I don’t know what it is about organized small spaces, but they’re my favorite. While scrolling Instagram late one night, I came across the sweetest reading corner. Immediately I knew that I needed to DIY a cozy book nook in my own home.
Turning a closet into a book nook
There’s a hall closet in the lower level of our 1950’s rambler, and since it was basically empty it was flagged for the future “book nook.” Not having done a ton of carpentry projects in the past, my husband and I decided to make some kind of raised platform. We figured this could be accomplished with some 2×4’s. So as you do, the whole family set off for Home Depot.
This is the “before” of the sad little closet. I wish I had the original to show you. When we moved in to our house, the walls had dark brown paneling and the floors were also brown – it wasn’t pretty. For more of our renovating projects check out our recent mudroom addition.
The plan was to create a platform for a cushioned area, add in some shelves, and style it up. Sounds easy enough, right? 😕
We knew we needed supports in the corners, and across the top if it was going to hold the weight of a family of four. This part was surprisingly simple. Soon it was time to add a piece of plywood across the top for additional stability. Along with this step I started playing with paint colors, knowing I wanted green. I ended up mixing Sherwin Williams Cast Iron and Pewter Green together, and was pretty darn pleased with the result!
The cushion was next, and I found a memory foam tri-fold mattress that fit great. To cover the mattress I used a light gray duck fabric that’s supposedly durable – but time (and more importantly my 4 and 1 year old) will tell!
Styling the book nook
Then the best part: styling. I added a stunning Mitzi Aira light fixture, some favorite children’s books, natural fiber baskets, and an assortment of new pillow covers . A little pillow trick: Ikea sells 20×20 feather inserts for only $6, and these are the perfect fit for any 18×18 cover.
This DIY cozy book nook has quickly become the entire family’s favorite place to settle in for a good book. Although it may have taken a bit more time than initially planned to finish this cozy nook, there’s something so satisfying about a DIY that turns out the way you envisioned.
Love,
Ashley + Lindsay
