The Enduring Allure of Reading Nooks
Last Modified 16 September 2024 |
First Added 16 September 2024
For book lovers, creating a reading nook is an act of soothing self-care. Imagine a warm and cosy corner of your home bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, where the outside world fades away as you curl up in a comfy chair and lose yourself in the pages of a good book.
This serene space, dedicated to the simple pleasure of reading, has also been embraced by interior design enthusiasts as a wonderful way of adding a luxurious and sophisticated touch to any décor.
To discover why reading nooks hold such enduring appeal, we invited 2,000 people to share their reading rituals, exploring how, why and where they like to indulge. The survey revealed the heartwarming revelation that the beloved pastime is growing in popularity, with 25% of people reading more now than they did last year.
Younger generations are leading this literary renaissance; 32% of those aged 18-24 and 41% of 25-34-year-olds have started reading more in the last year, compared to 30% of 35-44-year-olds, 19% of 45-54-year-olds and 21% of 55+-year-olds.
When it comes to interior design, 1 in 10 (9%) people use books to enhance their décor, adding a touch of charm and elegance to their spaces. This trend is even more popular among the younger generations, with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) of those aged 25-34 and 14% of 18-24-year-olds emulating the aesthetic.
A cosy reading nook is on the interiors wish list for 8% of those surveyed, again with younger people leading the way. 24% of 25-34-year-olds and 16% of 18-24-year-olds dream of creating literary havens in their home.
Books at the heart of home décor: Why do people use books in interior design?
Your home is your sanctuary; a deeply personal space where you can truly relax, unwind and express your authentic self. It’s a canvas for your individuality, enabling you to embrace and showcase the carefully curated elements that reflect your unique style, tastes and personality.
Our survey discovered that one in three people (31%) indulge in the use of books to achieve this in their interior design, hoping to add a touch of personal flair to their décor.
For 28% of those surveyed, it is the enchanting beauty of books that beckons them to display these treasures in their homes, believing they elevate a room with their vibrant colours and rich textures. Meanwhile, 14% of people think less about aesthetics and more about social perception, deeming that a thoughtful display of impressive books makes them appear more intelligent when welcoming guests into their home.
Comfortable and cosy reading retreats: Where do people prefer to read at home?
Our survey revealed that for most people, the pleasure of indulging in a good book is intertwined with the comfort of a cosy and inviting space.
62% of those surveyed believe the best place to read is snuggled up in bed, with Gen Z (18-24-year-olds) being the most likely to embrace this practice (76%). By creating a calm and quiet ambience in your bedroom, you can fully immerse yourself in the soothing ritual of reading, inspiring true relaxation and promoting peaceful sleep.
Almost half of us (44%) like to read when nestled in the warmth of the living room sofa, while 29% find joy in the sumptuous comfort of a cosy chair. One in ten people cherish their reading time by a window, perhaps basking in warm summer sunlight or wrapped in a blanket as the winter evenings draw near. Only a small 5% choose the bathroom as their favourite reading spot.
With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that warm and welcoming reading nooks have become so popular in home décor.
Crafting cosy perfection: What makes the perfect reading nook?
When dreaming of the perfect reading nook, 69% of people agree that the most integral element is a comfortable chair, enabling them to sink into sumptuous luxury as they immerse themselves in the pages of their favourite book.
A calm and relaxing ambience is essential for 55% of people, while 54% are drawn to the allure of natural light. For many, reading represents a blissful escape from everyday life and the hustle and bustle of a busy world, which perhaps explains why 16% long for a tech-free environment in their ideal reading haven.
Enchanting essentials for a reading nook: What are the must-have accessories?
The perfect reading nook requires careful curation of just the right elements to create a warm and inviting space.
When asked specifically about reading nook accessories, a comfortable chair remains the favourite, with 48% of people naming it their must-have for a serene escape. Combining ambience, style and practicality is also key, with 22% of respondents choosing ample lighting, while others preferred charming details like plush cushions (9%) or cosy blankets or throws (8%).
Charming literary displays: Where do people showcase their books?
An artfully arranged display of beautiful books can effortlessly transform a space, blending aesthetics with function to create an eye-catching yet purposeful interior design statement.
Our survey reveals the favourite spots to showcase these literary treasures:
- 1. Bookshelf
- 2. Bedside table
- 3. Vertical storage
- 4. Mixing books with art
- 5. Decorative ladder
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Capturing the imagination: Most popular book genres
Just as interior design reflects our unique tastes, so too does our choice of reading material. What makes a good book is deeply subjective, and what captivates the imagination of one person may not resonate with another.
Our survey revealed that 39% of the UK public revel in the twists and turns of a mystery, while 36% are drawn to the intrigue of detective novels. History and romance also hold a special place in many hearts, with 25% delving into the past or losing themselves in tales of love and passion. Biographies are enjoyed by 24%, 17% like to escape into the world of fantasy and 16% prefer the timeless stories of classic literature.
Book genres across the generations
Age is a significant influencing factor when it comes to our book choices, with each stage of life bringing its own literary favourites. Younger generations lean towards romance novels, with 58% of 18-24-year-olds and 43% of 25-34-year-olds enjoying the genre.
As the years pass, it seems the allure of romance fades for some, with only 15% of those aged 65 and above enchanted by love stories. Beyond the age of 35, our preferences begin to evolve. 36% of 35-44-year-olds prefer the suspense and intrigue of a good mystery, as do 35% of 45-54-year-olds and 42% of 55-64-year-olds.
Exploring book genres by city
Across the UK, mystery and detective novels hold firm as the most popular book genre, with Belfast and Portsmouth being the only cities to break the trend. Readers in the Northern Ireland capital prefer enchanting tales of love and romance, while those in Portsmouth enjoy getting lost in the spirit of adventure.
Reading rituals: How many books do people read?
In our busy and bustling lives, it is perhaps surprising to discover that 26% of people manage to start and finish more than 20 books a year.
This speaks volumes about the importance of having a personal sanctuary, such as a cosy reading nook, in which to relax, unwind and enjoy the pleasure of reading. Interestingly, only 42% of readers finish every book they begin, and just 36% push through books they don’t enjoy.
When it comes to the unread books adorning our shelves, the majority (21%) have more than 20 waiting to be explored, while 16% have a modest two or three books in line for reading. Meanwhile, these unread treasures can be enjoyed for their aesthetic appeal, adding a splash of colour and a sophisticated yet homely touch to your décor, warmly inviting you and your guests into the space.
Cities for book lovers: The top 15 places that read the most
Wales is truly a book lover’s paradise, with Cardiff leading the way as the city that reads the most, closely followed by Aberystwyth. Swansea also finds its place further down the list. People living on the south coast also enjoy getting lost in the pages of a good book more frequently. Brighton and Hove proudly claims the third spot, while Plymouth lies in fifth place. Surprisingly, London doesn’t even make it into the top 15, leaving room for these other literary havens to shine.
Do people have a preference for physical books?
Even in our digital age, the timeless allure of a physical book remains undiminished. While 15% of people have embraced the convenience of e-books, a significant 76% still cherish the charm and tactile pleasure of a physical book.
What’s even more fascinating is that the younger generations are leading this literary love affair. A remarkable 84% of 18-24-year-olds prefer the experience of reading a physical book, which is around 10% more than their older counterparts. It seems that despite the digital revolution, the magic of a physical book continues to captivate hearts, especially among the youth.
The enchantment of reading physical books
There is something undeniably enchanting about physical books, and we wanted to uncover exactly what makes them so special. When we asked our survey respondents why they cherish this timeless way of reading, 77% spoke of the comforting sensation of holding a book in their hands. For 30%, it’s the unique aroma of the pages that draws them in, while 46% said that the tactile experience of turning each page allows for a deeper immersion.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, these cherished moments with physical books remind us of the simple, yet profound joy of curling up with a good book.