If you’re like me, summertime is a great time to take an afternoon off and sink into a great book.  I have purchased an ipad, so I have several books lined up to read this summer.

Don’t you deserve a cozy corner in your home (or the patio) to retreat and read?

Today’s article will give you some important tips to consider in creating your reading corner.

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The space can be small, but don’t want to feel cramped.  Consider the space between your bed and the wall, or a corner of your living room.  If your patio has shade and comfortable seating as the one I designed in the photo at left, you can create a cozy summer reading spot.

Now you need to gather some important elements to be sure to have the most relaxing reading time.

Comfort: Do you have a chair somewhere in the house that is so comfortable?  Take it for your reading corner.  If not, go to a consignment store and try out some gently used furniture.  You can always add a new cushion or pillow to give an old piece a new look.  A footrest is really important too, do you have an ottoman or footstool that will comfortably support your feet, and therefore your lower back when you read.

Lighting: A chair near a window with natural light is ideal for daytime reading, but at night, it is vital to illuminate your reading surface.   If the book is not well lit, you will have eye strain and fall asleep.  Consider a clip on book light or a floor lamp close to your reading chair.  The ipad reader is backlit, but I still prefer another light source to avoid eye fatigue.

Quiet:  Ideally your reading corner will be tucked in a private space in your home, maybe your master bedroom?  Distractions from the television or front door will pull you out of a joyful reading experience, so give some thought to creating a peaceful spot.

Side Table: A small surface to place a glass of water or iced tea, reading glasses, and a scented candle will be a welcome addition to your reading corner.  If space permits, a bookshelf to hold your library of books would round out the reading corner very nicely.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your read!

If you need help creating a reading corner, or an entire room, maybe a professional designer is just what you need to complete your design project.  I have a passion for great design. Please call so we can discuss your design project.  (661) 430-0127

Tami Smight Interiors, a full-service interior design firm, has been gracing southern California homes with warm, accessible designs since 2004.

As a certified professional interior designer, Tami Smight shares expert design tips, tricks and trends in her column. Check out her articles in our SCV “Your Home Inside And Out” section.