This project was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It’s a sturdy and inviting reading nook bench, complete with built-in book storage and no-sew cushions for a simple yet cozy finish.
Designed to encourage a love of reading, this bench combines durability with comfort and makes a perfect addition to any child’s room, play area, or learning corner.
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Why a Reading Nook Is a Great Idea
Creating a reading nook provides children with a dedicated space to relax and enjoy their favorite books. Having a cozy, welcoming seat can turn reading into a favorite daily activity rather than a chore.
Jonny’s design adds built-in storage, making it easy to keep books organized and within reach. The compact footprint and sturdy construction ensure the bench fits nicely into a variety of spaces without feeling bulky.
Materials and Tools for the Project
Durable hardwood plywood is the material of choice for this build. It offers the right balance of strength, appearance, and ease of working.
Basic woodworking tools are used throughout the process, including a table saw, bandsaw, drill, chisel, and measuring tape. The project doesn’t require any complex joinery, making it approachable for most DIYers with standard shop setups.
Preparing the Panels
The first step is breaking down full plywood sheets into manageable panels. Jonny carefully rips them to consistent widths, ensuring a clean and professional foundation for the bench.
Laying out the panels in advance helps visualize the final assembly and confirms that all dimensions are accurate. This planning stage also allows small adjustments before cutting or joining any pieces.
Building the Bench Frame
With the panels prepared, Jonny begins assembling the basic frame of the bench. The back panels are glued and nailed together to form a solid seat back, providing stability and structure.
Internal dividers are added to create book storage spaces. These dividers are positioned thoughtfully to maximize capacity while maintaining open access for small hands to grab their favorite books.
Pocket hole joinery is used for much of the assembly, keeping the screws hidden from view. This technique helps maintain a clean, finished appearance on the outside of the bench.
Adding the Face Frame
A custom face frame is built to enhance the look of the piece. Strips of hardwood are cut, fitted, and attached around the front and sides, giving the bench a more refined and furniture-like quality.
Painter’s tape holds the pieces in place during the glue-up, allowing for minor adjustments before the adhesive sets. Once dry, the edges are trimmed flush for a seamless appearance.
The face frame not only boosts aesthetics but also adds strength to the structure, ensuring that the edges resist wear over time.
Creating and Attaching the Cushions
One of the standout features of this reading nook is the no-sew cushion design. Instead of sewing fabric covers, Jonny wraps foam in batting and fabric, securing everything neatly with adhesive.
The edges of the foam are beveled to create a rounded, inviting shape. This small detail gives the cushions a finished look and improves comfort without requiring complex upholstery work.
Each cushion is attached carefully to the bench but remains removable for easy cleaning or future replacement. The simple attachment method keeps maintenance straightforward and practical.
Hiding Screws and Small Details
To hide visible screws and maintain a clean look, Jonny creates small wooden tabs from scrap material. These tabs serve as covers, blending into the bench’s overall design while offering easy access if needed.
The attention to detail with small elements like these gives the final piece a more professional and polished feel.
Applying the Protective Finish
The entire bench receives several coats of clear shellac. This finish not only enhances the wood’s natural color but also provides a durable, kid-friendly surface that resists everyday bumps and spills.
Between each coat, the surface is lightly sanded to maintain a smooth, even finish. The quick-drying nature of shellac makes it a convenient choice for projects that need to move along without long cure times.
A Rewarding Build for a Child’s Space
This reading nook bench combines functionality, comfort, and style in one approachable project. It creates a special corner where children can relax, read, and enjoy quiet moments—all while offering practical storage and easy upkeep.
Jonny’s thoughtful design ensures the project stays simple without sacrificing quality. It’s an ideal woodworking project for parents, grandparents, or anyone looking to create a meaningful gift that will be used and loved for years.
Please support Jonny by checking out his website here: https://www.jonny-builds.com/.