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Cozy corners: how to create inviting nooks in your apartment

posted on September 11, 2020

We could all use a little extra space in our lives. Especially these days – with many of us spending more time at home, in our apartments, than ever before. While it may not be possible for you to increase the square footage of your apartment, it is possible to repurpose, rearrange, and rethink your existing space. Panoramic Properties wants to show you how to create inviting nooks in your apartment. All you need is a little imagination and only a little bit of money.

What kind of nook are you looking for?

Maybe you haven’t kept up-to-date on all that is happening in the wide (or narrow) world of nooks – it’s okay, you’re busy, this is what we’re here for. There are many kinds of nooks to suit many different needs. Are you looking for a reading nook, a breakfast nook, or an office nook? Perhaps you need to separate an open plan space to create something a little more substantial, like a bedroom nook? Whatever your nook needs may be, there is a solution to fit your style and budget. 

Bedroom nook 

Whether you live in an open concept studio, or you would like a second sleeping area for guests, creating a cozy bedroom nook doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A bookcase can divide a space and easily carve out a cozy spot to put a bed or a futon mattress on top of a mat or area rug. For more room dividing ideas, check out our recent post.

Breakfast nook

Once you’ve woken up feeling well rested in your new sleeping nook, you’ll need a nook to enjoy your breakfast or morning coffee. This is where the breakfast nook comes in. If you have a small space at the end of a counter, or against a wall within or adjacent to your kitchen, you can create a cozy breakfast nook. This wall-mounted drop-leaf table is only 90x50 cm. It folds almost flat against the wall when not in use. When the table is folded, it provides a narrow shelf for knick knacks, phone chargers, spices, or whatever else you can think of. Add a folding chair or two and you can consider yourself nooked.

Office nook / Reading nook

Corner:

You’ve had your breakfast and now it’s time to get to work. If you find yourself working from home, your commute may have gotten easier but carving out a proper spot to spend your workday isn’t always as easy. This is where an office nook comes in. If you have an underused corner, the choice is an easy one. By adding a corner desk – or if space is quite tight, a floating wall shelf wide enough for a laptop and a folding stool –  you can instantly create a WFH corner office. 

If you don’t need a home workspace, that same corner could be transformed into a cozy reading nook by adding a comfortable chair and a small bookshelf or two. A reading nook is not only a great place to curl up and get cozy, but it’s also the perfect place to add a pop of colour to keep things interesting. 

Behind the couch:

Odds are your couch is currently pushed up against a wall. Does it have to be? By pulling the couch out from the wall, you can create a narrow nook for working or reading. Place a small desk or a drafting table against the wall or directly behind the sofa and watch your productivity soar. 

This same space could be turned into a reading nook or secondary sleeping space by simply laying down an area rug, some oversized pillows and/or a small futon mattress. 

Under a window:

If you have some empty space under a window, this is the spot to place that small desk for an instant workspace. 

To turn this window into a reading nook, all you need is a padded storage bench and a small bookshelf or two. Place the bench under the window, in between the two shelves for an almost built-in look. The extra storage in the bench is sure to come in handy, too. 

In a closet

Generally when you live in an apartment, there is no such thing as a spare closet. But if you find yourself in need of a nook, for work or to unwind in, your clothes may be better off in a small wardrobe or armoir. This can free up some valuable space for work, rest or even guests.

Vanity/Makeup nook

Why limit your new nook? In small apartments, it’s important for spaces to serve double-duty. Anywhere you could carve out space for an office nook, especially in a bedroom, that space could also be used as a makeup table and vanity. Just add a lighted, folding mirror and some drawers to keep you work supplies and beauty supplies separate.

Bar nook

One last nook notion. A bar nook. Practically any bare space in your apartment could be used for a bar cart. A well-stocked bar – complete with cocktail shakers, bottle openers, ice bucket, and maybe even a blender – can add a dash of old-school sophistication to a room. 

We hope that these neat nook ideas help you make the most of your space.

If you or someone you know is looking for an apartment rental, check out our Niagara Falls Apartments for rent.