How to furnish a reading corner with sofas and armchairs

Anyone who loves reading dreams of having their own space in the house to relax and enjoy a good book in peace and quiet. Here are some tips for creating your own special reading corner!

How to create a reading corner in your living room or bedroom: tips for reading in total comfort at home

Do you love reading but don’t have a special reading spot at home? Finding a corner in your house that is just for you is not always easy. Perhaps your children or partner take up the sofa in the living room whilst watching TV or maybe your bed just isn’t that comfortable for reading. Sometimes it’s can just be difficult to find a place where you won’t be disturbed. In short, finding a quiet and comfortable space to enjoy a good book is a dream of many people. However, it is never too late to create a small reading corner at home. The question is, how do you do it? More than that though…how do you furnish it? Let’s find out which models of sofas and armchairs are best suited to your needs.

A reading corner: all the steps to create and furnish one

Creating a reading corner is much easier than you might think. All it takes is a little creativity and finding the right spot. You can set up a reading corner anywhere you like, such as in the living room, in the bedroom, in the kitchen, in a study or hallway or even in the bathroom if you want.

The important thing is to find a quiet corner with good exposure to natural light so you don’t strain your eyes when reading. Near a window could be a good idea and you might want to consider adding a floor or table lamp with a swivel arm.

Among the must-have furnishings are a super-comfortable sofa, armchair, footstool, a coffee table to put your books and a good cup of tea on (it’s better if it this is the same height as the sofa or armchair you choose to put next to it) and a small bookshelf to hand or, alternatively, a magazine rack if you don’t have space for bookshelves.

As for the style of furniture you choose, you should base it on who you are as a person. So, say yes to bright colours if you have a lively personality or go for pastel shades if you want to create an oasis of total tranquility and peace. A minimalist style could be perfect for those wanting only the essentials…

How to choose a sofa or armchair for your reading corner: the best models

The choice of a sofa or armchair for your reading corner deserves special attention because comfort also determines the pleasure and tranquillity of reading.

To avoid the risk of pain or discomfort, armchairs with armrests are particularly recommended and should have a comfortable seat with an ergonomic back. One example is the ‘Jacob’ model by Calia Italia. With its feather padding and fine fabrics, it is inspired by the classic style of bergère reading chairs and is available in warm, modern shades. The ‘Jacob’ armchair is perfect for a contemporary reading corner in any living room or bedroom.

Among the unrivalled models in terms of elegance, there is also ‘Delizia’ which is characterised by the capitonné work of the seat and back and the curving line of the armrest. If you like capitonné armchairs, you could also consider the ‘Deliziante’ armchair, which is even more elegant. There is even the ‘Deliziosa’ model, which has a slightly inclined backrest to guarantee an ergonomic position.

A comfortable alternative for reading is also the ‘Hotel’ model by Calia Italia, which features lines and shapes that recall the Art Deco style. The armchair has a real embracing shell in which you can take refuge and for greater comfort you can also combine the armchair with a leather or velvet footstool as a footrest.

On the other hand, maybe you just simply can’t do without the comfort of a two or more seated solution, even in the reading area. If this is the case, you can opt for a small sofa, smaller than a real sofa or, if you have a large enough space available in your living room (perhaps near a nice bookcase) the ideal choice would be the ‘Toby Wing’ sofa. This large and spacious sofa features a back with sliding armrests that is able to transform the sofa into an actual day-bed.

Read more:

• How to choose the perfect armchair
• How to choose a sofa: the complete guide