World Book Day: 6 ideas and costs for the perfect reading retreat

To celebrate World Book Day, Checkatrade is encouraging everyone to get reading with a set of guides on how you can transform your home into a readers’ paradise.

On the first Thursday of March, every child in full-time education is given a voucher to spend on books. It’s a UK tradition that started in 1995 and continues to encourage learning and spark the imagination. However, we think everyone deserves to partake in the magic, which is why we’ve put together six ideas and costs to help you make the perfect reading retreat.

There’s nothing quite like falling headfirst into a new book. You’re able to shut out the world for a while as you sit back and enjoy the words of a creative writer. We think those moments are worth savouring, so read on for the best ways to make the most of that glorious downtime.

Library conversion

Have you ever walked into a library stacked high with books and not felt a sense of peace? The serenity of a library is unrivalled. Able to transport you to a thousand destinations at the tips of your fingers, what’s not to love about their aesthetic?

So, with that said, consider transforming one of your spare rooms into a reading retreat. If that’s not possible, how about converting the loft into an escapism paradise?

• Loft conversion cost: £45,000 = Average dormer loft conversion
• Barn conversion cost: £275,000 = Average barn conversion
• Garage conversion cost: £14,500 = Average garage conversion

For more tips and inspiration on your conversion, read our loft conversion ideas and garage storage ideas.

Bespoke Bookshelf

Bookshelves are an aesthetic in themselves. There’s a reason the #shelfie hashtag is so popular on Instagram. People love displaying their books in unique and beautiful ways. However, there’s only one way to ensure your bookshelf stands out from the crowd this World Book Day, and that’s to ask a carpenter to build one of your very own. The only thing holding you back in your imagination and the carpenter’s skill. Thankfully, we have lots of professional tradespeople fit for the job!

• Carpenter costs: £25 per hour
• Alcove cupboards cost: £2,250 = Average cost for bespoke cupboard and shelves
  

  

Bay window installation

What’s more romantic and whimsical than making like Jane Austen and installing a bay window to sit and read upon? Classic and elegant, a bay window not only adds character and depth to your home, it’s the perfect place to collect your thoughts as you watch the world go by.

Bay window cost: £1,650 = Average cost to install a 4-panel bay window

Reading nook

If you’re short on space, creating a reading nook in your home that’s dedicated to the craft of escapism is essential for all book worms. Perfect places include bay window seats or benches, unused cupboards, abandoned corners or spare rooms. Every reading nook needs a comfortable accent chair, a table for tea, a throw for warmth, and a reading lamp for the atmosphere.

• Bay window seat cost: £2,250 = Average cost of a bespoke window seat
• Carpenter costs: £25 per hour

Smart book storage

You can never have too many books. However, you can run out of spaces to store them. Thankfully, there are several clever ways to keep your literature looking neat and tidy no matter how extensive your collection might be. If your standard shelves, stylish ladders, shabby chic or upcycled bookcases can’t contain your thirst for learning this World Book Day, then fear not! Here are some other ideas for creating the perfect #shelfie.

• Frame your doorway with shelving
• Make use of unused ledges
• Floor-to-ceiling bookcases
• Under-the-stairs shelves or storage
• Bookshelf divider for large rooms
• Tall and thin corner shelves
• Revolving corner shelves

Check out our shelving ideas for more design inspiration. 

• Under stairs storage cost: £1,750 = Average cost to fit 3-drawers
• Cost to install glass shelves £38 = Average cost to hire a handyman per hour
• Cost of custom built-in shelves: £1,700 = Average cost of modest alcove shelves to be designed, manufactured and installed by a carpenter

Reader’s room makeover

It’s the little details that make all the difference. You don’t need to invest in huge conversion projects if all you need to do to create a beautiful reading retreat this World Book Day is inject some new life into a room. Sometimes, all it takes is a lick of paint. The aim is to make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. So, consider what artwork inspires you, what rugs feel nice on your feet, what cushion best supports your back, and what lamp will offer the perfect ambience. Muted tones and warm colours like auburn, navy, emerald and maroon offer colour aesthetics that help you sit back, relax, and disappear into another world.

• Painter and decorator prices: £190 = Average day date
• Handyman prices: £25 = Average hourly rate

Like what you see? There’s more where this came from. Check out Checkatrade’s blog for more tips, ideas, how-tos, and inspiration.