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📚 Build a Reading Corner: Books, Lamps and a Good Chair
A reading corner needs only four things: a comfortable chair, good light, a place to set a drink and a pile of books. All four are easy to find secondhand.
The chair
Sit in every chair you can. A good reading chair supports your back and lets you tuck your feet up. Check the cushions and frame, and skip anything that smells of smoke or damp.
The light
- Pick a lamp with a sturdy base and a cord in good shape.
- Look for adjustable arms that move the light over your shoulder.
- Replace the bulb with a warm one, which is easier on the eyes.
The table
A small side table, a stool or even a stack of old suitcases will hold a mug and a lamp. Make sure it is steady and at the right height for your chair.
The books
Thrift shops are among the best places to find books. Look for hardcovers in good condition, and let the shelf surprise you. A short stack of unknown titles is part of the fun.
Finishing touches
Add a throw blanket and a small rug, and hang a framed print on the wall. Keep the corner uncluttered, so it stays a place to rest.
Thrift tip: Test a lamp before you buy. Ask a staff member if there is an outlet nearby.
Plan a loop, pick up one piece at a time and settle into the corner you built.
Plan a route through Chattanooga area thrift stores, vintage shops and antique malls, ordered around their hours.
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