This cute mini book nook makeover is an affordable weekend project that uses just a few supplies and delivers big impact.
This post is sponsored by Lowe’s; all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are provided for convenience. See my full disclosure policy.
My youngest daughter had been waiting for her room makeover ever since I finished her big sister’s space earlier this year. The challenge was that she changed her mind often about the overall look, so I decided to begin with a small, manageable area: the alcove with the dormer window. It’s the ideal spot for a cozy reading nook and a place to test a few design ideas before committing to the whole room.
Before we started, the alcove served as a drop zone for stuffed animals and toys. Clearing it out made the potential of the space obvious—perfect for a window seat and a little corner dedicated to reading and relaxing.
When we created a mood board together, my daughter decided she wanted a coastal theme—light, airy colors and natural textures. That helped narrow our choices and became our jumping-off point for selecting paint and accessories.
We explored paint options at Lowe’s and ultimately agreed on Tidewater from the HGTV HOME by Sherwin Williams line. Tidewater is a soft teal-blue-green that feels light and calming in a small alcove. It brings a coastal vibe without overwhelming the space.
For the wall paint we used Valspar Signature Paint + Primer in an eggshell finish. The finish proved smooth and forgiving, and two coats provided lovely, even coverage. For trim and edges I used my go-to Purdy brushes—they always give a clean edge and make cutting in much easier.
With the paint dried, we moved on to window treatments and decor. Lowe’s carries a great selection of shades and blinds—practical solutions that also contribute to the room’s aesthetic. We selected a neutral Sun Zero blackout roman shade that fits the dormer window well and provides privacy and light control. Installation was simple: two brackets screwed into place and the shade clipped in.
To make the window seat both pretty and functional, I added a blue-and-white Allen + Roth throw pillow for comfort and style. A jute pouf ottoman serves as a footrest and an extra seat when friends come over. The jute texture brings warmth and a coastal feel to the nook without taking up much space.
Because the alcove doesn’t get strong evening light, we installed a brushed gold sconce to brighten the corner. The fixture we chose offers both hard-wired and plug-in options, so you can pick the approach that best suits your setup. The warm metal finish adds a subtle, elegant contrast to the cool paint color.
I found many other decor ideas at Lowe’s that we plan to use for the rest of her room—faux plants, textured rugs, and coastal accents to complement the Tidewater walls. For now, the window seat retains storage for stuffed animals while becoming a much more functional and inviting reading spot.
My daughter absolutely loves her refreshed reading nook. It feels intentional and cozy, and it set the tone for the larger room makeover. This small transformation shows how a few strategic updates—fresh paint, a shade, a few textiles, and a task light—can turn an overlooked corner into a favorite spot.
Shop these accessories and home decor items at Lowe’s to recreate this look.
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