Many people have a small room that is often inefficiently used, but that room can be so much more.  We can see an example of this in this transformative design of a room in the back of a house that turned into an extraordinary reading nook.

In today’s post, I will recreate a reading nook for a weekend house that can also double as a “guest” room. It will come in handy when you have too many people in the house and not enough bedrooms to house them.  The goal of this series is to use big box stores that our readers can easily access via online or brick and mortar stores.  The budget will be approximately $1,000 for the bones of the room.  The inspiration for this room is a clean and bright country home.

Let’s start with the daybed.  There are many options out there with various prices.  I wanted a backless daybed which looks more like a seating sofa than a bed and infinitely more chic. This is an option from Wayfair.

This gorgeous day bed is on sale from $880 for $364 at the moment.  The bed fits 2 twin mattresses so it’s perfect for the room.  Another inexpensive option is this  IKEA Brimme daybed that retails for $250 and comes with storage underneath.  We will be using this bed in this mock up exercise.

We will allocate a budget of $500 for a twin mattress that you can easily buy from IKEA, Casper or a variety of vendors.

We now need a rug to define a space for a budget.  I found this 4’x6’ West Elm rug on sale for $50 which will fit nicely with our clean and neutral pallet.

Lighting is a great area to make your room stand out.  I have been a fan of CB2 for their affordable modern lighting.  In this reading nook, this mantis wall sconce would be practical as well as it gives the room a wow factor for only $130.  We would only need one along the wall to add light to this nook.

A coffee table is another component that we need to add.  I like the clean lines and weightlessness of this black and bamboo IKEA table which retails for $40.

Lastly, we need additional seating to make it into a nook.  Keeping with the theme of a summer country house, two of these IKEA Nipprig 2015 for $50 each will work great flanking the other side of the day bed.

All the furniture, mattress and lighting total $1,070 before tax.

Now it is time to jazz this up with accessories which are not in the budget highlighted above.  Target has this beautiful archipelago collection which will work nicely with our clean and light country theme.

Threshold Embroider Organic Stripe – $25

Threshold Abstract Blue Dot Decorative Pillow – $25

Threshold Chevron Lumbar Pillow -$30

This dish is a great addition to the coffee table adding a little glamour to an otherwise relax classic room.

Threshold Decorative Hammered Aluminum Tray – $18

A brighter option from Target is their Hampton Decor Collection.

Threshold Cane Pattern Decorative Pillow – $25

Threshold Paisley Medallion Decorative Pillow – $25

Threshold Floral Print Lumbar Pillow – $20

This accent side table is only $80 and is perfect for the mix of white/rattan and bamboo texture for the nook.

Threshold Accent Table with Cane Details

You can also add a nice throw or an inexpensive  Rens sheepskin rug to to the chairs like this IKEA option for only $30.

Zara Home has a good collection of throws in various blue and white colors.  Here are some of my picks.

White and Blue Striped Cotton Blanket – $90

Blue Dot Texture Cotton Blanket – $100

Raised Pattern Knit Throw – $100

Now that you have the basics to a great reading nook / guest bed, layer it with your personal photos, books and mementos to make it into your own cozy summer hideaway.

For more articles, visit our DESIGN page.

Author: Chau Hoang