Discover Your Dream Reading Room, Based on Your Favorite TV Series

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Rebecca Deczynski

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Published on October 24, 2022

Everyone can use a little bit of escapism. Whether you’re curling up with a good book or getting snuggly on the sofa with your favorite TV show, there’s nothing quite like letting yourself get immersed in a great story. So why not create a devoted space to meet new characters and visit new worlds? We coined it: the reading room.

Since we’ve already shared our reading room essentials, real-life projects, and even Zodiac-inspired looks, we thought it time to indulge in book nook inspiration of another fictional form: your favorite bingeable TV series. Just in time for much anticipated fall premieres, from Ted Lasso to Succession – and more.

To be clear, we’re not suggesting copying the interior design of your favorite character’s home detail-by-detail (though, admittedly, fans of Downton Abbey might dream of doing just that). Instead, your go-to comfort show might unlock design elements that smartly nod to its core color palettes, themes, and overall vibes for a more personal and dynamic reading room

Ahead, discover your perfect reading room match based on your all-time favorite TV show.

1. Ted Lasso

Reading Room Design Ideas

Warm and uplifting with just enough drama, this binge-worthy comedy is the equivalent of a comforting cup of tea (and always half-full at that). If you adore the characters, the dialogue, and the optimistic takeaways, as well as undeniably English settings, then this reading room is for you. Complete with a traditional palette, leather bound lined built-ins, statement fireplace, and pub-inspired coziness, picture yourself curling up here with your latest page-turner and, yep, you guessed it: tea. 

2. Stranger Things

Reading Room Design Ideas

Okay, so you probably don’t want your home to be evocative of the Upside Down (unless you’re creating a haunted house). If you can’t get enough of this supernatural, nail-biting series, then you need a reading room that sparks mystery, intrigue, and a bit of spookiness. Insert: eclectic wallpaper, retro patterns and silhouettes, and soft, dark hues that create a slightly moody atmosphere. 

3. The Crown

fReading Room Design Ideas

As the world paid its respects to the inimitable Queen Elizabeth II, Netflix’s The Crown viewership surged 800%. If you, like us, can’t wait to binge all the royal family drama in the fifth season (coming November 2022), then you’ll want to curl up in this book nook: Traditional, dignified, and classically chic, this space even features a quintessential tea set and touch of royal crystal.

4. Bridgerton

Reading Room Design Ideas

Between the scandalous romances, witty dialogue, and swoon-worthy settings, Bridgerton is a luxurious binge watch—and so it deserves a reading room that’s chic, dramatic, and extremely sultry. Dark blue paint sets the mood, while a sumptuous velvet chaise invites you to curl up with a book (maybe from the Bridgerton series?). Not to mention, a luxe brass canopy bed is nearby for Bridgerton-worthy steamy moments—or a good nap.

5. Gilmore Girls

Reading Room Design Ideas

If you’ve always wanted to live in the town of Stars Hollow, you need a reading space that’s equally cozy, colorful, and incredibly charming. Filled with an eclectic mix of comfortable textiles and vintage finds, you could just picture Rory reading through her first Jane Austen here, or Lorelai trying to make it through Swann’s Way (but getting distracted and putting on a Bangles record instead). Even Emily would approve of this interior’s elegant bookshelves. Find even more cozy spaces inspired by your favorite Gilmore Girls characters here.

6. Succession

Reading Room Design Ideas

If you can’t stop watching this Emmy award-winning family drama, then you need a reading room for power players. Classic and contemporary, this space features minimalist bookshelves and a moody fireplace that perfectly nails “understated luxury.” Keyword: luxury. 

7. Gossip Girl

Reading Room Design Ideas

Let’s face it, the best thing about Gossip Girl is the fashion—but that doesn’t mean you can’t translate that into your space. In this case, you need a trend-setting book nook filled with designer-curated decor worthy of literary life on the Upper East side. This reading room reads more Serena than Blair, with its splashy colors and daring pattern play that work together to create a statement-making space.

8. From Scratch

boho book nook

If heartbreaking romances are more your variety, chances are you have already binged (perhaps even twice) Netflix’s latest series, From Scratch. Adapted from Tembi Locke’s moving memoir (a Reese’s Book Club pick), the series follows Amy and Lino’s love story, from whirlwind meet cute in Florence to beautiful life in Los Angeles. It has everything, from big dreams to family drama to passionate love – lost and found. We could imagine no more perfect book nook than this Sicilian-inspired patio, along with luscious plants to nod to Lino’s garden, woven macrame as spotted in the couples’ bedroom, and plenty of effortless, artistic touches which Amy might have crafted herself.

9. Yellowstone

Reading Room Design Ideas

This neo-Western profiles a family’s fight to maintain control of their expansive Montana cattle ranch, which comes along with plenty of dark and twisted politics. But we’ll skip the darkness and leave you with this cozy twist on a more rustic, Southwestern aesthetic. The massive stone fireplace is the perfect Montana-inspired spot for unwinding with a book.

10. The West Wing

Reading Room Design Ideas

Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s fast-talking White House drama will appreciate a reading room that is equally smart and classic. With a packed bookshelf, traditional details, and practical aesthetic (comfy chair! Cozy throw!), this reading room feels like it could actually be a part of the West Wing. 

11. Big Little Lies

Reading Room Design Ideas

If you wish you could live in one of the houses in this show, you’re certainly not alone. Set in stunning Monterey, this dark comedy dives into the seemingly perfect lives of multiple mothers at a prestigious elementary school. Draw inspiration from their elevated Pacific style with a tailored reading room that’s curated and layered. Bonus if you have a big window that can let in plenty of natural light. 

12. Inventing Anna

Reading Room Design Ideas

Based on the story of the real-life Soho grifter Anna Sorokin, Inventing Anna is about a fake heiress who keeps everyone guessing. If you loved this true crime show, you’ll likely want a reading room that’s fashionable and bold, with an unpredictable (yet chic) combination of textures and patterns. 

13. Schitt's Creek

Reading Room Design Ideas

You probably don’t want to live in the Rosebud Motel, but you can still draw inspiration from iconic, retro motel style. Funky details and old school materials (like burlwood) make this space a fashionable space with plenty of personality—Moira would approve.

14. Downton Abbey

Reading Room Design Ideas

This historical drama unpacks the rapidly changing times of early 1900s life on a sprawling British estate, with signature depth, class, and Dowager wit. You can capture its posh style with an Edwardian-inspired, parlor style reading room. This curtain lined reading space features cabinet bookshelves, a plush divan, and crystal chandelier for a look that is graceful, distinctive, and a touch mercurial (just like Lady Mary’s moods).

15. Only Murders In the Building

Reading Room Design Ideas

A classic New York City who-dun-it that has us constantly wanting more. If you love this playful show, you need a reading room that feels mysterious, like you could tip a book on the shelf and uncover a secret passageway beneath the Arconia (no spoilers). What could be more fun and mischievous than this unique built-in bookshelf?!

16. Outlander

Reading Room Design Ideas

Outlander is like Jane Austen meets Danielle Steele. And as such, deserves a romantic reading room that feels moody, mysterious, and a bit sexy. Bring on the lush floral wallpaper, dainty accents, and, of course, the sprawling daybed. 

Looking to give your own Reading Room room a facelift? Work one-on-one with our expert interior designers for just $129 per room. Get started today with our style quiz 

Words by Rebecca Deczynski