DIY Cozy Reading Nook!

August 18, 2025

I get it. You just moved into your first dorm, first apartment, or maybe just due for a refresh.

The point is, you have four walls, but it doesn't feel like home.

So. Let's fix that.

Can we, perhaps, create the perfect Pinterest-worthy corner to binge a romance book in peace perhaps?

A girl sits on a yellow comforter in her first dorm room. String lights are around the walls. The caption says: Me in my first dorm in college.

No, no. Not like that.

A cute heart blanket is draped over a table. A lamp and set of books sit on top of the table: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. Above the cart, there's a beautiful art print titled Calming Kitchen by Jen Carmiel. It is in a gold frame, and depicts a woman in the kitchen grabbing blue teacups out of the cupboard. A cat sits in the window sill.

That's better.

We want a peace that feels comfortable and cozy, but also like you, you know?

Introducing "Cozy" to the Corner

For me, my cozy corner always needs some natural wood grain. A cute coffee table, nightstand, or… a humble cart from Home Goods.

A wooden cart hold several books, and impressionist paintings are printed out and thumb tacked to the wall behind the cart. An expressive abstract painting sits on top of the cart, next to a cozy house plant.

I've had this cart for over two years now. The day I bought it, I didn't even know what I would do with it. (It had a few months holding soap in the bathroom, but shhhhh… we don't have to talk about that.)

Now it's in my cozy corner. And it genuinely provides the PERFECT vibes.

A set of books and air diffuser sit on a wooden cart. The books are: Van Gogh's letters to his brother, and the Creative Act by Rick Rubin.

Adding Fabrics = Comfy Forever

I also love adding fabrics.

There's something about a soft blanket or pretty pattern which ties the whole space together.

A black kitten is sitting on a white fuzzy blanket. A book is open: Ali Hazelwood Check & Mate. A romance novel, perfect cozy vibes.

Take a look at this heart, knit blanket from Home Goods.

Blankets don't only have to be used for comfort (though they certainly can be). Sometimes I like to drape a blanket over a table or other furniture just to... Give the vibes. Y'know how it goes.

Romance book = heart blanket time.

A black calico cat sits on a window sill next to a cozy corner. There's a pink lamp, pink artwork hanging in a gold frame, and Heartstopper graphic novel by Alice Oseman on the table. On the right, a polaroid displays someone holding Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, about to read.

Doesn't it just make the whole space cozy?

Don't Forget Lighting

Listen. Do not underestimate the power of a cute lamp in a dull room. I have seen spaces transformed by how lamps affect the environment.

After all, how are you supposed to read your favorite book without a lamp?

A pink lamp sitting on a table. The table has a cute heart blanket draped on top. A stack of books, Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, lean against the lamp.

This lamp I got from Target– It was actually a build-your-own kind of moment. I picked out the pink piece, and the lampshade separately. The lines of the lampshade was honestly very important to me for introducing texture into the space.

Though honestly? Facebook marketplace will have some good stuff too. Stay resourceful. Reduce, reuse, recycle, as they say.

Finishing Touches: Art & Decor (Don't Skip This Step)

Last but not least, the perfect decor item. Items, possibly. Plural.

I love to use house plants and paintings/art prints here.

I really do wish I was the type to be able to keep real plants alive...

...but alas.

I've settled for fake house plants. They do the job for me.

A house plant, stack of books, in front of an oil painting. Cozy, comfortable

Now we don't have to resort to Target or Home Goods for artwork… I don't blame you if you resorted to that in the past, but hey. Now we're friends. Now you know better.

No, in this house we invest in art from real, practicing artists. I've linked some of my favorite book corner artwork below.

Check this out: A cute orange kitty sitting on a stack of books. Iconic.