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Lofts: Expert Tips for Creating a Reading Room in Your Loft
What could be dreamier than a reading nook high above the hubbub? Be inspired by these designs and start a new chapter in your loft’s life
Looking for an excuse to clean out your loft? These comfy reading nooks may be just the inspiration you need. Indulge your inner bookworm by converting an often overlooked space into a place where you can get away from the distractions of the main floor.
Professional advice from:
Diane Bishop of Diane Bishop Interiors
Professional advice from:
Diane Bishop of Diane Bishop Interiors
Choose colours that induce calm
This space is meant to relax you, so go for soothing shades that set the right tone – usually whites, neutrals, light blues and greens. ‘Consider painting the ceiling a different colour to create interest,’ suggests Bishop.
This space is meant to relax you, so go for soothing shades that set the right tone – usually whites, neutrals, light blues and greens. ‘Consider painting the ceiling a different colour to create interest,’ suggests Bishop.
Embrace sloping walls
Sloping walls can be an architectural nuisance, but they make for a perfect reading nook. Use the space beneath for a daybed or window seat; the sloping walls emanate instant cosiness.
Browse more wonderful window seats
Sloping walls can be an architectural nuisance, but they make for a perfect reading nook. Use the space beneath for a daybed or window seat; the sloping walls emanate instant cosiness.
Browse more wonderful window seats
Create a library feel
If you have the space, combine lounge furniture and book storage. Not only will this keep your collection to hand, but having books in sight makes the space feel like a library.
If you have the space, combine lounge furniture and book storage. Not only will this keep your collection to hand, but having books in sight makes the space feel like a library.
Bring in a reading lamp
Lofts are often dark, and a reading nook won’t be much good if you can’t see the book in front of you. ‘A tall lamp with a sheer shade will both light the area and provide soft illumination for the words on the page,’ says Bishop. ‘Choose the right style, and the lamp will double as an attractive design element in the room.’
Lofts are often dark, and a reading nook won’t be much good if you can’t see the book in front of you. ‘A tall lamp with a sheer shade will both light the area and provide soft illumination for the words on the page,’ says Bishop. ‘Choose the right style, and the lamp will double as an attractive design element in the room.’
Ventilate the space
Equip your space with adequate ventilation and air circulation so you don’t feel uncomfortable when trying to unwind. Loft spaces get hot, and ceiling fans can create a refreshing breeze.
Equip your space with adequate ventilation and air circulation so you don’t feel uncomfortable when trying to unwind. Loft spaces get hot, and ceiling fans can create a refreshing breeze.
Keep the focus
Remember, the function of your loft has changed. Don’t let the focus shift to storage or anything else. ‘Let this place be just about reading or writing,’ says Bishop. ‘Cut down on clutter and distractions to create a truly peaceful space.’
TELL US…
Have you created a reading room in your loft? Or are you planning to? Share your tips and ideas with us in the Comments below.
Remember, the function of your loft has changed. Don’t let the focus shift to storage or anything else. ‘Let this place be just about reading or writing,’ says Bishop. ‘Cut down on clutter and distractions to create a truly peaceful space.’
TELL US…
Have you created a reading room in your loft? Or are you planning to? Share your tips and ideas with us in the Comments below.
Consider adding storage beneath any built-in seating. Loft spaces tend to be tight, so you’ll be glad you have the extra hiding space for that magazine collection you’ve been slowly working your way through. If you’re keeping things simple and just buying furniture, find some good-looking baskets to slip underneath.
Discover 10 great uses for wire and wicker baskets