Late one sleepless night, while the rest of the house was quiet, I lay in bed thinking about what I could do with the awkward hallway in our guest suite and an idea began to take shape in my mind. The awkward upstairs hallway, which connects the back bedroom to the back stairway and lies outside the bathroom, seemed to be calling out for a transformation. Why not turn this underused passageway into a cozy, inviting reading nook? With a little creativity and a lot of DIY spirit, that’s exactly what we did.
The Vision: A Book Lover’s Haven
The goal was clear: create a warm, inviting space where I could curl up with a good book and escape into other worlds without ever leaving my home. This reading nook would also be a stepping stone in converting the adjacent area into the guest suite I’ve envisioned for when my Mom comes to stay with us.
Repurposing with Purpose
Cost management is always a consideration in our home projects, and this was no different. We believe in repurposing and creatively using what we already have to keep costs down without compromising on style or functionality. We’ve done this repeatedly throughout our home and beach house and it’s something that I’m especially proud of. All of our projects are no debt projects!
1. Built-In Bookshelves from an Old Bookshelf
The heart of any reading nook is its bookshelves. We started with an old bookshelf that had been left in the house when we purchased it. It had definitely seen better days, but with some repairs and a fresh coat of paint, I knew it could be revived. B helped me frame it in and add crown molding, transforming it into what now appears to be a custom built-in unit along the inside wall.
2. Window Seat with Storage
On the opposite side, beneath the window, B built a beautiful window seat. This not only provides a perfect spot to sit and read but also includes open cubbies underneath for additional storage. This functional feature utilizes the space efficiently, making the most of the area under the window.
This is made up of a lot of repurposed materials as well.
3. Additional Shelving Beside the Window
To maximize storage and display space, we added more bookshelves going up the wall beside the window. This setup not only keeps my growing collection of books organized but also turns the space into a personal library corner that’s both functional and visually appealing.
As you can see, We do need to buy more crown for around the top of this bookshelf but everything else was reclaimed from things we already had and I love how it fills in this awkward space.
Design Details: Adding Character and Comfort
To give the nook its own distinct feel, we chose a soft light blue/green paint that provides a calm, serene backdrop. The walls were adorned with pretty wallpaper and vertical shiplap paneling at the far end adds layers of texture and enhancing the cozy cottage vibe of the space.
For privacy and a touch of vintage charm, I thrifted these cute vintage café curtains. These allow natural light to filter in while keeping the space semi-private from the neighbors. The inexpensive window clings also help let light in while maintaining privacy.
A stylish runner rug underfoot and some carefully chosen vintage thrifted decor pieces complete the look, ensuring this reading nook isn’t just functional but also thoroughly charming and inviting.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Nook
This project has transformed a previously awkward and underused hallway into one of my favorite spots in the house. It’s proof that with a bit of imagination and resourcefulness, any space, no matter how unconventional, can be turned into something beautiful and useful.
Our new reading nook is not only a cozy corner to enjoy books but also a testament to the power of DIY and repurposing. It’s a personal haven that reflects our love for reading and our passion for turning the forgotten into the unforgettable.
Details & Resources:
- Wallpaper: via Amazon
- Trim & Doors: Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- Shelving Paint Color: Mistint (similar to Sherwin Williams Sea Salt)
- Picture Light Above Tall Bookcase: via Amazon
- Sconces above Window Bench: Via Amazon
- Pillows and Covers: Thrifted
- Rug: Thrifted
- Basket and Ivory Chunky Throw: Thrifted
- vintage Quilt: my Grandmother
- Window Cling: via Amazon
Have questions on anything else, please let me know.
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