Kids Reading Benches: Create a Cosy Nook for Children

Key takeaways

• Choose a bench height that lets your child place feet flat on the floor and climb up independently, especially for toddlers.
• Picture books need more shelf height but fewer linear metres, while slim chapter books can be stored densely in benches or compact upholstered storage seats.
• Built-in book storage works well for smaller collections; larger libraries benefit from combining a bench with wall shelves or a slim bookcase.
• Position reading benches near natural light, but soften bright windows with blinds and add a warm lamp for cosy evenings.
• Prioritise rounded edges, sturdy construction and soft textiles so the nook feels safe, calm and inviting for children of different ages.

Why kids reading benches matter

A dedicated reading bench does more than hold books; it signals to your child that reading is a special, enjoyable activity. When there is a designated place for stories, children quickly learn that sitting down there means it is time to focus, relax and explore books. This can be especially helpful for winding down after busy play or screen time, or for creating a calm transition before bed.

Unlike a standard chair, a reading bench can be shared. Siblings, friends or a parent and child can sit side by side with enough room for a book between them. This encourages shared reading, which is a powerful way to support language development and build a love of stories. Benches with supportive backs and cushioned seats are also more comfortable for longer sessions, making it easier for older children to stay immersed in chapter books.

Storage is another reason reading benches are so useful. Many designs combine seating with hidden compartments or open cubbies, keeping books accessible without cluttering the floor. For flats and small bedrooms, this dual purpose can be a game changer: you get a cosy nook, a tidy room and a clear visual cue where books belong. If storage is your top priority, you might also want to explore the best kids storage benches for toys, shoes and books.

Finally, a reading bench is a flexible piece of furniture. As children grow, it can move from the nursery to the playroom and eventually to the hallway or guest room. Choose a neutral style or a simple wooden design and it can blend into many spaces, keeping the reading habit alive as interests and room layouts change.

How to choose the right kids reading bench

Choosing a kids reading bench starts with your child’s age and the way they like to sit. Toddlers tend to perch sideways, swing their legs and climb on and off frequently, so a low bench with a stable base and rounded corners is ideal. Older children may prefer a slightly higher seat with a supportive back and perhaps arms or sides that help them lean comfortably while reading for longer periods.

Height is particularly important. A good rule of thumb is that your child should be able to sit with knees bent and feet touching the floor, or at least on a footrest or rug, so they feel grounded. Very tall benches can leave younger children dangling, which is less comfortable and may discourage them from staying seated. Benches similar in height to junior seating, such as a low junior bench with hooks, give a good sense of scale for school-aged children.

Next, think about storage. If your child has a small selection of favourites, a compact bench with a single compartment or a couple of cubbies may be enough. For larger collections, look for benches with generous internal volume, such as lift-up seats, or plan to pair a simpler seat with a small bookcase or wall shelves. Multi-purpose pieces, like a convertible kids storage bench and table set, can work well in playrooms where reading, drawing and play often overlap.

Comfort and style are the final layers. An upholstered bench or padded ottoman can feel more like a sofa, especially if you add scatter cushions and a throw. A plain wooden bench can be softened with washable seat pads and cushions while still being easy to clean. Consider your room visuals: minimalist white benches suit calm, airy bedrooms; warm wood tones and soft greys blend well into shared family spaces. It can help to treat the nook like a mini mood board, choosing two or three colours and repeating them in the bench, cushions and storage baskets.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is picking a bench that is too big for the space. A wide window bench looks idyllic on inspiration boards, but if it blocks wardrobes or overlaps doorways, it will quickly become a frustration. Measure carefully, leaving enough room for your child to walk around the bench and for any doors or drawers to open fully. In compact rooms, a shorter bench or a folding ottoman that tucks away when not in use may offer a better balance between comfort and floor space.

Another pitfall is choosing style over practicality. Shiny finishes and intricate shapes might look pretty, but sharp edges, slippery surfaces or fragile decorations are not ideal for daily use by energetic children. Benches designed for more grown-up spaces, such as entryway or cloakroom benches, can be used for reading, but double-check that the height, weight capacity and finish are suitable for younger users. Rounded corners, sturdy frames and smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces will always be more child-friendly.

Many parents also underestimate how many books their children will accumulate. A bench with a small built-in shelf can fill up quickly once school reading, library books and gifts are all in the mix. If you do not allow for growth, books may start piling up on the floor, and the bench can lose its tidy, inviting feel. To avoid this, choose a design with more storage than you currently need or plan to extend the nook with wall-mounted shelves and perhaps a separate storage bench elsewhere in the room.

The final mistake is overlooking lighting and textiles. Even the best bench will not be used much if the corner feels gloomy or hard. Relying only on an overhead ceiling light can make reading uncomfortable, especially for picture books with detailed illustrations. A simple wall light, clip-on lamp or nearby floor lamp with a warm bulb can make all the difference. Likewise, a basic wooden bench without a cushion may feel too hard for longer reading sessions; adding a washable seat pad, a small pillow and a cosy blanket transforms it into a space your child naturally gravitates towards.

Where to position a kids reading bench

Positioning is central to how often the reading bench is used. Ideally, place it somewhere that feels slightly tucked away but still within sight of the main living area or your usual workspace. This gives your child a sense of independence without leaving them isolated. Corners of bedrooms, alcoves beside wardrobes, or the space under a window often work well. Under-window benches in particular benefit from natural light during the day, which makes picture books easier to enjoy.

Think about what your child sees while seated. Facing a calm wall or a simple bookshelf can help them focus, while a direct view of the television or a busy corridor might be more distracting. If the bench has hooks or cubbies, as in some cloakroom-style benches, you can hang a favourite bag or store soft toys nearby to personalise the space. A design similar to a double-sided junior bench with hooks can even serve as a transition zone between outdoor play and quiet reading.

Safety and access also matter. Keep benches away from radiators, trailing blind cords and sockets. If you are using a window seat, ensure the window has secure locks and that there is no climbable gap that might tempt children to lean too far. At the same time, avoid pushing the bench too tightly into a corner if it will make it difficult for you to sit alongside during shared reading. A small gap on one side can leave room for a floor cushion or stool so you can join your child comfortably.

Finally, think about sound. Placing the reading bench near a noisy washing machine or a door that slams may make it less restful. A quieter corner of the living room, a landing outside bedrooms or a playroom area away from loud toys can be a better choice. Over time, you might find that your child drifts towards the nook whenever they need a little calm, not just for reading but also for drawing, journalling or simply daydreaming.

How much book storage do you need?

Estimating storage needs begins with the kinds of books your child prefers. Picture books, especially large hardbacks, are tall and wide. They often work best stored with covers facing out in shallow shelves or baskets, so children can recognise their favourites easily. Because they are bulkier, you may not need as many to feel “well-stocked”: a dozen beloved picture books can fill a low bench shelf quite quickly.

Early readers and chapter books are slimmer and shorter. Dozens of these can fit into a single storage compartment, such as the internal space of a folding bench or ottoman. A piece like an upholstered folding ottoman with internal storage can quietly hold a large number of paperbacks while doubling as a comfy seat. For older children who love series, it is sensible to allow extra space for sequels and new discoveries.

As a rough guide, a small reading nook for a toddler might only need storage for 15–25 books within arm’s reach, while school-aged children may benefit from 30–60 titles close by. The key is accessibility: keep current favourites and school reading in or near the bench, and rotate other books from a separate bookcase or cupboard. This prevents the bench storage from becoming overstuffed, which can make it harder for children to find what they want.

Over time, you can adjust your system. If your child keeps piling books on top of the bench, it might be time to add a narrow wall shelf or a second storage bench nearby. If your home is especially compact, combining a bench that converts between seating and table with a few wall-mounted picture ledges can offer flexible storage and surface space without overwhelming the room.

Types of kids reading benches and who they suit

There are several broad styles of kids reading benches, each with its own strengths. Low reading benches work best for toddlers and younger children who need easy access and extra stability. These may have no back at all, or a gentle lip that prevents cushions from sliding off. Window benches, on the other hand, usually feature a deeper seat and often run along a wall, making them ideal for older children who enjoy lying down or spreading out with books and soft toys.

Storage benches combine seating with hidden or open storage. Some have lift-up lids, others use pull-out bins or cubbies underneath the seat. These are especially helpful in multipurpose rooms where you want reading materials and toys off the floor at the end of the day. If you are weighing up how much storage you really need, you might like to read a round-up of toy storage benches for playrooms or look at bench ideas tailored to small spaces and flats.

Upholstered benches and ottomans are popular for older children or shared family areas. With padded tops and often neutral fabrics, they fit into living rooms and bedrooms without shouting “kids’ furniture”. A folding design is particularly useful in small homes, allowing you to create a reading spot when needed and fold it away when hosting guests. In contrast, more structured wooden benches can form part of a themed room, perhaps painted in soft colours to match bedding or wall art.

Finally, some benches are designed as part of a set, combining seating with a table or hooks. A convertible storage bench and table set can serve as a reading nook, arts-and-crafts station and homework zone all in one, while a cloakroom-style bench with hooks overhead can hold coats and bags as well as books. The right choice depends on where you plan to place the bench and whether reading will be its only purpose or part of a wider play and storage solution.

Creating a mood-board style reading nook

Designing a reading nook around your bench can be a creative, enjoyable project. Start by choosing a simple colour palette – perhaps two main colours and one accent – and repeat them in the bench, cushions, blankets and storage baskets. For example, a white wooden bench with pale grey seat pad and mustard-yellow cushions feels calm but playful; a soft grey upholstered bench with pastel cushions blends beautifully into a shared living room.

Texture plays a big role in how cosy the nook feels. Even if your bench is plain wood or metal, adding a plush rug underneath, a knitted throw and a mix of smooth and textured cushions creates a layered, inviting look. For a more tailored appearance, consider a rectangular upholstered bench or ottoman as your base and build around its fabric. A design similar to an upholstered folding bench in a neutral grey pairs easily with almost any colour scheme.

Personal touches help the nook feel like your child’s own space. You might hang a small piece of their artwork above the bench, add a framed quote about reading, or string a few simple decorations overhead. Keep it uncluttered – a couple of favourite soft toys, a reading light and a small basket for bookmarks or notebooks are often enough. If your bench doubles as a table set, like a convertible kids storage bench/table, you can keep crayons and paper in a separate container so the reading corner does not become overwhelmed by craft supplies.

Think vertically too. Wall-mounted picture shelves above the bench allow you to display beautiful covers face-out, effectively creating a mini gallery. This can make the nook feel like part of the room’s decor rather than an afterthought, and it encourages children to choose books spontaneously. Just be sure to mount shelves securely and at a height your child can reach safely.

Tip: When planning your reading nook, take a quick photo of the space and sketch your ideas on top. It is much easier to move cushions and benches around on paper than to rearrange heavy furniture multiple times.

Lighting and textiles: making the bench extra cosy

Good lighting is essential for a reading bench. Natural light from a nearby window is ideal during the day, but it is still worth adding a secondary light source for overcast days and evenings. A small floor lamp, a wall-mounted lamp or a clip-on light attached to a nearby shelf can direct light onto the pages without shining into your child’s eyes. Choose a warm, soft-white bulb rather than a very cool, blue-toned one; this tends to feel gentler and more relaxing.

Textiles can transform the practicality of a bench. A seat pad or thin mattress makes wooden benches far more comfortable, and removable covers mean you can wash them when spills occur. Scatter cushions give children something to lean against or place on their laps as a buffer for books. In smaller spaces, a single large cushion or wedge-shaped backrest can save space while still providing support.

A cosy throw or blanket can be draped over the back of the bench or stored in a nearby basket. Many children enjoy the ritual of pulling over “their” blanket when they sit down to read. For benches with internal storage – including folding upholstered designs – you can even keep spare blankets or seasonal cushions inside, making it easy to refresh the nook’s look from time to time.

Do not forget the floor. A soft rug beneath or in front of the bench encourages children to stretch out with books on the floor if they want to. For toddlers who may not sit for long, a combination of a firm bench and thick rug offers options for crawling, sitting, standing and moving around while still being close to the story.

Safety considerations for kids reading benches

Safety should always underpin your bench choice and nook layout. Start by checking that the bench is sturdy and does not wobble when you push it. For benches with moving parts, such as lift-up lids or convertible table mechanisms, look for soft-close hinges or slow-closing supports that reduce the risk of small fingers being trapped. Designs like a kids storage bench with safety hinges can be reassuring in busy playrooms.

Rounded edges are kinder for bumps and bruises. If your chosen bench has sharper corners, you can add protective corner guards, especially when children are very young. Make sure the bench is not placed directly under shelves loaded with heavy items that could fall. If you are using freestanding shelves nearby, anchor them to the wall so curious climbers cannot tip them over.

In terms of layout, ensure there is a clear walkway around the bench so children are not squeezing past obstacles that might cause trips. Avoid trailing cables from lamps; where possible, route them behind furniture or use cable covers along the wall. If the bench is near a window, secure blind cords with a cleat or cord tidy out of reach, and keep the bench far enough from the glass that children are not tempted to lean or climb against it.

Finally, consider the materials. Easy-to-wipe surfaces are helpful for sticky fingers, and removable fabric covers that can be washed help you keep the nook fresh. Ventilated storage (either gaps, cut-outs or open fronts) is a bonus for benches that will hold both books and soft items, helping air to circulate and preventing mustiness.

Conclusion

A kids reading bench is a simple piece of furniture that can have a surprisingly big impact. By giving books a visible home and carving out a comfortable, well-lit spot to sit, you gently nudge your child towards moments of calm, curiosity and imagination. With thoughtful choices about height, storage and materials, the same bench can grow with your child from picture books to paperbacks.

Whether you choose a flexible piece such as a convertible storage bench and table, a simple junior bench, or an upholstered ottoman with hidden storage, the key is to tailor the nook to your space and your child’s habits. Add soft textiles, safe lighting and a rotating set of favourite books, and the bench will quickly become a cherished part of daily life.

Over time, you can refresh the nook with new cushions, artwork or shelves, but the essentials remain the same: a welcoming seat, easy access to stories and a calm corner that invites children to pause and read.