A Guide to Curating the Ultimate Cozy Corner at Home

I recently dedicated a small zone of my space as my “cozy corner,” where anything with a screen and all work-related tasks are banned. So far, it’s the best way I’ve found to physically separate my job from my leisure time. Entering the cozy corner helps my brain understand that it’s time to decompress, and it feels like a tiny getaway staycation.

I’d recommend this cozy corner business to anyone who could benefit from fencing off a nook of your personal space. (So: everyone.) Here, a few suggestions for sprucing up or decking out this little respite from your laptop with some accoutrements that may entice you to spend more time in there. Consider the womb-like hidey hole at Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic as a jumping-off point.

1. A minimum of 2 photos that bring you joy, framed with love

I know I’m not going on a vacation this summer, so I went and framed a couple of photos from my most recent expeditions to help me hold onto some happy memories of travel and companionship with friends and family. I love these floating wood frames from Etsy or this one if you have some wall space in your corner. Add some color with these Italian lacquer frames that you can get in custom sizing, while this thick red one makes a statement. Then there are these mini ones because the more the merrier. We also have this showstopper which is a vintage Venetian Murano glass frame. And an idea! You can stack your frames in this letter holder and switch out the one in front every day.

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2. A tiny greenhouse with plants for you to nurture, nestled in pretty planters

I started growing an herb garden at the beginning of quarantine with no idea how long either would last. Nearly five months later, my basil is gigantic, and I’ve already gone through an entire batch of cilantro. I have tomatoes growing, and this indoor mushroom set is still really tempting me.

With these plants, I’ve had fun obtaining some planters, both new and vintage. I selected them with great care, since they are holding my babies. Caring for plants forces you to take a moment for them (and for yourself)—plus few things illustrate the passage of time better than the growth of a plant, which makes everything feel extra-precious. I purchased this one from Jungalow a little over a month ago, and it’s held a growing palm ever since. I also bought one from Orange Is the Sun on Etsy—a vintage seller—that is very special to me. I’m now thinking of getting a hanging planter to make my cozy corner more vertical, too.

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3. Soft, truly cozy touches

Nestling into warm, cozy, pleasant things that can hold you and touch you is wonderful. I love the idea of this little bean bag chair or this book seat, with some great pillows. Curl yourself up in this blanket and close your eyes for a second. Be careful though, you may fall asleep.

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4. Little things to boost your creativity

I went to undergrad for painting, and sometimes, shutting out everything around me and just doodling makes me feel more aware of my own thoughts and ideas. I recommend this charcoal set plus the proper eraser, which is an easy set-up (unlike the painting I’m used to). If you’re into painting, I love watercolors, and you only have to buy primary colors because they look great overlapped. (Color-mixing can also be extremely satisfying.) Another idea is knitting! Harling dove into knitting at the start of quarantine, and I think it’s a great idea—plus you can make yourself a cute little knit bra top!

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5. Bookends and accessories for your reading materials

I confess I’ve never been a huge reader, but I have a ton of learning to do, and I have a ton of books—acquired from several different bookstores along with lots from my boyfriend’s personal collection. I’m also very excited about the Man Repeller Book Club, and plan for that to be a time for me to shut everything else out and just… read. With that, I got a couple of vintage bookends—now my reading material feels like it has the proper framing it deserves. Special shout out to the Book Seat too, which I have yet to purchase but look forward to reading with it when I do.

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6. Speakers to lull you with music and audiobooks or meditation guidance

I also sometimes like to close my eyes, with my head on a pillow, and listen to a book instead. I spend a lot of time reading emails (etc.) on my computer, so just listening to a story is a great escape. Or, make a playlist or grab one from a friend (I love when people share their playlists with me) and listen to either their suggested audiobook or a newly acquired playlist on some little speakers or headphones in your corner.

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7. Little games to play while listening to your audio book

Games are tailor-made for nooks. My top pick is a puzzle (see the fun options below), but I’ll also spend some time with Sudoku or a one-person card game like Solitaire.

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8. Delightful beverage carafes + all that jazz

Every night after dinner, I like to start settling down with a cup of chamomile tea. Whatever your selection, it’s nice to have a little beverage area in the nook just for you. Nobody else in your home is responsible to clean it, touch it, use it. It’s just yours and it will become a precious space. Now you just need to find what calming beverage you love to wind down with.

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9. A single light source that also makes you smile

This isn’t just a little desk lamp—this is a lamp that brings you joy when both turned on or off, an art piece in itself. Bonus: a nice little glow for your nook.

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10.Candles for a subtle glow and scent therapy

Candles are romantic in a way a lamp can never be—plus, a nicely scented one will give off soothing, warm aromas. You know what you like—these are some of my personal favorites (plus a few really cool unscented ones).