Creating a Reading Nook in Your Bathroom

Introduction

In our busy lives, finding quiet time for reading can be tough. Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, our favorite books often get pushed aside. But what if we told you that one of the coziest spots for reading might already be in your home—and it’s not your living room or bedroom? Yes, we’re talking about your bathroom.

With a few simple changes, your bathroom can become a peaceful, private space perfect for reading and relaxing. Whether you’re soaking in a warm bath or enjoying a quiet moment, this little nook could be the perfect way to add more reading into your daily life.

Let’s explore how to turn your bathroom into the ultimate reading escape.

Why a Bathroom Reading Nook?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about why the bathroom makes such a great place for reading:

• Privacy: It’s one of the few places where you can close the door and truly be alone.
• Calm Atmosphere: The sound of water, soft lighting, and warm baths already create a relaxing mood.
• Multitasking: Why not enjoy a great book while soaking in the tub or even while brushing your teeth?

Creating a bathroom reading nook is all about turning small moments into meaningful ones.

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Not every bathroom is built the same, but most have some unused space that can become your reading corner. Here are a few ideas:

• Bathtub edge or caddy: Use a bath tray or tub caddy to hold your book or tablet.
• Corner shelf or stool: Add a small table or wooden stool near your tub or toilet to hold books and a cup of tea.
• Windowsill or ledge: If you have a wide windowsill, decorate it with your favorite reads.

Remember, the goal is to create a spot where you can enjoy reading without feeling cramped.

Step 2: Choose the Right Lighting

Good lighting is essential for reading, and bathrooms often don’t have the best light for this purpose. Here’s how to fix that:

• Soft white bulbs: Swap out harsh fluorescent lights with soft white or warm LED bulbs.
• Clip-on lights: If you’re reading in the tub, a small clip-on book light can be perfect.
• Candles or fairy lights: These won’t give off strong light, but they’ll add a cozy feel to your reading nook.

Make sure your lighting is gentle on the eyes but bright enough to read comfortably.

Step 3: Add Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to reading. The more comfortable your space, the more likely you are to stay and enjoy it. Consider these ideas:

• Bath pillows: If you’re planning to read in the tub, a waterproof bath pillow can support your back and neck.
• Fluffy rugs or mats: Keep your feet cozy with a soft rug near your reading area.
• Towels and throws: Keep extra towels or a warm robe close by. It’s hard to focus on reading when you’re chilly!

Adding a few comfort items can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your bathroom reading time.

Step 4: Protect Your Books

Water and books don’t always mix well. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy reading in the bathroom with a few precautions:

• Waterproof book covers: These help protect your physical books from splashes.
• E-readers with waterproofing: Devices like the Kindle Paperwhite are water-resistant and perfect for tub-time reading.
• Book stands or holders: These keep your book steady and your hands free, especially useful while soaking.

Whether you prefer real books or digital ones, keeping them safe lets you focus on reading without stress.

Step 5: Stock Your Mini Bathroom Library

Once your space is set up, it’s time for the fun part: picking what to read! Fill a small basket, shelf, or tray with a mix of your favorite reading materials:

• Novels and fiction: Perfect for long, relaxing baths.
• Poetry or short stories: Great for quick moments of calm.
• Magazines or essays: Easy to flip through when you have a few spare minutes.

Try to keep your bathroom reading nook filled with content that relaxes you. This isn’t the place for stressful news or heavy textbooks.

Step 6: Create a Ritual

The key to making this space part of your life is to turn it into a habit. Here are a few ideas:

• Start each day with 10 minutes of reading in the morning while the shower warms up.
• End your night with a chapter or two in the tub instead of scrolling on your phone.
• Use bathroom breaks during the day as a moment to breathe and catch up on a few pages.

These little habits can add up to a lot of quality reading time each week.

Bonus Tips to Elevate Your Bathroom Reading Nook

Now that you’ve got the basics covered, let’s dive into some extra ideas to make your bathroom reading nook feel even more special and personalized.

Use Scent to Set the Mood

The right scent can totally change your bathroom experience. When you’re reading, calming smells can help you unwind and stay focused.

• Lavender: Known for reducing stress and helping with sleep.
• Eucalyptus: Refreshing and energizing—great for morning reading.
• Vanilla or sandalwood: Warm, cozy scents that make bath time feel extra comforting.

You can use candles, essential oil diffusers, or even bath bombs to bring scent into your reading nook.

Add Some Soft Background Sounds

For many people, a bit of background noise actually helps with concentration while reading. If silence feels too quiet, try these ideas:

• Rain sounds or ocean waves
• Soft classical music
• Ambient bath playlists (YouTube and Spotify have tons!)

These sounds add a spa-like atmosphere while supporting your reading habit.

Keep a Reading Journal Nearby

Want to get more out of your bathroom reading time? Keep a small notebook nearby where you can jot down:

• Favorite quotes
• New words
• Thoughts and reflections
• Book recommendations

This turns your casual reading into a more mindful and rewarding experience. Plus, it’s a great way to track what you’ve read over time.

Answering Common Questions

Q: Is it weird to read in the bathroom?
Not at all! In fact, millions of people do it. Whether you’re in the tub or just enjoying a moment alone, the bathroom is often one of the few quiet spaces in the house. And if you love reading, then any space where you can enjoy a book is a good one.

Q: Is it safe to bring books into the bathroom?
Yes, with a little care. Use waterproof cases, avoid getting paper books too close to water, and always dry your hands before handling them. If you’re worried, stick with waterproof e-readers.

Q: What’s the best type of book to read in the bathroom?
That depends on your mood. Some people love relaxing fiction. Others prefer short stories, poems, or even nonfiction. The key is to keep it light and enjoyable—this space should be for pleasure, not pressure.

Small Bathroom? No Problem

Even if you have a tiny bathroom, you can still create a cozy reading spot. Try these space-saving ideas:

• Hang a basket on the wall for a few books.
• Use a rolling cart that fits beside the toilet or tub.
• Attach a small shelf above the toilet tank to store your current reads.
• Install a corner shower shelf just for books and candles (yes, really!).

A small space doesn’t mean small comfort. With the right setup, your mini bathroom can still be a major reading zone.

Final Words: Make It Yours

There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a book. If you love reading, then any corner of your home can become your personal getaway—even the bathroom. The goal is to find moments in your day where you can slow down, take a breath, and dive into a good story.

So go ahead—light that candle, pour a hot bath, and grab your current favorite book. Your bathroom might just become the best reading spot in your whole house.

Ready to Redesign Your Bathroom for Reading?

Let us know how you’ve set up your own reading nook in the bathroom! We’d love to feature your ideas, photos, or book recommendations in a future post. Tag us on social media or leave a comment below.

And remember: no matter how small the space, if there’s a book involved, it can be magical.

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