A Reading Area for Kids Can Make Books a Fun Choice

My preschooler loves books, but they sometimes take a backseat to the TV. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children over two should watch no more than one to two hours of supervised television per day. After heeding the advice of leading children’s health organizations, it certainly seems necessary to find some creative ways to help books win out for our children. So what’s a parent to do? For starters, try your hand at setting up your child’s own reading nook to help boost the popularity of books in your home. Such areas can divert attention away from the TV and promote the joy of reading.

Here are some helpful tips if you are looking to set up a reading area for your child:

1. Storage Space to Hold Books

With the nooks I made for my daughter in her bedroom and playroom, I bought book storage in the form of wooden cubes. In the bedroom, the cubes were built into a bench, which doubled as storage and seating. In the playroom, I simply purchased two white 12×12 wooden cubes and placed them side-by-side. I found these online for a steal.

Alternatively, you could use large baskets or bins that easily display and hold books. Or make your own storage using large cardboard boxes and decorating them. You can always purchase actual children’s furniture to serve the purpose, but expect to pay a lot more.

2. Fun and Comfortable Children’s Seating

Next, comfy seating is a must. I purchased a beautifully sewn round floor cushion/poof for the playroom area, which I found on Etsy at a very affordable price. Any small cushion or beanbag will do, and if you are even remotely crafty, you can even make your own. For the bedroom reading space, I actually sewed a cushion with fabric and pillows to match the room and to sit on top of the bookcase bench.

3. Attractive and Fun Décor

Add in a few other finishing touches like extra pillows, a cozy throw blanket, or other items that would make your little one want to linger in the space. Wall décor adds a nice element as well. I even put up chalkboard wall posters so that my daughter can draw in the area and play school with her books.

And finally, here are a few pointers as you go about setting up your area. First, seek out spaces that your children will actually use. While the basement might seem like a great place, in my case I was competing with an indoor trampoline and open running space down there. Chances are the book nook would not see a lot of action. Not to mention I do not find the basement particularly cozy, but that’s just me.

And don’t forget your lighting. Try to find an area that is well lit for reading or has a lamp nearby. The reading area is no fun if you can’t see your books. Happy reading!