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Our DIY Reading Nook | A 90’s TV Nook Makeover

Published: February 27, 2021

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Not sure what to do with that awkward old TV niche? Repurpose it for a DIY reading nook! It’ll make the cutest place to read for all! Here is our DIY reading nook before and after.

What started as a, “what do we do with this weird cut out in the wall,” became a whole vision for a kid- and adult-friendly DIY reading nook.

This post will walk you through the entire transformation of how our DIY reading nook came to be, but in case you missed the DIY archway tutorial and how we dealt with how to hide an unlevel ceiling, you can check those posts out, too!

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Before the DIY Reading Nook

DIY Archway project before photo

This entire project started when we decided to makeover the bonus room for the One Room Challenge before little miss thang was born.

Still one of the best decisions we made because we use this room all the time!

If you want to see what other projects we did in the bonus room makeover, you can check out each of the weeks below:

  • Week 1: Bonus Room Makeover Plans
  • Week 2: 7 Steps to a Room Makeover Budget
  • Week 3: The Repurposed Closet Makeover
  • Week 4: DIY Reading Nook
  • Week 5: My Secret to Buying Cheap Throw Pillows
  • Week 6: The Bonus Room Makeover Final Reveal

My DIY reading nook needed some lighting, book shelves, pillows, a step to get in, and a cushion for comfort.

Not sure what to do with that awkward old TV cutout in your wall? Repurpose it fora DIY reading nook! It'll make the cutest place to read for all!

I found these awesome  sconces for a great price on Amazon. They are extremely easy to install and you can purchase metal cord covers that will hide the cord, too!

The step into the reading nook and bookshelves inside the reading nook are both from IKEA and I painted them to match the color scheme of the room.

The DIY cushion for the reading nook was a little bit of an issue at first because of the awkward size of this cutout area. It also didn’t help that thick foam for cushions is ridiculously expensive.

I did get lucky though because I had a 50% off coupon for Joann Fabrics and then the checkout clerk had an additional 50% coupon.

So the two pieces of 3″ foam plus the fabric was going to cost me about $110, but I ended up walking away spending about $65.

Talk about helping the budget! So, my tip to you is never buy anything full price at Joann Fabrics :). 

After the DIY Reading Nook

Fast forward a little over a year…

It was time to make the DIY reading nook more finished.

We have so many books and the nook opening still didn’t feel like it was meant to be a reading nook.

So…

DIY reading nook with pillows and books

I decided to add a DIY archway along with a couple more shelves. I am so happy with the result because it finally feels finished!

DIY reading nook with pillows and books

I also love the colors in here. If you read my Clare paint review, you know how much I love their paint.

The paint in the whole bonus room, including here in the DIY reading nook, is a combination of Irony and Greyish by Clare paint.

DIY reading nook step stool

I even used these colors on the IKEA step stool!

I also have the same colored wood stain on the behind-the-couch table and the closet counter, so it all ties together with the arch in the reading nook (this rug is also my favorite in this room).

What do you think?

DIY reading nook with pillows and books
shop the room

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

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    Other Posts You May Like:

    How to Create a DIY Archway Anywhere in your Home
    How to Hide an Unlevel Ceiling with Wood

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    16 Comments

    About Christin

    Christin lives in central Indiana with her husband, daughter, son, and fur-baby, Lambeau. Her mission is to help you become a confident DIY decorator, so you can reach dream home status with the home you have. At My Homier Home, you'll find time-saving tips to rescue any room and DIY tutorials to keep the cost down. Christin also offers affordable virtual workshops for the do-it-yourselfer that needs a little extra guidance visualizing and completing their home projects. Be sure to grab your quick start checklist at promos.myhomierhome.com/quick-start today!
    Previous Post: « DIY Decor Digest | Issue 2
    Next Post: The Ultimate Guide to Throw Pillow Sizes & Arrangements for the Couch »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Danielle says

      at

      What a great use of those out-dated built in spaces! It looks so good!

      Reply
    2. Jayne says

      at

      Such a lovely reading nook! You wouldn’t get me out of it if it was mine!

      Reply
      • Christin | My Homier Home says

        at

        Oh my gosh, i know! She already wants to stay in there and pull all the books down and then put them back lol… hopefully soon we actually get to the reading them part.

        Reply
    3. Marie says

      at

      This is such a cute idea! When I was a kid I loved to snuggle up in little nooks, even my hall linen closet lol.

      Reply
      • Christin | My Homier Home says

        at

        Me too!! And build all kinds of forts!

        Reply
    4. Marieza says

      at

      It looks amazing, Christin. Your little one is going to enjoy this space for many years to come.

      Reply
      • Christin | My Homier Home says

        at

        Totally! She already loves it!

        Reply
    5. Meriah says

      at

      This makes me wish I had an old TV alcove to update into a reading nook. This is a super cute idea. And the arch just makes it awesome!

      Reply
      • Christin | My Homier Home says

        at

        oh thank you!! I love the arch too!!

        Reply
    6. [email protected] says

      at

      What a great idea for this space! I always wanted a reading nook as a child. She is going to LOVE it as she grows!

      Reply
    7. Carol Karl says

      at

      I love this. I would love a ready nook in my home but I haven’t been able to find any space – yet! Lovely job.

      Reply
    8. Melissa says

      at

      Love your cozy little reading nook! Awesome use of that space!

      Reply
      • Christin | My Homier Home says

        at

        Thanks! We’ve been loving it!

        Reply
    9. Kim Waldorf says

      at

      Such good use for this space! Makes me wish I had a nook. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    10. Cindy Rust says

      at

      Such a cozy spot!! I am loving the arch!

      Reply

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