Where do you like to read the most in your home? Do you have a specific chair, corner, blanket? Paint me a picture. What are the ingredients that matter?
(And, what are you currently reading? My review of Land is coming soon, but I was waylaid by travel and a lot of romance books — lol.)
I was realizing the other day I mainly read in my bed (photo above from the library room at Keswick Resort in Charlottesville, VA) — and not because I want to, but because I don’t really have another spot in the house that feels like an inviting reading nook, with enough privacy, quiet, or good light. Do we all agree that an ideal reading perch involves proximity to a window where you can watch the rain or snow come down, or let the sunlight in? I’ll read on our family room sofa in the winter since it’s right by the fire, but for some reason, I really prefer to read alone, undistracted, and our family room is right off the kitchen, prone to foot traffic and “mama, can you…?”, so this is not my universally preferred spot.
I think I’m going to challenge myself to outfit a corner of our primary bedroom into a reading nook I love for this fall/winter. I have this boucle arm chair, this gorgeous lamp (currently 20% off — the same discount I used when I bought it last Black Friday / Cyber Monday!), and this handy side table already situated, but it’s not yet reached “come read here” status in my book, even though it is right next to a window!
I’m thinking I need bookshelves, a basket full of throw blankets, and a wide area rug beneath it to demarcate the area. Also, maybe long linen curtains like seen below? More lighting? More overall softness. Honestly maybe I will swap out the boucle arm chair (put it upstairs in the guest bedroom for extra seating/coziness) and order myself one of these chairs and a half (other good options here and here) for true reading comfort. I am thinking seriously about this rug for the area. It looks perfect — neutral but textured.
Inspo below:
CRATE AND BARREL REMI LAMP (20% OFF!)
THUMA SIDE TABLE (GREAT FOR SMALL SPACES)
BRASS CANDLE SNUFFER AND WICK TRIMMER SET
Even more finds for a cozy reading nook here!
Another essential ingredient to a good fall reading session: Mem tea (my Boston-based sister-in-law sent me a bunch of their herbal teas two years ago and now I’m hooked on this Boston company’s tea! I order a fresh shipment every few months!). Use this to keep the hot water at the ready!
Post-Scripts: What to Read This Fall.
+Books we love reading in the fall! Comments are fantastic. More recs in the dark academia genre in the comments here. R.F. Kuang’s Babel came up a few times and I believe Magpie reader Kelly has recommended this to me enthusiastically several times before. On my list for this season!
+Books that calm the nervous system.
+Sestinas and Septembers — an analysis of an exquisite poem by Elizabeth Bishop that feels right for the season we’re heading into.
+As we head towards fall, having a hankering for re-reading WDS. Can this be made into a movie already?!
+To me, this Lily King is a fantastic fall read. The opening chapters of falling in love while at college…! It’s pitch-perfect for September.
And a Couple Shopping Notes.
+Gorgeous Tuckernuck new arrival.
+Did we know that Rhoback launched youth sizes?! I am on that site all the time and somehow missed this. I just ordered this one for my nephew/godson for his birthday as he’s a big golfer! Tempted to snag this UVA one for Hill…! I also got my hands on one of the new Rhoback sweaters and continue to be deeply impressed by everything this company puts out. The material is really soft and cozy / not itchy or wiry in the least ; it has the look and feel of something you’ve had and loved for awhile. I love the academic vibe.
+I was just reading recently about how important peptides are to maturing skin as they boost the production of collagen (which we produce less of as we age). Kiehl’s just sent me their new collagen product and I cannot wait to test. I also snagged their calendula face wash — I really don’t overthink or overcommit to face washes because they’re on your skin for such a short amount of time. They just need to wash everything off without overdrying. But I do really like a good lather and this one had the following description: “a dense foaming lather that replenishes skin.” YES.
+Cords to contemplate for fall: these Frames (trending among Magpies) and these barrel-leg pull-ons.
+Have a feeling Magpies are going to love these new striped tees from Faherty, given how many of you ordered this Soldout!
+New in at La Ligne: Colby cargos in olive green and a perfect striped sweater. Use code MAGPIE10.
+Oooo these new M. Gemis in the calf-hair! So good.
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