Reading Corners

One of the great things about retirement is the gift of time to read! Enough time to read with out interruption, time enough to really immerse yourself in the story without distraction.  And enough mind to be able to concentrate.  Enough mind to be able to think about what you read.   I love to read but during the school year it can be difficult to read for enjoyment even for an avid reader. Reading of worthwhile books meant waiting until summer and sometimes the Christmas holidays if we weren't too busy.

Prepping to make the most of my time to enjoy reading again, I dusted off my library card and the pile of books in my bed table that are waiting for sufficient time to be enjoyed.  We have a perfect reading corner in our living room. It's not the only area in the house where we might read but it is a delightful spot to curl up with a good book or a copy of Maclean's any time during the winter.

I think everyone has a favourite spot in their house where they like curl up and read.  Often that spot is in bed. However, that often means you only read in the morning or at night before sleeping, if your light doesn't disturb anyone else.  If you want to read during the day or while sitting up, that's better in a reading corner.  

If your setting up a reading corner you might consider ensuring that you have the a few of these elements for cozy reading.

A comfortable chair--preferably one that can be reclined if you suddenly feel like a snooze.  The chair in our corner is considered my husband's chair but it's the perfect size for me to pull my legs up to curl into the corner.

Adequate lighting at the right height as well as a source of natural lighting.  I am quite short so the table lamp is high enough to cast light onto whatever I'm reading.  Many people prefer a standing lamp so that the light is behind and above them.  We moved our floor lamp from behind the chair because it was needed else where.

A surface close by for your beverage, book mark, snack, reading glasses and any other items you might need. Sometimes I like to have flags, sticky notes or a couple of other books on hand depending on what or why I am reading.

A throw or blanket to cuddle up in and keep you warm is a necessity in the winter but can be welcome on cooler days in the summer.  I often like to creep downstairs early in the morning to read while still in my pajamas so a warm wrap is essential.

Not essential but nice accompaniments are a reading shawl to protect your shoulders and chest from being chilled, and big fluffy socks to keep your feet toasty.  Chapters often have cozy choices of these in the fall but a big sweater or a trendy poncho can be re-purposed to add coziness to your winter reading.

Add in your choice of beverage, wine, cocoa, tea or coffee and snack you can eat while you read and enjoy your book.

I love all the free time I have to read now.  I love to read first thing in the morning in bed with coffee, quietly some afternoons with tea and late into the night with hot chocolate.  It means I can read those books that I put aside when I was working because they deserved to be read without distraction and interruption.