Lifestyle

Creating A Reading Corner

Kelly Diane

AD – Some items mentioned in this post have been gifted to me. However this does not affect any opinions given.

If you haven’t already guessed, I am a huge fan of reading books. I’ve spend years pinning reading corner ideas and always dreamed that one day I would have my own. I’m so excited to say that the day has come and I’m looking forward to sharing what I have done with you.

Reading corner display shelf

Love Tea Designs*

Before I get started about how I created my reading corner, I firstly wanted to mention Love Tea Designs. It’s an Etsy shop run by the lovely Michelle, who very kindly offered to gift me a print of my choice. I’d already had the idea of creating a reading corner when I noticed the “Tea and Books” print on their website. I knew it would fit in perfectly.

I love supporting small businesses and Etsy is a great way of doing this. Its such a easy way to order unique items. You know that when you place an order, you are helping to make someone’s dreams come true. There are so many designs to choose from on Love Tea Designs and there is definitely a couple other prints that I’m looking at purchasing. Prints start from just £3 which is so affordable. You can choose from various sizes including A4, A5 and A6. I love how simple yet affective all of the designs are. When you pop them in a frame, they look so much more expensive. They would even make a great gift too!

Reading corner complete with cushions and display shelf.

Creating My Reading Corner

I call it a reading corner because it sounds good but its actually a small section of unused space in my kitchen. Its always been a difficult space to style because there is a awkward shelf. Last year, I bought a wooden bench for £10 in the Mothercare closing down sale. I knew it needed some sort of padding to make it more comfortable and I found a foam filled bench cushion for free on Marketplace. The fabric wasn’t to my taste so I went to my local haberdashery and chose some different fabric.

Now that I had the basics, I just needed to accessorise the area. This is where the Love Tea Designs print comes in. That awkward shelf is now a lovely display area and really pulls the whole look together. A couple more trinkets and a cushion (I’m on the lookout for one I can use all year round) and I’m nearly done. I would like to add a pretty storage box underneath that I can put bits and bobs in to keep the area tidy too. What do you think?

Reading Corner Shelf with Quote display

My Thoughts

Overall, I absolutely love the area. Its by the radiator so its warm and cosy. I’m loving having a relaxing place to get stuck into a good book. We have also been using it whilst we’re cooking so it means I get a few extra minutes of reading each day too.

Reading Corner display of festive postcards.

I did just want to mention that as well as the print, I was also gifted the choice of either Christmas cards or postcards and I chose the latter. They come in a set of 3 and contain 3 festive quotes. Whilst you could send them to loved ones, I’ve actually decided to do something a bit different with them. I’m going to display them in little frames as part of my Christmas decorations. However, before I do that, I’m going to write myself a little note about our challenging year on one of the cards. I’ll then frame it and probably forget about it for a few years but I thought this would be a lovely keepsake for the future. Its something my nan did years ago which we recently discovered. Its a tradition I’d like to continue.

Make sure you check out the Love Tea Designs shop to see which other designs they have. I know times are difficult and completely understand if you can’t purchase anything. Perhaps you could share the shop on social media and with friends instead. Every sale, share and comment really means so much to a small business.

Other posts you might enjoy:

Another Man’s Child by Anne Bennett

My Festive Books

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

Published by Kelly Diane

Hello my name is Kelly and I love all things to do with social history, especially with regards to the First World War and Second World War. I’m also a huge aviation fan too! Added to this, I also love all things beauty, fashion and lifestyle related - what a mix hey!

30 thoughts on “Creating A Reading Corner”

  6. Hi Kelly. Looks good! Somewhere to escape to when waiting for those dishes to heat up in the oven or on the hob (which they never seem to do when you are stood watching them!)
    I’m having a little trouble with judging the scale – I take it that you won’t be hitting your head on the shelf?! 🙂

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  8. A reading corner is my dream! In fact I want a big bay window and a big squiggy armchair in it so I can look out, read and watch the world go by. Then I remember I have no bay windows but this is a dream!

    I love your little area x

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  15. It is such a cozy and lovely space. Sitting here and reading without disturbance is indeed a luxury 😀 😀

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  20. I love the idea of a reading corner. I also love your idea about the postcards. It will be a great decoration and memories all in one.

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  21. I bet reading in this little corner is just wonderful and cosy, isn’t it?There is nothing better than being comfortable when delving into a good book. I love the various prints, will have to check out the etsy shop!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Aimsy xoxo
    https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk

    Reply

  22. I love that way you express yourself! Never before have I seen anyone use the word ‘haberdashery’ and it warmed my heart to see it here today.

    I love what you are doing with the postcards. That is such a sweet way to keep in touch with the way you change and grow over time.
    Thanks for sharing an Etsy shop I shall check out. 🙂

    Reply

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