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!
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
Before the DIY Reading Nook
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.
I found these awesome sconces for a great price on
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…
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.
What a great use of those out-dated built in spaces! It looks so good!
Such a lovely reading nook! You wouldn’t get me out of it if it was mine!
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.
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.
Me too!! And build all kinds of forts!
It looks amazing, Christin. Your little one is going to enjoy this space for many years to come.
Totally! She already loves it!
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!
oh thank you!! I love the arch too!!
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!
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.
Love your cozy little reading nook! Awesome use of that space!
Thanks! We’ve been loving it!
Such good use for this space! Makes me wish I had a nook. Thanks for sharing!
Such a cozy spot!! I am loving the arch!