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

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!

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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…

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!

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.

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?

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.