10 Fun Ideas for Sprucing Up Your Writing Nook

How’s your writing nook looking?

Could it use a little sprucing up?

After a long winter of writing work, you may have a few too many papers, post-it notes, files, notebooks, and other “stuff” cluttering up your space. As you look around, you may feel like what you’re seeing isn’t inspiring or energizing.

If you’d like to update your writing corner of the world—here are some ideas that may help.

1. Writing Nook Lamp

Light is extremely important in your writing nook. It can make the difference between having comfortable eyes after hours of working, or having tired, dry eyes and a headache.

The best lighting is natural light. If you can move your writing nook near a window, that’s a great first start.

Next, ditch the overhead fluorescents—they’re linked to a higher risk of migraines in those who are sensitive to them. Choose a couple of cozy floor lamps instead.

You can go for a soft feel with this adjustable Suraielec Arc floor lamp that comes with a handy foot switch, go elegant with this modern crystal floor lamp, or go super creative with this minimalist floor lamp that provides a warm, romantic light.

Position them to the side where they can light up the area without creating glare, and see how much difference it makes.

If you want to add some extra flair or inspire a particular scene, check out this Sky Lite Galaxy Projector.

It creates 7 effects inspired by the world’s natural beauty.

2. Writing Nook Cup Warmer

I don’t know about you, but coffee (or tea) is just not the same when it’s cold. When I’m writing, I tend to sip only now and then. If I don’t have something keeping the cup warm, it gets cold long before I finish it.

I’ve bought and used many cup warmers over the years, but this one is by far the best. It works—it keeps your beverage hot.

You do have to be careful not to touch the heating surface. As long as you don’t have any kids (or cats) around that might touch it accidentally, I highly recommend it for keeping that tea going while you power through another chapter.

3. Writing Nook Privacy

Need some privacy in your writing nook, but don’t have your own room?

That’s okay. You can divide off part of the room for yourself with a variety of options.

Get a simple standing room divider like these at Wayfair, or go for this curtain dividing stand (pictured above) and then hang any curtain you like. You don’t have to install this one—just set it up wherever you like it and you can move it later.

Once you set up your stand or install your curtain track (if you prefer), you can get noise-reducing curtains like these to further enhance your privacy.

4. Headphones or Speakers

I love using music while I write. It sets the tone for the scene I’m working on and helps bring my creative muse out of hiding.

If you’re enjoying a particular playlist for your book but you have others in the house who may not enjoy it as much, you need some headphones or earbuds to make that music private.

There are thousands of options out there at all price levels, so you have a lot to choose from.

Try these wireless earbuds or these over-ear headphones for listening. If you need to cancel out some noise, here’s a good option made by Soundcore (pictured above).

5. Writing Nook Warmth

The weather is warming up in my neck of the woods, but the mornings and evenings can still be chilly.

Look forward to your writing time when you have a soft, fluffy warming throw to snuggle under!

You can find these in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes.

Try this micromink Sherpa blanket (pictured above) for a little bit of non-powered comfort, or get some heat going with this electric fleece option.

6. Increase the Storage Space

When space is at a premium, it’s easy for your writing nook to feel cluttered and messy.

This may suit you fine, but if you’d prefer some open space to create by, you need to find a storage solution.

One option is to put up some wall shelves. They won’t take up floor space but will give you a place where you can get items up and off your desk.

Try these cute little corner wall shelves (pictured above), or get a little rustic with this wood storage set.

If you need a sturdy spot to put some of your books, this is an economical solution that’s easy to install.

7. Writing Nook Sign

Unless your writing nook is in an isolated location, you may find yourself dealing with interruptions.

Every time you’re interrupted, studies show it can take over 20 minutes for you to regain your focus.

That’s time you can’t afford to waste. Invest in a sign that lets everyone else know to leave you alone until you finish writing.

You can brace this wooden “go away” sign (pictured above) against your door or divider to get your message across, or for a simpler solution try this write or die skull doorknob hangar.

8. Go Green

Houseplants add a lot to a writing nook. Not only are they green and vibrant, but they can help absorb toxins from the air and give back cleaner air to breathe.

Researchers reported in 2014 that when real plants were added to office areas, workers performed better—and they were 15 percent more productive than workers in offices without plants.

Plants that do well in removing things like ozone, volatile organic compounds, and other toxins from the air include the bromeliad plant, the dracaena, and spider plants.

9. Inspiring Artwork

Nothing is easier to change in your writing nook than the pictures on the wall.

Take a second look at whatever you’ve got up right now.

Is it still inspiring you?

If not, it’s time to make a change. You don’t have to throw out the artwork you have. Just take it down for now and try something new.

You can choose whatever appeals to you. If you need some ideas, I found a few prints available at FineArtAmerica.org:

The Introvert digital art
by Cynthia Decker.

A Girl Writing. The Pet Goldfinch
by Henriette Browne

One Open Time
by Ramiz ?ahin
(pictured above)

Green
by Lucynda Lu

10. Writing Nook Knick-Knacks

Knick-knacks are another type of decoration that you can easily change to inspire you in the moment. The sky’s the limit—there are knick-knacks out there for every writer’s taste.