cozy spots. But a nook can also be big and even fill up an entire room. It all depends on what you need.
If you are creating a reading nook for your two kids, you need to make sure it is big enough for both of them. If the space needs to accommodate 3 or more kids, why not turn the attic into a nook where they can play, read and have fun?
If the nook is for you, make sure that you are going to be comfortable in it. Can you stretch your legs when inside? Can you easily get in and out? Otherwise, there is no point creating something that makes you feel cramped and claustrophobic.
The size will also be determined by what you plan to use the nook for. If it is simply for relaxing or reading, a small one will do just fine. If the kids need a place to play with their toys, create something large enough for them to jump and run around. If you are looking for a private space to do your art or work on your book, you’ll need a fairly sizable nook.
2. Where Will it be Located?
Most nooks are small, making it easy to find a place around the house to set one up. One of the most common locations is under the stairs. Depending on how large the space is, you can set up anything from a day bed for reading to a mini-bedroom for daytime naps.
Room corners are also ideal locations. Some dinning nook ideas take advantage of the seclusion offered by room corners. You will also come across small breakfast nook ideas that utilize a single corner to create a restaurant-style breakfast space. You can set up a corner nook for your kids in their bedroom. Use color and furnishings to separate it from the rest of the room.
Here are other nook location ideas you can use:
Attic – The low and sloping roof makes the attic feel warm and comfy. If you need a larger nook, the attic is perfect. You can set up a personal library, a private sleeping space or a kids’ play area. The only downside is that it may require more work and money to renovate.
Basement – If you have a finished basement, you could borrow a small part of it to set up a nook. The corner spaces are especially great. You can use it for work, reading or one of your many hobbies. Another idea is to create a small wet bar where you can enjoy a special beverage after a long day.
Hallway – Instead of leaving a boring dead end at the end of the hallway, why not set up a cozy space anyone can relax in? Add some warm lighting for those who want to get lost your latest novel.
Window – A padded bench under the window is the quintessential reading nook. At the very minimum you can simply place a bench under the window and make it your own bookworm nook. For something a bit fancier, you can have a contractor build something more elaborate complete with padding and storage.
Closet – This is another location that is as popular as under the stairs. Because of the small space, closet nooks are usually for one person and are just big enough for reading.
This list could go on and on because there are so many places you could set up a nook. So don’t be limited by our suggestions. These are just the obvious ones. Go around your house and you are sure to find the perfect secluded spot for a cozy nook. You could have a nook in the kitchen, in the middle of a room and even outside. With a little bit of creativity, your options are endless.
3. Decorating and Furnishings
Decorating and furnishings not only make a nook special and warm, it also makes it practical for whatever activities you are planning.
You don’t have to do a full renovation when decorating a nook. Often a new coat of paint will do. We recommend a color that stands out from the rest of the room while still creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
As for furnishings, what you need depends on what you plan to use the nook for. If it is reading, make sure you have something comfortable to lie back on. Consider throwing in a few pillows for maximum coziness. A small bookshelf would also come in handy. If you have the space, you can hang a few pictures. If it is a play area for kids, add some storage for the toys. If it is a work area, a comfortable desk and lighting are essential.
4. Lighting
Don’t forget this crucial aspect when setting up a nook. Whether it is for reading, playing or eating, lighting is essential not just for illumination but also for setting the nook apart in terms of style and décor. The type of lighting you use–overhead, wall or floor lamp; will depend on the unique architecture of your nook.
In some locations such as under the stairs, a recessed overhead lamp is great. If you have a bench under the window, a portable floor lamp will be handy when you want to read at night. For locations such as the attic or end of the hallway, you can take advantage of the space and use multiple lighting styles.
5. Not Just For Humans
You don’t have to fit into a nook for it to be a legit nook. Sometimes you can create a nook to house an art piece, a picture or a vase. These types of nooks are usually created out of recessed wall spaces and are mostly for decorative effects.
You can also create a larger nook for your pet. For instance, you can set up a cozy sleeping space at the corner next to the radiator for your pup. For your cat, a raised sleeping nook would be heaven.
Small spaces are not always the picture of comfort. But a well-designed cozy nook is a relaxing escape from the hustle of bigger spaces. For kids, it is a fun place to enjoy a book and make great childhood memories.
The best part is that creating a nook is not a big investment of your time, money or effort. Consider setting one up this weekend!
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