Escape to a Vintage Oasis: Creating a Charming Reading Corner on Your Terrace

A reading corner is nothing short of a godsend to bibliophiles because finding time to unwind and escape into a serene environment has become a luxury in the fast-paced modern world. As technology dominates our lives, the need for a tranquil haven to disconnect and immerse ourselves in the world of literature has never been more crucial! Imagine a serene space where there’s no one else but you and the only words you seem to hear are the ones that fly off the page of a book! Doesn’t that seem ideal?

Finding The Right Space To Create A Reading Corner

A well-designed reading corner gives you privacy for prolonged periods, allowing you to effortlessly transition between reality and the world you will soon explore between the pages of your current favourite read. But having a reading corner in open living spaces is often not as private as you need it to be. The little ones running up with their Jenga blocks, a TV on high volume blaring the next bit of scary news, and maybe even the vacuum cleaner making the deep hovering sound that forces you to reread sentences in a 400-page book! Distracting? Absolutely!

Selecting the perfect spot for your reading corner is essential to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Look beyond the four walls of your home office where you bring work, to a space that is more peaceful! Maybe a quiet corner on your terrace that receives the right amount of natural light.

A perfect haven where you can enjoy plenty of sunlight during the day for comfortable reading but also take advantage of the shade to escape the hot sun in the late afternoons. All of that with a view of surrounding greenery from trees in your neighbourhood that offer up blooming flowers and softly rustling leaves for you to feel truly tranquil in your reading corner every day. Or scan the landscape for the silhouette of buildings as the sunlight bathes them, inspired by the lives between your pages and those that can start anew every day in the outside world!

Moreover, a vintage-inspired reading corner on your terrace is the perfect solution for those seeking solace and rejuvenation. Read ahead to see how you can embrace the vintage aesthetic that not only beckons you to relax and delve into your favourite book but also physically sets the mood and transports you into a different time. 

Begin By Embracing The Vintage Aesthetic Of Your Reading Corner

A vintage reading corner infuses classic charm and nostalgia into your outdoor space. Keep your eye out for timeless pieces like aged wooden rocking chairs, an iron and wood bench with plush cushions, or an ornate metal table. Don’t be afraid to explore vintage markets or vintage stores online for unique finds that can add character to your reading corner or nook.

Consider blending decorative elements like latticed tealight lanterns that can set the mood, brass and bronze trays, bowls and platters to hold tea and fruit and simple cotton fabrics in ethnic patterns. You can also incorporate pastel colours and soft hues to create a soothing ambience that beckons you to relax and delve into the enchanting world of books. 

Consider The Weather and What You’ll Need In Your Reading Corner

A vintage reading corner should exude comfort and shelter you perfectly fine for sunny, windy, and rainy days alike. Consider adding throw blankets and cushions in your space to create a cosy atmosphere. Use dhurries and handwoven mats to keep your feet warm in the autumn and winter. Keep summer fabrics handy to tackle the heat, such as lightweight cotton fabrics and bamboo frames to hang soft drapes that can provide artificial shade.

You can also invest in weather-proof seating such as cushions, mats, and more that can be easily washed and maintained throughout the seasons.

Finding The Perfect Lighting For Your Reading Corner

Lighting is essential when it comes to reading, and you must ensure that it is neither harsh nor too dim when putting in the effort to make something cosy. If you’re a morning person starting their day with a book or seeking some me-time in the afternoon, natural daylight is perfectly sufficient. 

However, if you’re retreating to your space in the late evenings, consider lightbulbs and lamps that are weather-proof and bright enough to read the words on your page. Mood lighting and aromatic candles are great too, and using scents such as lavender or citronella could also help ward off mosquitoes and small bugs in the area. 

Vintage Accents and Ware For Your Reading Corner

There’s nothing like a few good vintage accents to tie up the space! Pull your favourite wooden platters and boards out of the attic and lay them flat with a bit of fruit, crackers and cheese that can sustain you for long periods. 

Get your favourite vintage teapots, bronze cups, and vintage ceramic ware that not only takes you back in time but also promotes sustainable living as you cherish decades-old pieces that are still worthy of love!

Use small cake stands, aged chakra tambalams, beautiful tiffin carriers with murukku and sweets for a book reading party, and dabarams from which you sip piping hot coffee! Brass spoons and small German silver sugar bowls will elevate your book reading too! Swap out the candles for oil lamps that last longer with a drop of clove oil or lavender oil to keep the mosquitos away!

And there you have it! A perfect reading nook to retreat to when you need an escape from the demands of everyday life! Enjoy the solitude as you indulge in the simple pleasures and delve deep into whichever new world you seek between the pages of your favourite read!

Frequently Asked Questions