10 Inspiring Ideas For Reading Spaces For Kids

What a Kid's Reading Space Requires

• A simple, uncluttered spot that is quiet and away from household activity
• A comfortable chair or cushion or pillows and blankets
• Proper lighting for reading, which may be natural light from a window, halogen lights, fairy lights, child-friendly headlamps or a zooming table lamp
• Shelves, baskets or crates to store books
• A continually replenished selection of age-appropriate books

Below, we have listed 10 awesome ideas for reading spaces for kids. Read on and get inspired!

Teepee

A teepee allows Jack to have his privacy and personal space while parents can keep an eye on him. Most teepees have a window for air circulation and a tie-back flap so that the entrance can be open or closed. Some have built-in pockets to store books. If not, place a basket inside the teepee along with a soft rug and a few throw pillows. An LED hanging globe lamp provides light without wires and without needing installation. Battery-operated lights also work well.

Princess Castle Tent

If Jill is like little girls everywhere, she loves to be treated as a princess. In this specialized tent, she will delight in reading her favorite tales of princesses and their Prince Charmings. The lights are included, as is a mosquito screen should Jill like to read outdoors in nice weather.

Swing Chair

A swing chair hangs from the ceiling and allows the child to climb inside and bounce, swing, spin, all while feeling safe within a cocoon. The gentle movement provided by the swing supports a child's sense of balance, increases concentration and cultivates an internal harmony - all beneficial to learning. Add a cuddly seat cushion and Jack will look forward to crawling in for a read.

Swing Chair with Stand

Maybe you do not want to hang a chair from the ceiling or maybe you want a swing chair that you can move around. A freestanding swing chair is the answer. It has all the advantages of the swing chair above, plus the ability to let Jill read on the porch or in the garden.

Toddler Recliner

A recliner is a very comfortable chair for reading. In addition, its hardwood frame makes it so sturdy that it will not tip over no matter how much Jack squirms. There are also no sharp edges. Toddler recliners come with your choice of a cup holders on the arm, storage space inside the arms, and pockets on the sides for the books. There are styles for every kid, from "grown-up" upholstered recliners to SpongeBob SquarePants. 

For an appealing selection of toddler recliners, go to Foter.com.

Bean Bag Chairs

Who does not want to sink into a bean bag chair? Jill can sit upright, lie on her side, lie on her stomach - however she wants to relax or whatever reading position she prefers. The bean bag shapes itself to her body and supports her spine. They are as affordable as they are fun. Choose a bean bag with a removable cover so you can toss it into the washing machine as needed.

Under a Loft Bed

Some loft beds come with a ready-made play area. If not, it is easy enough to create one. Simply hang curtains to create a private space under the bed. Either way, the space needs to have a cozy feel, a comfortable place to sit, and a place to keep books---bookshelves on the wall save space. Lighting is of utmost importance. There are lamps that clamp onto the bed frame or ladder, sconces that mount onto the wall, or under-counter lighting installed on the underside of the bed.

Bright Corner

Natural light is welcoming and energizing. Create a reading space by a window (the bigger the better) with only a chair and a bookshelf. Have auxiliary lighting available for cloudy days and if Jack likes to read at night. You can enhance the natural light by placing mirrors on the opposite wall or placing small mirrors on tables, shelves, etc. Also, furnishings, pillows and throws in light colors and whites reflect the natural light better.

Reading Corner

Often, corners are empty spaces. Put one to good use: A little chair on one wall, shelves for books on the other, and, voila!, Jack has his own cozy space. You only need to add a few of his favorite things to make it complete. Also, an area rug is a great way to mark the space as Jack's.

When space is at a premium, a corner chaise lounge is "one-stop shopping". The quilted cushion is very comfortable, and storage is built in. This is a perfect place for a headlamp or a clip-on book light. Whichever way Jill turns, she will have the best lighting.

Inspire Your Child to Read

You now have many ideas for creating a reading space, and lucky you if Jack loves books. But if your child has not yet learned the wonder of books, here are some ideas on how to encourage her in addition to providing a warm, welcoming reading space.

• Of course, it's never too early to start reading to Jill---the sooner the better.
• Have colorful picture books all around and accessible---all different kinds to see what piques his interest.
• Once she exhibits interest in anything, buy books on those topics.
• Allow him to explore the books---touch, turn pages, etc. Books should not be a "no-no."
• Play games that include books, for example, Goodnight Animals Matching Game and Dr. Seuss Books and Games that Encourage Creativity.
• Include reading into your everyday routine. Jill will want to imitate a parent.
• Use books that encourage an activity after they are read, possibly pages to color, puzzles to solve or questions to answer.