Reading corner idea at Pinjacolada.com
Lately, we've seen this brilliant idea on many blogs, both decorating blogs and early-childhood education blogs: a children's reading corner. Maybe you haven't considered setting one up in your home because your little ones read sprawled out on their bed, in the living room, or anywhere else. But there's one thing we're sure of: having a specific, well-prepared space for activities that require some concentration helps enormously. Just as we need workspaces where we're comfortable and safe from distractions, it's great for kids to have one of their own: a space they like and where they feel completely at ease.
What should a children's reading corner have?
As a child (and as an adult too, of course), I loved reading. I preferred a beautiful book full of stories to any toy. I read wherever I could, but there was one special place where I could spend the whole day. A small wooden chest that was used to store toys. I'd empty it, put some cushions inside, and sit in it devouring books. I loved being there.
The keys to a good children's reading corner are simplicity, comfort, and, above all, making sure they like the space. That's why it's very important for them to work with you from the beginning to create it just for them. If they take an active part in creating it, they'll feel it's theirs from the very first moment.
When we talk about simplicity, we mean that it's better to minimize the stimuli around them while they're in their reading corner: they only need to have their books nearby. It's better to keep toys and other distractions out of sight to avoid temptation. And light, of course—the space should be well lit.
Our ideas for the perfect children's reading corner
And while we were exploring all these beautiful corners, we wondered which of our tutorials might help you create the perfect children's reading corner—the one they won't want to leave. We've chosen four that we think will be very useful:
1. A teepee to create a covered space
It's highly recommended that you create, in the fullest sense, a space within another space. In other words, a corner that's truly separated from the rest of the world and feels like a little refuge. That's why we thought the teepee tutorial was perfect, and you don't need much: just a few broomsticks to hold the structure and a fabric chosen by its rightful owner :)
2. Make it soft: a beanbag or roll-up sleeping bag
Since comfort is also very important, the inside should be soft and comfortable. Besides stocking it well with cushions, you can add other things that will make it much more appealing. That's the case with the gorgeous beanbag we made a few weeks ago, which they love: you already know that beanbags irresistibly draw you in—that's just how it is. Another option is to put a miniature bed inside, complete with its blanket, like the roll-up sleeping bag. You can find both tutorials in Lulu Ferris:
3. Where to put the books
It's also highly recommended that the books in the children's reading corner always be within reach. You can achieve this by putting them on the bottom shelf of a bookcase, although being closer to the floor means they'll collect more dust. A good solution is to create something to store them in where they'll be protected: we suggest the tutorial for the multipurpose baskets with a lid and divider that we made using Decovil. Since they have lids, the books will be safe from dirt, and because the baskets are quite large, you can put lots of books inside so your little one can decide each day which one they feel like reading. Keep it tucked away inside the teepee or wherever you've chosen for it to always be within their reach.
You don't need much else… Just a good pile of beautiful books and a little one ready to dream with their eyes open. May you have many adventures in your corner!