Raise a reader and create a children's reading corner

According to Pearson, ‘children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than those who don’t, but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.’ 

 

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” - Margaret Fuller

 

Whether your little ones are old enough to read by themselves or not, creating a special space in your home for spending time with books is a great way to encourage a love of literature. Read on to find out how to put together the perfect reading nook.

If you don’t have space for an additional reading area in your home, then very often, their bed is where your child will take their favourite book to curl up and read. You can create a truly magical space by choosing a tipi-style, bunk or cabin bed like the Siffroy tipi child's bed where little ones can cosy up with a book. However, standard beds can also be transformed into inviting spaces with soft bedding, lots of cushions and fairy lights for a magical atmosphere.

If your little one loves to read, protect their eyes by ensuring you’ve installed proper lighting. Wall or bedside lights around a bed are an easy way to keep things illuminated, but if you’re creating a bespoke reading space elsewhere, a floor lamp like the Rosella adjustable reading floor lamp is s perfect solution. Ideal behind a cosy snuggle chair or over a floor space, it’ll mean your kids can get lost in their favourite stories even when it’s dark outside.

 

“There are many little ways to enlarge your world.  Love of books is the best of all.” - Jacqueline Kennedy

Keeping things neat and tidy is a constant battle in a child’s room! When it comes to books, having a bedside table with a drawer or cupboard storage like the Wallet bedside table means that if your little one has a series of favourite books for bedtime, they can keep them tidied away neatly but within reach whenever they want them.

Where else would you store books than on a bookshelf? Sometimes the obvious solutions really are the best. Choosing a unit like the Waldo children's bookcase offers plenty of storage space for books, toys and games. Shelving is also a great way to display your books, giving your little ones away to browse their collection and feel pride in showcasing their collections.

Wherever you create your reading space, a rug is absolutely an essential item. Placed on the floor, a deep pile and plush rug like the Livio faux sheepskin rug gives a cosy and comfortable foundation on which to build up your reading nook. Children will love spending time stretched out on a fluffy rug with a good book.

 

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss

Another must-have for a reading corner is plenty of cushions. Whether you like colourful patterns, prints inspired by characters like the Animals cushion, soft and fluffy fleece or faux-fur styles or even sequinned designs, you’ll need cushions to help your little ones prop themselves up into comfortable reading positions. And, you know, for pillow fights.

Stuffed animals have been proven to help nervous readers as they give the child a companion to read aloud to without the embarrassment of it being a parent, friend or teacher. Toys like Marius Rabbit provide a fluffy, friendly face to support and encourage. In addition, they help little ones to develop their analysis skills, as they can ‘explain’ their favourite stories to their plush pals.

A tipi tent makes for a magical reading space. Giving children a sense of peace and privacy, these lightweight canvas tents offer a secluded space where they can enjoy getting absorbed in their favourite book. Decorate products like the Tipea tent with blankets, cushions, toys and fairy lights to create the perfect reading nook.

 

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” - Walt Disney

If you don’t have a bookcase close to your reading nook, then choosing localised storage is important, as you don’t want the space to become littered with past reading choices. Portable storage like the Khoda child's trunk gives your little ones the opportunity to carry their own books and toys around, offering a chance for independence, and to learn the value of tidying up.

In a bedroom, nursery, playroom or reading room, decorating the walls with things that inform and inspire is a great way to get little ones excited about reading. The Ally framed alphabet print showcases colourful letters and patterns to help remind children of their A, B, and Cs - perfect for practising their reading.

Choose multipurpose furniture 

For more studious books, a desk can be a helpful tool. If children are reading school textbooks or other learning materials, becoming familiar with sitting at a desk can get them into good habits for their school careers. Furniture like the Nadil Child's Desk is designed especially for little ones, with plenty of storage space for stationery or textbooks.

So there you have it, all the materials you need to create the most inspiring space for your budding author or reading enthusiast! Why not set some time aside for your next Saturday or school holiday project? You'll never be stuck for ideas over on our blog, we've most recently paired up with Dulux to bring you the ultimate guide on how to accessorise your home.