For us, book joy is not an exclusively adult experience. If anything, getting lost in a good page-turner merely returns us to our childhood selves, active imagination and all.

The same can be said for a Reading Room. While we certainly partnered with Reese’s Book Club with the intent of designing book nooks for adults of all ages, kids are equally viable candidates. After all, there’s no better way to foster curiosity, imagination and empathy in a child than instilling a love of reading, whether your little one is 8 months or 18 years.

So, if you’re looking to create a dedicated Reading Room for your kid, you’ve come to the right place. We tapped Havenly designer Kelsey Fischer for a few fresh kid-friendly Reading Room ideas, and they’re nothing short of magical. Don’t believe us? Keep scrolling:

1. Make it a shared space

If space doesn’t allow for separate adult and kids Reading Rooms, embrace a shared reading space. Simply add a second chair and a book shelf or two, and you’ve got a long-standing parent-child reading tradition on lock. Plus, young kids love imitating their care givers — they’ll be a bookworm in no time.

2. Repurpose an existing nook

You don’t need a dedicated bedroom to create a lovely reading space — a bench seat or an unused window nook is a prime spot, especially for kids. Simply add comfy pillows and stash a few books in a nearby drawer for a multi-functional Reading Room.

3. Take it outdoors

Kids cherish time spent outdoors, so why not get creative with an al fresco reading area? From a picnic-style book nook near the adult seating (bonus points for an outdoor projector screen) or a cozy hammock situation, the opportunities are endless.

4. Add accessible shelving

If you want to encourage a love of reading in an existing playroom, simply add accessible, kid-friendly bookshelves. You can even color-coordinate the books for a design-forward touch! Finish the space with cozy seating and colorful artwork and voila! You have a Reading Room.

5. When in doubt, add a cozy chair

Sometimes, creating a reading-oriented nook is as simple as adding a comfortable chair. Finish off an existing bookshelf moment in a kids’ bedroom or playroom with an upholstered chair and pillow for a cozy TV-free zone.

6. Create a teen-friendly nook

For a teen or pre-teen friendly Reading Room, considering a boho hanging egg chair. Whether in your main living space or their bedroom, this single piece of furniture quickly creates a cozy, private atmosphere that any budding adolescent will appreciate. No parents allowed.

7. Get on their level

For young kids, furniture isn’t even necessary. You can carve out a cozy reading nook that meets their needs with cozy throw pillows, a blanket or two, and a favorite stuffed animal. Something personalized and suited to their stature is meaningful enough!

8. Transform an unused closet

We all have that awkward nook or unused corner that throws us for a design loop. Put it to good use by creating a small, kid-friendly reading fort of sorts! Create a special “zone” all their own complete with a cozy reading chair, whimsical lanterns, and a dramatic paint switch-up (or even wallpaper, if you dare).

9. Go the desk route

For a Reading Room and homework station all in one, go the classic desk route. With cute task lamps, framed artwork, and an “adult” desk chair all their own, the space feels kid-friendly yet elevated at the same time. 

10. Let your kids take the lead

While you may have a cute Reading Room idea of your own, consider letting your kids take the lead. Giving them a say in the chair selection, design style, wallpaper, and more will truly make it feel like their own personal space (especially for opinionated teenagers).

Want a cozy kids Reading Room of your own? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz.