How to Create a Rest Corner—the Latest Home Design Trend That's All About Relaxation

It can be difficult to find time throughout the week to relax, which is where rest corners come in. A chic riff on the quintessential reading nook, rest corners are the latest design trend sweeping social media. Their purpose is self-explanatory—to give you an area in your home that is designed specifically for relaxation. Whether that means cuddling up with your favorite book, taking a quick cat nap, or simply scrolling on your phone, rest corners will encourage you to unwind more often. 

The best part about this trend—beyond the fact it gives you an excuse to sit back and relax—is that a rest corner will unlock the design potential of your home’s most underutilized areas. Have an empty corner in your bedroom or living room you don’t know what to do with? You truly can’t go wrong with adding a rest corner.

To help you create your own iteration of this design trend, we spoke to interior designers about what rest corners are and how to make one. 

What Are Rest Corners?

Unlike a book nook—which is intended for reading—rest corners are reserved specifically for rest and rejuvenation. You can use it for meditation, yoga, journaling, sleeping, and anything else that fits your idea of what relaxation is. “It’s a cozy nook where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life to read, meditate, or simply unwind,” says Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, former ASID National Board Chair. "Rest corners are trending because people are increasingly recognizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being."

Where to Put a Rest Corner

Where you put your rest corner is entirely up to you, but generally, a quiet, low-traffic area in your home is ideal. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a nook under your stairs, an underutilized porch—the options are endless and are very dependent on your home's current set-up.

Also consider what the lighting is like throughout your home. “Look for a spot near a window to take advantage of natural light, such as a bedroom corner, a nook in the living room, or even a spacious hallway,” says Kelly. 

How to Create a Rest Corner

While your personal rest corner should incorporate the colors and décor that make you feel most relaxed, there are a few key things you should include: "Start with a comfortable chair or daybed. Add soft textiles like throw pillows and blankets for a layered look," says Kelly. "Incorporate a side table to hold your favorite books and a warm beverage, and use soft lighting to create a soothing ambiance."

Beyond those fundamentals, how you design your rest corner is dependent on your personal preferences and taste. No matter your style, keep these interior designer-approved tips in mind when creating a rest corner.

Mix Various Materials

Add texture to your rest corner by mixing various materials and patterns. “Think about combining a plush rug, velvet cushions, a chunky knit blanket, and wooden or metal accents,” says Kelly. “These variations in texture create a rich, inviting environment.”

Choose an Unexpected Location

Create a rest corner in an area of your home you don’t often frequent to make it feel special to you. “There are opportunities for rest and relaxation in almost every room of your home,” says Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. “My favorite place for rest is an unexpected spot, though, like a cozy nook under the stairs or a surprise window seat on a landing. There's something decadent about taking one's repose in a spot that is designed for nothing but.” 

Think About Lighting

Add ambience to a rest corner by incorporating different types of lighting. To make the space feel inviting and connected to nature, place your cozy nook next to an area that gets natural light. Then, add additional lighting like a table or floor lamp to cast a warm glow, like Roz Murphy of Roz Murphy Design in Dallas, Texas, did here. 

Choose Furnishings With a Soft Fabric 

Comfort is key when creating a rest corner, so be thoughtful when selecting your furnishings. Choosing a couch or chair that's made from a soft fabric, such as velvet or polished cotton, helps create the inviting appeal every rest corner should have, says Murphy.

Consider the Architecture of Your Home

Smaller, intimate areas of your home are natural choices for rest corners, as these spaces are usually quieter and have less foot traffic. Consider the natural architecture of your home and choose an area for your rest corner that tends to feel more private. For example, the lofted roofline of this weekend home provided an intimate space to cozy up, says Steve Kadlec of Kadlec Architecture + Design.

Go With a Neutral Color Palette 

Fill your rest corner with calming neutrals, like soft blues, beiges, or grays to create a soothing atmosphere that isn’t overwhelming. For this minimalist corner, Murphy opted for a buttery soft beige chaise, a greige hue for the walls, and a simple floor lamp with a white shade. If lighter colors aren’t your vibe, there are plenty of moody neutrals that will complement your space, like a charcoal or rich brown. 

Add Throw Blankets and Pillows

Rest corners are all about the subtle comforts that make relaxation easier. With that in mind, be sure to layer your space with various cozy accents, like throw pillows, blankets, and rugs, to take your rest corner to the next level, says Kelly. These details will also allow you to infuse your space with extra personality and color.