How We Created a Cozy Reading Nook
One of my goals for our playroom was creating a place where the kids could slow down.
The room includes climbing, monkey bars, LEGO, and lots of opportunities for active play, so I wanted a comfortable spot where they could read, relax, or simply take a break.
I also wanted the reading nook to fit naturally with the rest of the room, using the same warm wood tones and rainbow accents that appear throughout the playroom.
The finished nook has become one of my favorite spaces in the room.
Project Details
Difficulty: Beginner
Time: One afternoon (plus cushion order time)
Approximate Cost: About $350
Why We Built It
Originally, we had MDF cube storage.
It worked well for storing toys, but eventually one of the kids climbed on it and it broke.
That experience convinced me that I wanted something much sturdier.
Since the reading nook would also function as seating, I decided to replace it with solid wood cube shelving.
The new shelves feel much more durable and fit much better with the natural wood theme throughout the playroom.
Step 1: Choose the Shelving
The window wall was the perfect place for a reading nook, so I searched for solid wood shelving that would fit underneath the windows.
The cube storage also turned out to be the perfect size for organizing smaller toy collections.
Instead of hiding everything in large bins, each collection has its own dedicated space that’s easy for the kids to access independently.
Step 2: Add the Cushion
Once the shelves were in place, I ordered a custom cushion sized specifically for the top.
Having a cushion made to fit the exact dimensions makes the nook feel much more intentional than using loose pillows or a standard bench cushion.
The finished seat is comfortable enough that the kids actually choose to sit there and read. It’s a bit small for adults but perfect for kids.
Step 3: Add Color
One thing I tried to do throughout the playroom was repeat colors in different ways.
For the reading nook, I used rainbow-colored fabric storage cubes that coordinate with the rainbow mural nearby.
They add color while also making it easy to organize toys.
I really like that the storage feels playful without creating visual clutter.
This actually ended up being more of a project than I expected. I originally ordered a set of rainbow cubes, but when they arrived I found that some of them were darker in color than I wanted, so I ended up purchasing additional (brighter) colored cubes in green, blue, and purple until I was satisfied with the colors.
Step 4: Finish the Space
The final step was adding pillows.
I chose neutral cream colored pillows that I had on hand already with one fun rainbow flower pillow to tie in with the rainbow theme.
Those finishing touches made the space feel cozy.
Why This Layout Works
Looking back, I think this nook works because every element serves more than one purpose.
The shelving provides sturdy seating and toy storage.
The cushion creates a comfortable place to read.
The colorful storage cubes add organization while reinforcing the rainbow theme.
The pillows make the space feel cozy and welcoming.
Nothing is there just for decoration—everything contributes to both the function and the design of the room.
Finished Reading Nook
This has become one of the calmest areas in our playroom.
It’s a place where the kids can read, relax, or simply take a break before heading back to more active play.
Lessons Learned
- Solid wood shelving was worth the investment.
- Choose storage furniture that can safely double as seating/lounge area for kids.
- Repeating colors throughout the room helps everything feel cohesive.
- Cube storage works especially well for organizing smaller toy collections.
What I’d Do Differently
I would have kept looking for cubes that more closely matched the rainbow colors I was looking for. Also, I would have chosen a cushion color that matched one of the rainbow colors more exactly.
Related Projects
- Rainbow Playroom Mural
- LEGO Corner
- DIY Framed LEGO Wall
- Playroom Reveal
