Guest bedrooms are a great addition to your home but are only used once in a while. So why not let yours double as a cozy reading nook? Our DIY expert Alexandra Gater demonstrates just how easy it is to transform an unused nook into a dreamy reading space and guest room, using multifunctional pieces and chic decor from IKEA.
1. Add Cozy Textures to Make the Space Feel Welcoming
Alexandra’s first step in transforming this empty corner of her home into a welcoming reading nook and guest bedroom is adding the cozy, handmade IKEA LÖNSTRUP rug. The space instantly shifts from an empty corner to a cozy oasis.
2. Use Multifunctional Furniture for Seating and Sleeping
To ensure the space could pull double-duty as a reading nook and a guest bedroom, Alexandra chose IKEA’s HEMNES daybed and updated the hardware with the hip ÖSTERNÄS leather pulls. This unique piece works beautifully as a sofa for cozy afternoon reading sessions and features a base that extends to create a true double bed, with storage drawers underneath. Talk about multifunctional!
3. Use Floating Shelves to Create a Reading Nook
To lend a literary touch to the reading nook (without sacrificing floor space), Alexandra hung floating IKEA BERGSHULT shelves in the corner of the room above the bed. She styled the shelves with books, the FEJKA hanging eucalyptus plant, HOVSTA picture frames and an itty bitty BONDTOLVAN clock.
4. Add Cushions to Create a Comfy Seating Area
The final step in transforming this empty nook into a cozy retreat was layering it with soft textures and pillows. Alexandra started with the dreamy OFELIA VASS duvet and pillow cover, then added colour with the olive green SANELA pillow cover, the pretty in pink KRANSBORRE pillow cover, the GURLI pillow cover and the classic IKEA STOCKHOLM pillow cover.
Alexandra’s incredible transformation of this empty nook into a multifunctional reading retreat and guest bedroom shows that no space is too small to play double duty, as long as you have the right furniture and decor from IKEA!
