Imagine stretching out under the sky with your next book, fresh air filling your lungs and birds providing a subtle backtrack. Reading can be an outdoor activity if you put some thought into your own outdoor reading nook. The key is to balance comfort, shade, and privacy with soft seating, wind protection, and clever lighting for when you lose track of time. And remember location, location, location. If it’s starting to feel overwhelming, or you just want to picture every single one of the outdoor reading nook ideas for your backyard, this list is for you.
1. Hanging Hammock Chair
Hammocks and outdoor comfort go hand in hand. It can turn any space into a comfy retreat, or in this case a reading retreat. Mount a store-bought hammock chair from a sturdy tree branch using wide straps that’ll protect the bark. If you don’t have trees to work with, you can always install a steel stand to do the heavy lifting for you or hang it from a pergola beam. And if store-bought options are too expensive or you can’t find a design that works for you, make your own hammock chair with woven cotton fabric and weather-resistant rope. Layer it with a pillow and a thick throw blanket for extra comfort during the colder seasons.
2. Small Pergola Reading Space
Frame your own personal reading spot with a small pergola. Set four sturdy, weather-resistant posts in concrete and finish them off with beams that are strong enough to hold shade cloth, climbing vines, or reed mats. Create partial walls with wooden trellises and allow nature to do it’s thing with trailing ivy or something similar. For a beautiful evening glow, you can always add string lights to the mix or hang lanterns from the cross beams. The inside of your pergola should be customized according to your style with a loveseat or twin daybed and a narrow console table for books and candles.
3. Outdoor Swing
An outdoor swing sounds like something right off the cover of a novel, right? Suspend a sturdy swing from an even sturdier beam, pergola, or A frame stand. You can use galvanized chains with spring clips that are rated for outdoor loads. Wooden swings are treated to endure different weather conditions and they’re softer on the eye and buttocks than metal ones. However, both can work. To make your own personalized swing, use a wooden slat seat, quality sealant, and a very thick, strong rope. Layer it with thick outdoor cushions and let it face toward trees or flower beds for a natural backdrop to your book.
4. Teepee Style Tent Nook
A teepee style tent might awaken the child in you, prompting you to reach for the classics. Think Alice in Wonderland under a tree in your own garden, surrounded by a tent made from canvas drop cloths and long wooden poles. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but it should at least keep you sheltered against the elements. Leave one flap open for airflow and line the tloor with foam mats or thick rugs. It depends on how big you make it, but this outdoor reading nook idea for your backyard is more for cross legged reading than on-your-back marathons. You can clip pockets to the poles to hold your snacks and extra books and hang some fairy lights on the inside for an after-dark glow.
5. Hanging Daybed
A hanging daybed is the deluxe edition of a hanging hammock chair. You can find one from any outdoor store, or make your own for a fraction of the price. Build a sturdy rectangular frame from treated lumber and suspend it from heavy duty chains attached to an overhead structure. It can be pergola beams or a standalone steel or wooden A frame. Reinforce every joint with steel brackets to ensure that it’s extra safe and top your outdoor bed with a mattress wrapped in a waterproof cover. What you do from this point on depends on your personal preferences. Think sheer curtains, soft pillows, fluffy throws…
6. Outdoor Beanbag Zone
Beanbags can turn any stiff setting into a relaxed reading pit. Find yourself some oversized weather resistant beanbags filled with quick dry foam beads because those filled with standard pellets tend to clump after rain. Arrange one, two, or three around a low table and add a shade umbrella or sail overhead. You can also arrange them around a fire pit ring if it’s only used for candles and mugs because a real open fire would be a hazard. Layer your beanbag zone with outdoor rugs to make it feel defined and intentional, and to keep your feet clean.
7. Hammock Between Trees
A hammock between trees is the stretched out equivalent of a hanging hammock chair. Instead of chilling upright, this outdoor reading nook idea for your backyard allows you to lie back and enjoy your book. Use wide tree straps to protect the bark of your trees and hang your hammock with a gentle curve. If it’s stretched too tight, it won’t be as comfy. Choose breathable mesh material if you live in a warm climate, or go for quilted fabric for cooler evenings. The only downside when it comes to a hammock is that it may be too comfortable, leaving you in a state of bliss that makes you struggle to keep your eyes open.
8. Outdoor Armchair With Side Table
Your reading nook can be as simple as a single armchair with a side table. The two don’t even need to match to create an outdoor oasis for all of your reading. The key is too choose the right chair because the deeper the seat, the more comfortable it feels. It’s also important that it has weather-resistant cushions and wide armrests that can balance a book while you take a sip of your tea. The side table doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be able to handle the weather if your nook isn’t covered.
9. Hanging Rope Chair
It seems like most outdoor reading nook ideas for your backyard involve hanging. Add a sculptural flair to your landscape with a beautiful reading chair made from thick ropes, hanging from a pergola beam or steel stand. Add a pretty seat cushion and a back pillow to soften the woven rope surface and get ready for endless days of comfort. Before you grab your first book to get cozy, double check the knots and hardware to be sure that you won’t end up on the floor once you sit down.
