If you’re a reader like me, you probably love to put books and reading paraphernalia on your Christmas list. Here are a few reading space essentials to pass along to the Santa in your life.
Be sure to leave a comment about your own ideal reading space for a chance to win a copy of CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING, book one in my Holiday Hearts series. (Comments for giveaway will remain open through Dec. 26. Merry Christmas!)
Most of us who really love to read probably don’t put a lot of thought into our ideal place for doing so, because we can pretty much read anywhere. Standing on a subway. Sitting in a cramped waiting room surrounded by Muzak and conversation. Perched on a hard bench at the bus stop on an icy December morning. But if you stop and think about it, I’ll bet you have your own ideals. Here are some thoughts about mine.
1. A Room with a View
This might be a little tricky for even Santa himself to fit under the tree, unless it’s this gorgeous photograph from Duse Fotografia. While I want a nice view for real to gaze at when I’m looking up to contemplate the written word and take a sip of coffee, I’d appreciate having this lovely piece of art on the wall of my reading nook as well.
2. The Right Chair
It goes without saying that the right sitting place is the foundation of the ideal reading space. For me, that means a big cushy chair that I can sink into. Take a look at this one from Arhaus along with the other cozy options on their living room page. Give me a good book, and I could get lost in this chair for hours.
3. The Perfect Ottoman
What’s a comfy reading chair without a matching ottoman? Still a chair…of course. But if I’m going to cozy up with a good book, I require the option of putting my feet up. This ottoman is also from Arhaus.
4. A Place to Put My Books (and my coffee)
I own two of these little beauties and I love them. They’re the perfect height for a lamp and a coffee cup, and they have ample space inside for storing plenty of books. They’re my sneaky little find from everybody’s favorite variety store, Target.
5. Let There Be Light
You have to admit that Mom was right when she told you not to strain your eyes by trying to read without good lighting. It’s essential, and I like to be able to direct my light so it hits the page just right. This gorgeous floor lamp from Arhaus fills the bill perfectly.
6. Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
Since coffee and reading go hand in hand, this list wouldn’t be complete without a practical way to keep your coffee (and your hands) toasty warm. This mug warmer is from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
7. Books, Books, Books
Books are such a personal thing that it’s hard even for Santa to know that he’s picking the right one. Personally, I love a mix of the classics, like GONE WITH THE WIND (which I recently read again), and current fiction. Throw in the occasional memoir, and my reading list is complete. But since readers love nothing more than shopping for books, a gift card makes a terrific stocking stuffer.
That’s a good start for my reading space Christmas wish list. Now I’d love to hear about yours.
Be sure to leave a comment to enter for a chance to win a copy of CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING, book one in my Holiday Hearts series.
What’s your ideal reading space? Comment on my blog to enter to win a copy of CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING. (click to Tweet)
Love your ideas for a reading space, Lesley! I guess mine would be sitting on a tropical beach under an umbrella with a fruity drink in hand. LOL. Merry Christmas to you!
This time of year, I’m more focused on warm and cozy but come summer, I’ll see you at the beach!
Lesley, you and I are on the same wave length! My perfect reading spot includes a comfortable chair and the ability to put my feet up, a pretty and calm view, good lighting, and a place to set my coffee where I can easily reach it. I also prefer to read in complete silence. Although I’ve read in noisy places, like a Starbucks, the experience is so much better for me if I don’t need to tune out distractions.
I’m with you on the silence. At this time of year, I can stand the sound of a crackling fire and my cat purring!
Like you said, I can read almost anywhere. 🙂 But my ideal is a chair with a straight back + a pillow for my back, a footrest, a cup of hot chocolate or hot tea, and relative quiet (no children running in and out). 😉
I always have my trusty back pillow when I’m at home too!
I always read before bed, as I am writing or working all day. I like to read on my bed against my husband pillow in my pajamas.
Reading in bed is one of my favorite things. Of course, if it’s a good book, I keep saying “one more chapter….”
My favorite space would have to be a cozy little nook, with a cup of coffee handy and of course interruptions from my kitty.
My dream space would be an enclosed porch, with a small fire for the cooler temperatures.
Reading has always been a passion. I collect books like my husband collected car magazine’s and such.
You hit on two of my favorites – my cat and enclosed porches. I’d love to have a nice porch with a view (and a heater).
Our reading space is upstairs in our 1928 Colonial, home library. Every morning my wife and I join there where I read to her. We have been doing this for about 12 years. I have read many Christian-fiction series, and stand alone books to her. It’s where we have our coffee and a little cookie or such in our comfy wing-back chairs as we start each day. After I read from our book, I open the Bible and I read from the scriptures. It’s a wonderful way to start every day together.
That sounds wonderful, Eric. Merry Christmas to you and your wife!