DIY: How to create the perfect children's reading corner with decorative prints
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Reading time: 10 minutes | Published by Kago Studio
Introduction
Creating a children's reading corner is one of the best investments you can make in your child's development. A dedicated reading space not only fosters a love of books, but also stimulates the imagination, improves concentration, and creates positive associations with learning.
In this comprehensive article, we'll guide you step-by-step through creating a magical and functional reading nook that combines comfort, beauty, and visual stimulation with carefully selected decorative prints . 
Why create a dedicated reading corner?
Scientifically proven benefits:
Cognitive development: 🧠 Improves concentration by having a specific space without distractions
📚 Increase reading time by up to 40% according to studies
🎯 Develop independent reading routines
💡 Stimulates creativity through an inspiring environment
Emotional benefits: 💝 Creates positive associations with books and learning
🏡 Provides a sense of shelter and security
😌 Reduces stress and anxiety in children
🌟 Promotes independence and self-confidence
Social benefits: 👨👩👧👦 Facilitates quality family time
📖 Promotes conversations about stories
🤝 Develop empathy through narratives
🗣️ Improve vocabulary and oral expression
Project Planning: Before You Start
Evaluation of available space
Option A: Children's bedroom
Advantages:
- Privacy and tranquility
- Easy access before bedtime
- Decoration coordinated with the rest of the room
Considerations:
- Limited natural lighting
- Possibly reduced space
- Possible distractions with toys
Option B: Living room
Advantages:
- More space available
- Better natural lighting
- Easy parental supervision
Considerations:
- Family noise and distractions
- Need for aesthetic integration with adult decoration
- Storing children's books
Option C: Wide hallway or distributor
Advantages:
- Utilization of underutilized space
- Neutral zone without distractions
- Easy access from any room
Considerations:
- Necessary artificial lighting
- Transit of people
- Furniture limitations
Minimum measurements and requirements
Minimum space required:
- Total area: 1.5mx 1.5m (2.25 m²)
- Free height: Minimum 2m for hanging sheets
- Seat depth: 60-80cm
- Minimum width: 80cm for comfort
Essential elements:
- [ ] Comfortable seating (armchair, cushions, bean bag)
- [ ] Adequate lighting (natural + artificial)
- [ ] Book storage (shelf, basket)
- [ ] Support surface (small side table)
- [ ] Visual element (decorative sheets)
Step by step: creating the perfect corner
STEP 1: Preparing the space
Week 1: Cleaning and Measuring
Day 1-2: Assessment and Planning
- [ ] Measure available space accurately
- [ ] Evaluate natural lighting at different times of the day
- [ ] Identify electrical points for additional lighting
- [ ] Photograph area to plan decoration
- [ ] Define total project budget
Day 3-4: Physical preparation of the space
- [ ] Completely empty the selected area
- [ ] Clean walls and floor thoroughly
- [ ] Check condition of paint and surface
- [ ] Plan placement of main elements
Materials needed for this phase:
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Marking pencil
- Cleaning cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
Week 2: Basic Elements
Selecting the main seat:
Option A: Children's armchair
💰 Presupuesto: 80-150€
✅ Pros: Ergonómico, duradero, profesional
❌ Cons: Más caro, menos flexible
📏 Medidas típicas: 60x60x50cm
🎯 Ideal para: Niños 4-10 años
Option B: Large pouf + backrest
💰 Presupuesto: 40-80€
✅ Pros: Cómodo, adaptable, económico
❌ Cons: Menos soporte lumbar
📏 Medidas típicas: 80x80x40cm
🎯 Ideal para: Niños 3-8 años
Option C: Large cushions + frame
💰 Presupuesto: 30-60€
✅ Pros: Muy económico, personalizable, flexible
❌ Cons: Requiere mantenimiento, menos duradero
📏 Medidas: Variables según necesidad
🎯 Ideal para: Todas las edades, familias numerosas
Option D: Quality bean bag
💰 Presupuesto: 50-100€
✅ Pros: Muy cómodo, se adapta al cuerpo, moderno
❌ Cons: Difícil limpieza, puede perder forma
📏 Medidas: 80x80x80cm aproximadamente
🎯 Ideal para: Niños 5+ años
STEP 2: Perfect lighting
Current lighting analysis
Natural light test:
- Morning (8-10am): Is it enough to read without straining your eyes?
- Afternoon (2-5pm): Is there direct glare?
- Night (6-8pm): Is artificial light needed?
Lighting solutions:
Option A: Adjustable floor lamp
Características ideales:
- Brazo flexible direccional
- Luz LED 3000K (cálida)
- Regulador de intensidad
- Base estable anti-vuelco
- Cable largo (2m+)
💰 Presupuesto: 60-120€
Option B: Wall light
Características ideales:
- Instalación a 150cm altura
- Luz dirigida hacia abajo
- Interruptor al alcance del niño
- Diseño coordinado con decoración
💰 Presupuesto: 40-80€ + instalación
Option C: Decorative LED garland
Características ideales:
- LED blanco cálido
- Batería recargable
- Temporizador automático
- Child resistant
💰 Budget: €20-40
⚠️ Only as a complement, not main lighting
Recommended combination:
Main lighting (floor lamp/wall light) + Ambient lighting (LED string) = Functionality + Magic
STEP 3: Smart book storage
Solutions according to space and age
For children 2-5 years:
📚 ESTANTERÍA FRONTAL (portada visible)
- Altura: 60-80cm máximo
- Capacidad: 20-30 libros
- Acceso: Totalmente autónomo
- Ventaja: Estimula selección visual
Productos recomendados:
- Estantería Montessori frontal
- Revistero de madera
- Cajas organizadoras con apertura frontal
For children 6-10 years:
📚 ESTANTERÍA TRADICIONAL + CAJAS
- Altura: 100-120cm
- Capacidad: 50-100 libros
- Organización: Por temas/colecciones
- Ventaja: Mayor capacidad
Organización sugerida:
Estante superior: Libros "aspiracionales"
Middle shelf: Books current level
Bottom shelf: Favorite books/rereading
For siblings of different ages:
📚 SISTEMA MIXTO
- Parte baja: Acceso pequeños
- Parte alta: Libros mayores
- Código colores: Por edad/dificultad
- Cajas móviles: Rotación semanal
DIY: Custom Shelving
Materials needed:
- 4 pine wood planks 80x20x2cm
- 2 sides 100x20x2cm
- Wood screws 4x40mm
- Fischer Tacos
- Non-toxic children's paint/varnish
- 120 grit sandpaper
Tools:
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Metro
- Pencil
- Level
Construction process:
- Sand all pieces until completely smooth.
- Mark shelf positions on the sides
- Pre-drill holes to avoid cracks
- Assemble structure with screws
- Apply paint/varnish in 2 coats
- Dry 24 hours between coats
- Install on wall with sturdy plugs
⏰ Estimated time: 4-6 hours spread over 2 days
💰 Approximate cost: €40-60
🎯 Result: Custom 80x100cm shelving
STEP 4: Decorative sheets - The magic touch
Strategic selection according to age
For children 2-4 years:
🎨 TEMÁTICA RECOMENDADA:
- Animales tiernos y colores suaves
- Abecedarios ilustrados grandes
- Números con objetos contables
- Escenas de cuentos clásicos
- Mensajes motivadores simples
📏 TAMAÑOS IDEALES:
- 1 lámina grande (A2/A1) como focal
- 2-3 láminas medianas (A3) complementarias
- Altura colocación: 120-140cm
Example composition 2-4 years:
Pared principal rincón lectura:
- Centro: "Abecedario de Animales" (A2)
- Izquierda: "Los números del 1 al 10" (A3)
- Derecha: "Mensajes dulces" (A3)
- Coordinación: Paleta colores suaves y coherentes
For children 5-8 years:
🎨 TEMÁTICA EVOLUCIONADA:
- Illustrated world maps
- Cycles of nature
- Adapted visual story
- Adventure inspiration
- Values and emotions
📏 GALLERY WALL COMPOSITION:
- 4-6 sheets of various sizes
- Mix horizontal/vertical orientations
- Coherent visual story
- Height: 130-160cm
For children 9+ years:
🎨 TEMÁTICA SOFISTICADA:
- Citas literarias inspiradoras
- Líneas tiempo histórica
- Arte y cultura mundial
- Ciencias y descubrimientos
- Objetivos y sueños personales
📏 INSTALACIÓN MADURA:
- Composición asimétrica equilibrada
- Marcos coordinados pero variados
- Integración con mobiliario
- Rotación periódica posible
Professional placement techniques
Wall preparation:
- Clean surface with a damp cloth
- Mark visual center (non-geometric)
- Make templates of real-size paper sheets
- Try composition with stencils and washi tape
- Photograph the result before marking it final
- Mark nailing points with a soft pencil
Recommended heights according to child's age:
👶 2-3 años: Centro lámina a 110-120cm suelo
🧒 4-6 años: Centro lámina a 120-130cm suelo
👦 7-9 años: Centro lámina a 130-140cm suelo
👧 10+ años: Centro lámina a 140-150cm suelo
Multiple composition rules:
- Space between sheets: 5-15cm depending on size
- Horizon line: Maintain visual alignment
- Visual weight: Balancing colors and shapes
- Focal point: A clear protagonist sheet
Kago Studio products ideal for reading corners

Composition "Little Reader":
🎨 Lámina principal: " Abecedario Colorido "
- Tamaño: A3 con marco incluido
- Posición: Centro pared, 120cm altura
- Función: Apoyo pre-lectura y decoración
🎨 Láminas complementarias: " Libro Mariposa "
- Tamaño: A3 sin marco
- Posición: Lateral derecho
- Función: Volar alto
🎨 Láminas complementarias: " Tres Setas "
- Tamaño: A3 sin marco
- Posición: Lateral izquierdo
- Función:
Soñar despierto
STEP 5: Additional comfort elements
Textiles and softness
Corner rug:
📏 Tamaño recomendado: 120x80cm mínimo
🧵 Material ideal: Algodón lavable o fibras naturales
🎨 Colores: Neutros o coordinados con láminas
💰 Presupuesto: 30-80€
Características imprescindibles:
- Antideslizante por seguridad
- Lavable en casa (niños derraman)
- Grosor suficiente para comodidad suelo
- Bordes bien rematados (no deshilache)
Cushions and blankets:
🛏️ COJINES APOYO (2-3 unidades):
- Tamaño: 40x40cm o 50x30cm
- Relleno: Fibra hipoalergénica
- Fundas: Removibles y lavables
- Diseños: Coordinados con decoración general
🧸 MANTA LECTURA:
- Material: Algodón suave o polar calidad
- Tamaño: 100x140cm (individual niño)
- Color: Neutro o con patrón sutil
- Función: Arropamiento en sesiones largas lectura
Functional side table
Option A: Small round table
📏 Medidas: 40-50cm diámetro, 45-50cm altura
🎯 Función: Vaso agua, snacks, libros en uso
💰 Coste: 25-60€
✨ Advantage: Safety without corners
Option B: Floating shelf
📏 Medidas: 30x15cm, instalado 70-80cm altura
🎯 Función: Apoyo temporal, menos espacio ocupado
💰 Coste: 15-30€
✨ Ventaja: No ocupa espacio suelo
Option C: DIY table box
📦 Base: Caja madera 40x30x40cm
🎨 Personalización: Pintura + cojín superior
💰 Coste: 20-35€
✨ Ventaja: Almacenamiento extra + asiento adicional
Complete project budget
ECONOMIC Budget (150-250€)
🪑 ASIENTO:
- Cojines grandes suelo: 40€
- Respaldo DIY: 20€
💡 ILUMINACIÓN:
- Lámpara mesa IKEA: 25€
- Guirnalda LED: 15€
📚 ALMACENAMIENTO:
- Estantería DIY: 50€
- Cajas organización: 20€
🎨 DECORACIÓN:
- 3 láminas Kago Studio: 60€
- Marcos básicos: 30€
🧸 CONFORT:
- Alfombra pequeña: 35€
- Cojín + manta: 25€
💰 TOTAL: 220€
MEDIUM budget (300-500€)
🪑 ASIENTO:
- Quality children's armchair: €120
💡 LIGHTING:
- Adjustable floor lamp: €80
- Wall light: €45
📚 STORAGE:
- Front + traditional shelving: €100
- Multiple organizers: €35
🎨 DECORATION:
- 5 varied Kago Studio sheets: €150
- Medium quality frames: €60
🧸 COMFORT:
- Large quality rug: €70
- Premium textiles: €45
- Side table: €40
💰 TOTAL: €405
PREMIUM Budget (600-1000€)
🪑 ASIENTO:
- Sillón ergonómico diseño: 250€
💡 ILUMINACIÓN:
- Sistema múltiple LED: 150€
- Instalación profesional: 80€
📚 ALMACENAMIENTO:
- Estantería diseño medida: 200€
- Sistema organización completo: 60€
🎨 DECORACIÓN:
- Colección completa Kago Studio: 300€
- Marcos premium + instalación: 120€
🧸 CONFORT:
- Alfombra diseñador: 150€
- Textiles orgánicos premium: 80€
- Mobiliario auxiliar coordinado: 100€
💰 TOTAL: 840€
Maintenance and evolution of the space
Weekly maintenance routines
Basic cleaning (15 minutes/week):
- [ ] Vacuum carpet and cushions
- [ ] Clean table and shelf surfaces
- [ ] Sort books by established categories
- [ ] Air cushions and blankets in the sun
- [ ] Check sheets (cleaning glass frames)
Monthly organization (30 minutes/month):
- [ ] Book rotation according to current interests
- [ ] Lighting review (changing bulbs, cleaning)
- [ ] Ergonomics evaluation according to child growth
- [ ] Update seasonal decor if applicable
Evolution according to the child's growth
Adaptations 2-4 years → 5-7 years:
📚 LIBROS:
- Más texto, menos ilustraciones
- Primeras lecturas autónomas
- Series y colecciones
- Introducir diferentes géneros
🎨 DECORACIÓN:
- Láminas más complejas visualmente
- Expanded educational topics
- Maps, science, adapted history
- More sophisticated motivational messages
Adaptations 5-7 years → 8-10 years:
🪑 MOBILIARIO:
- Asiento más grande o regulable
- Mesa auxiliar mayor para deberes
- Iluminación más potente y dirigida
- Almacenamiento expandido
📖 FUNCIONALIDAD:
- Espacio para escribir/dibujar
- Área para proyectos escolares
- Calendario de lecturas
- Sistema recompensas lectura personalizado
Signs that you need an update:
🚨 Physical indicators:
- Child complains about seat comfort
- Difficulty reaching books
- Insufficient lighting (squinting)
- Space feels small/crowded
🚨 Usage indicators:
- Less spontaneous time in the corner
- Prefers to read elsewhere
- Books are not organized (can't find favorites)
- Decoration no longer attracts your attention
Tips to maximize use
Routines that work
Daily reading ritual:
🌅 RUTINA MATUTINA (10-15 minutos):
- Al levantarse, 10 minutos lectura libre
- Elegir libro para llevar al colegio (recreo)
- Conexión momento tranquilo antes actividad
🌆 RUTINA VESPERTINA (20-30 minutos):
- Después merienda, antes pantallas
- Lectura individual + compartida familia
- Momento relajación después día escolar
🌙 RUTINA NOCTURNA (15-20 minutos):
- Última actividad antes dormir
- Lectura relajante padres-hijos
- Transición natural hacia sueño
Special activities in the corner:
📚 "HORA DEL CUENTO ESPECIAL":
- Sábados por la mañana
- Padres leen con voces diferentes
- Recrear escenas historias con gestos
- Snacks especiales (palomitas, frutas)
🎭 "TEATRO DE LECTURA":
- Dramatizar cuentos leídos
- Crear disfraces simples con ropa casa
- Invitar hermanos/amigos como audiencia
- Fomentar creatividad y expresión oral
🏆 "CLUB DE LECTURA FAMILIAR":
- Todos leen mismo libro (adaptado edades)
- Weekly discussion meeting
- Voting book next month
How to Engage Reluctant Children
Motivational strategies:
For children 3-5 years:
- Interactive books with textures, sounds, flaps
- Personalized stories where they are the protagonists
- Reading time as a "reward" not an obligation
- Freely choose from 3-4 pre-selected options
For children 6-8 years:
- Series and collections (create positive addiction)
- Topics of interest (dinosaurs, princesses, football)
- Comics and graphic novels as a bridge
- Take turns reading with adults (alternating pages/paragraphs)
For children 9+ years:
- Total freedom of choice within appropriate limits
- Connect with movies/series they like
- Bookstagram or personal review blog
- I exchange books with friends
Mistakes to avoid:
❌ Force minimum reading time (creates aversion)
❌ Criticize literary choices (comics "don't count")
❌ Use as punishment ("until you read, no...")
❌ Comparing with siblings or friends
Inspiration and additional ideas
Seasonal decorative themes
Spring - "Garden of Stories":
🌸 PALETA COLORES: Verde suave, rosa palo, amarillo claro
🎨 LÁMINAS: Flores, jardines, animales bebé, crecimiento plantas
🧸 TEXTILES: Estampados florales sutiles, tejidos naturales
💡 ILUMINACIÓN: Más natural, guirnalda flores LED
📚 LIBROS DESTACADOS: Naturaleza, jardines, animales granja
Summer - "Outdoor Adventures":
🌞 PALETA COLORES: Azul cielo, arena, verde hierba
🎨 LÁMINAS: Mapas aventuras, animales salvajes, océanos
🧸 TEXTILES: Rayas marineras, tejidos ligeros
💡 LIGHTING: Warm, camping style
📚 FEATURED BOOKS: Adventures, travel, exploration
Autumn - "Forest Library":
🍂 PALETA COLORES: Naranja, marrón, dorado, rojo suave
🎨 LÁMINAS: Bosques, hojas, animales bosque, cosecha
🧸 TEXTILES: Terciopelo, lana suave, colores tierra
💡 ILUMINACIÓN: Más íntima, tonos cálidos
📚 LIBROS DESTACADOS: Cuentos clásicos, leyendas, misterio
Winter - "Story Shelter":
❄️ PALETA COLORES: Azul profundo, blanco, plata, gris perla
🎨 LÁMINAS: Paisajes nevados, estrellas, animales árticos
🧸 TEXTILES: Mantas gruesas, cojines peludos, colores fríos
💡 ILUMINACIÓN: Suave, estilo hygge nórdico
📚 LIBROS DESTACADOS: Cuentos invierno, Navidad, aventuras nieve
Personalizations according to the child's personality
For introverted children:
- More closed space (screen, curtains)
- Soft and relaxing colors
- Dimmable lighting
- Extra soft textiles (shelter feeling)
- Prints of tranquil landscapes , nature
For extroverted children:
- Open space integrated with the rest of the house
- Vibrant and energetic colors
- Powerful lighting for activity
- Changing decor (frequent rotation)
- Adventure sheets , dynamic characters
For creative children:
- Blackboard or panel for drawings inspired by readings
- Accessible art materials (pencils, paper)
- Art prints in various techniques and styles
- Exhibition space for own creations
- Books on art, crafts, artist biographies
For scientific children:
- Educational sheets solar system, anatomy, maps
- Interactive elements (magnifying glasses, globes)
- Accessible encyclopedias and knowledge books
- Laboratory-type lighting (white, powerful)
- Decoration inspired by exploration and discovery
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