Having a perfect place to read makes every novel better. You’ll always know where to escape into your favorite stories, but the space should also align with your green values. Learn how to create a sustainable reading nook, and you’ll design an incredible place for those cozy afternoons with the latest publications.
1. Reflect on Your Reading Habits
Think about where you currently read. Do you retreat to your screened-in porch or curl up in your living room? A nook doesn’t have to be in the corner of a room or set off in a window — if you read most often on your couch, you can transform it into your literary getaway.
You’ll get the most use out of your new getaway if you design it in a space where you currently enjoy reading. Plus, your new nook can be more sustainable when you choose to refurbish a space you already have rather than building out an entirely new area.
If you don’t have a specific spot, think about where you feel most at ease in your home. Do you spend time at your bar counter when you’re not busy? Maybe you have a home office or a spacious closet. Those areas could become your reading nook with some creative upgrades.
2. Choose Sustainable, Comfortable Seating
Reading on a plush couch is a very different experience from trying to read on a metal bench. Comfortable seating is essential for any reading nook. Think about the textures and styles you prefer and look for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or linen that will last a while and give back to the environment.
You may also find your new furniture at a thrift store. You can upcycle whatever you select, preventing it from being sent to a landfill.
3. Install Eco-Friendly Mood Lighting
You’ll need good illumination for your project and every page-turning story you want to enjoy there. Add a light that’s strong enough for you to work in the area at any time of the day. You could also hang mood lighting, such as fairy lights and LEDs, or a dimmable lamp that uses less electricity to create a soothing vibe, making your selected area feel cozier.
4. Add Custom Bookshelves
If the space allows, add bookshelves to complete the fantasy of escaping into a dreamy library, complete with hanging or standing shelves lined with your favorite novels. Look for sustainable materials to keep your project green.
You can find wood with a Forest Stewardship Council certification or other wood products from companies with sustainable practices. The United States has 818 million acres of forestland, making the industry extensive. You’ll have plenty of options if you browse wood manufacturers close to home. Opt for renewable and organic materials instead of plastics to minimize your carbon footprint.
5. Select Non-Toxic Finishes
Once your bookshelves are firmly in place, decide if they need paint. Choose non-toxic finishes, such as paints without volatile organic compounds, to minimize the chemicals in your home. Always look for companies and brands with certified eco-friendly practices to avoid supporting those that could harm the environment through the release of airborne pollutants or chemicals into the local ecosystem.
6. Decorate With Plants
If you feel at home around plants, add some to your reading space. You may love growing an indoor garden of plants that purify the air and remove potential pollutants from your home. Varieties that require minimal work help ensure that your garden doesn’t become a source of stress whenever you’re escaping into another world.
7. Make Your Own Cozy Blanket
You can also turn old shirts into a quilt if you have enough clothes that you no longer wear. If you prefer shopping to creating, search thrift stores for blankets instead, or ask your loved ones if they have one they’d like to give away.
8. Support Local Artisans
Decorations are the final touch on any living space. If you’re thinking about adding candles or throw pillows to your reading nook, find them at local businesses. Shopping close to home minimizes your carbon emissions because the products you select won’t require national shipping to reach your home. You’ll also support your community, which is a foundational reason many people maintain eco-friendly values.
Build an Earth-Friendly Book Haven
Transform your passion for books into a sustainable space by creating a reading nook with eco- friendly strategies. You’ll always have a place to escape into stories if your nook celebrates your interests, environmental values and literature preferences.
