5 Must-Have Items For an Empath’s Perfect Cozy Reading Nook

In today’s fast-paced world, moments of peace and relaxation are precious. For empathic women who embrace self-compassion, a cozy reading nook becomes more than a pastime—transforming into a gentle refuge. 

Intentionally designing a space for peace and tranquility, can invite your spirit to escape into the pages of your favorite book, recharge, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being.

In this guide, we’ll explore 5 essential elements that help you transform any corner into an empath’s ideal sanctuary for reading where serenity and comfort intertwine seamlessly.

We meticulously combed through two of our favorite sites, Amazon and Etsy to help you creatively put together a custom Cozy Reading Nook just for your taste. (And threw in an extra tip with products from Redbubble).

Why a Reading Nook Matters:

Prioritizing self-care is crucial for empathic women. A cozy reading nook provides a dedicated space where mental and emotional health takes center stage. 

It’s a retreat from daily demands, allowing you to immerse yourself in any book and replenish your spirit. 

Research confirms that reading reduces stress, enhances focus, and deepens empathy—a trifecta that resonates deeply with empaths:

A study conducted by the University of Sussex revealed that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%.
The act of escaping into a book provides a much-needed respite from daily pressure

Essential Elements of a Cozy Reading Nook:

1. Comfy Reading Chair

A comfortable reading chair is the cornerstone of any reading nook. Look for one with ample cushioning and support to ensure hours of uninterrupted reading pleasure.

We are suggesting 2 slightly different chairs, to help you with a starting point to choose according to your desired style, and within your preferred budget:

This Homguava Giant Bean Bag Chair gets rave reviews, it’s not only comfy it has an easy-to-clean sofa chair cover. The cover can not be removed and so does not need to be cleaned separately. It is easy to maintain, water is not easy to penetrate quickly. If there are stains, simply wipe gently with a soft wet towel and it will be as clean as new!

If you are creating a smaller reading nook, this foldable Oakham Comfy Saucer Chair, available in over 10 colors, might work better for you. It is Covered in super soft faux fur, which makes it very comfortable to relax and fully enjoy the moment while reading.

This saucer chair has proven to be a customer favorite.

2. Cushy Throw Pillows

Custom Embroidered Rectangular Throw Pillow – Personalized

This Embroidered Throw Pillow can become the highlight of your reading nook, by saying this is mine :), because as empaths we’re always giving away so much of our energy.

For this pillow the fill material is Cotton, and the cover material is Linen. The cover is available in over 15 colors, and best of all your Personalization options are specific.

Available on Etsy

Handmade Knotted Plush Pillow

The plush knot pillow style has gained popularity in recent years and for a good reason, it’s just so huggable. Beautiful way to self-soothe especially when reading a drama or mystery book.

We love the pastel shades of this pillow, especially the baby blue. This store on Amazon has 18 colors and 3 sizes available, with affordable pricing and good customer reviews.

3. Cozy Area Rug

A soft area rug anchors your reading nook and provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opt for a plush rug that feels luxurious underfoot.

We found these unique area rugs on 2 Etsy Shops:

A shop with an eclectic selection of Mystic-Themed Rugs;

• Handmade
• Materials: Bamboo, chenille, cotton, polyester

A second Etsy shop with beautiful BOHO CIRCLE Area Rugs. These handmade, non-slip circle rugs made of cotton and polyester, offer a wide variety of patterns and come in sizes ranging from 24×24 inches to 70×70 inches, to best fit the size of your reading nook.

4. Ambient Lighting

A key element to any cozy reading nook is the right lighting. Soft, ambient lighting not only provides adequate light for reading but also sets a calming atmosphere. Here are two suggestions:

Dimmable Table Lamp: A table lamp with adjustable brightness can provide the perfect amount of light for reading while adding a touch of style to your reading nook. Look for options that offer warm light settings for a cozy glow.

This Aesthetic Modern Table Lamp fits well for a minimalist and classy look and has received great reviews on ETSY, about both the product and the seller.

A more affordable second option is this Multipurpose Fully Dimmable Table Lamp, which not only has a modern look but also has convenient ports to charge your devices while you’re relaxing with a new find for your book collection.

It’s a popular and highly-rated Amazon find.

String Lights or Fairy Lights: Adding string lights or fairy lights can give your cozy reading nook a magical and whimsical feel. They’re perfect for creating a serene and inviting environment.

We can’t be the only one who loves crystals. Right? We were thrilled to find this Crystal String Light on ETSY. So adorable, especially for those of us who enjoy fantasy stories and books on spirituality.

(Description: Crystal String Lights, Rough Stone Fairy Lights, 6.5 Feet USB Plug In, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Fluorite, Citrine)

Please note: These are charged only with a USB port.

5. Bookshelf (or Book Storage)

Last but by no means least, your reading nook wouldn’t be either cozy or complete without a place to store and display your favorite books. Whether it’s a small bookshelf or stylish bookends, having your books within reach is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Here are two suggestions:

Compact Bookshelf: A small, sturdy bookshelf is perfect for organizing your current reads and showcasing your book collection. Look for one that fits seamlessly into your space and complements your decor.

This Handcrafted Wooden Bookshelf available on ETSY provides a convenient and elegant display for your favorite books. The seller also gives the option of having the ends engraved or not.

Also, it’s great on the nightstand next to your bed if you already have a larger bookshelf.

Creative Book Storage: Consider unique book storage solutions like floating shelves or decorative bookends. These can add character to your reading nook while keeping your books easily accessible.

If you’ve gotten this far in the article, then please let me present you with the most unique item we found. Original Woman Icon Illustration on a Wood Bookend! From historical icons to current political leaders, a total of 25 inspirational women to choose from.

This type of unique item is one of the reasons we love to include ETSY in our curated items list.

BONUS TIP:

6. Matching Throw Pillow and Mug

To give that extra touch of ‘this cozy reading nook is only for me time’ we wanted to include suggestions for both beautiful and funny Throw Pillows and their matching mugs from designs on our Redbubble Shop.

It’s such a nice idea that every time you retreat to your nook to comfortably sit back and get lost in your book, it’s easy to grab your favorite ‘reading’ mug.

Eclectic Bohemian Throw Pillow – Available on our Redbubble Store

Eclectic Bohemian Coffee Mug – Check it out at our Redbubble Store

Funny Reading Lovers Throw Pillow – Available on our Redbubble Store

Funny Reading Lovers Ceramic Mug – Check it out at our Redbubble Store

Putting Your Reading Nook together

Creating your perfect cozy reading nook is a personal journey, and there’s no need to include all 6 of the suggested must-haves.

Whether you’re working with a spacious area or just a small corner, select items that fit your budget, available space, and personal style.

Even a single element, like a comfy chair or a boho area rug, can transform a spot into a soul-enriching sanctuary.

Remember, the goal is to create a space that resonates with you as an empath.

This dedicated cozy nook will not only be a place for reading but also a retreat for relaxation and self-care.