The Ultimate — Book Nooks

from Michiana House and Home August 2021

Much Ado About Mulch

Book Nooks PROVIDE PEACEFUL ESCAPE

By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer

Chances are, if you’re a bookworm, you’ve been one from the first moments you learned to read. There’s a lovely thought about “books fall open and you fall in.” That was certainly true for me.

The quarantining we’ve experienced has had a lot more people reading again or reading more than they once did. Being home so much meant you might have looked around and wondered just where you could create a cozy book nook, the kind of reading space that just invites you right in.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you have to build an addition. Book nooks can be created anywhere there’s a little space, some of which you may never have considered, such as the end of a large hallway or converting a closet.

What kinds of furniture lend themselves well to a cozy corner for bookworms? Janine Blosser of Brandenberry Furniture in Shipshewana, said, “A chair with an ottoman is a great start. If you have room for two chairs with ottomans, it would be even better.”

Blosser could be called a bookworm as well. “Customers usually know what they are looking for when they come in. Readers like myself usually want something they can cozy up in to read, so an overstuffed chair is mostly used. If they have more space and want this to be a multipurpose room, then suggesting a love seat would be a good fit, too.”

A book nook wouldn’t be likely to contain all your books, but you might want at least some storage space for your to-be-reads or your favorites that are read again and again. “Small

She was asked, “Did you see an increase in such things during the quarantine or for homeschooling? Do you think people are reading more because of the restrictions?” Blosser’s answer was clear and thoughtful: “I do think people have come to the realization that home is a very good place to be since the quarantine. Yes, maybe they are reading more. Mostly I think people are placing more value on time spent with family, and realizing the importance of those relationships. Life is short and we must make the most of our time here.” n bookcases such as a ladder bookshelf, which is open in the back, could be used for smaller spaces,” said Blosser. You could also add some shelving if the space allows, such as under a window seat or framing a window. Blosser said, “Built-in pieces are great for larger rooms or freestanding for the smaller areas.”

What are other creative uses of space to make such a place? Blosser knows her stuff. “An extra bedroom that is too small for a bed is a great use for a reading/meditating room. A small window seat also is a great area for reading, with sunshine giving you the natural lighting. If you have a fireplace, that makes for a very nice reading area. If not, you can improvise with a small revolving heater in that room to give you warmth while reading.” Don’t forget a couple of pillows and a nice throw.