There’s nothing quite like escaping into the pages of a book, but finding a quiet, distraction-free spot to read can be a challenge. Living rooms are communal, and not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated at-home library or reading room.

That’s why turning a cupboard into a reading nook is such a clever idea. It makes use of otherwise wasted space and creates a hideaway where any avid reader can immerse themselves in a story.

Choose a theme 

Choose a theme for your reading cupboard that feels personal to you. Whether it’s drawing inspiration from your favourite book franchise, an aesthetic you admire, or even a specific colour palette.

Making this decision from the start will guide your styling choices and help your reading nook feel intentional. 

Bee-inspired reading cupboard

One of our customers decided to turn her empty cupboard into a bee-themed reading cupboard.

“The panels were our inspiration to do something different and transform a cupboard full of clutter into a usable, bee-themed reading nook,” she explained.

STRIVO Acoustic Slat Panel - Natural Ash

The cupboard was transformed with natural ash slat panels and walls painted in a warm mustard yellow, perfectly coordinating with a soft leather pouffe. Finishing touches like the floral pillow and bee motifs bring the whole bee-inspired theme to life.

To make the cupboard truly fit for purpose, a small table and shelving were added -perfect for setting down a warm drink and storing books.

How to decorate a reading cupboard

There are countless ways to style a reading cupboard, but one of the most important aspects is choosing the perfect seat. Whether your cupboard is large enough for a comfy armchair or better suited to a squishy, space-saving beanbag, the right choice can make all the difference.

To make your reading experience as cosy as possible, keep a few soft blankets within arm’s reach so you can snuggle up and read for hours on end.

Since this is a space dedicated to reading, consider how you’ll store your books. If floor space is limited, add shelves along the walls to keep your favourite titles close by or to display a few decorative items.

Lighting is one of the most crucial design elements when creating a reading cupboard, and it all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer an overhead light, swap the bulb for one with a warm glow to create a cosy yet practical atmosphere. Alternatively, you could add a standing lamp with some character - for example, a Tiffany-style lamp for a vintage-inspired look, or a floral-shaped lamp if you want to reflect your favourite fantasy series.

Creating a reading nook in a cupboard proves that you don’t need a big house or spare room to enjoy your own mini at-home library. With a little creativity and vision, you can transform even the smallest cupboard into a cosy hideaway where you can escape into a good book.

Feeling inspired? Browse our collection of slat panels and decorative panels to transform even the smallest cupboard into your own cosy reading nook.