Parts of a garden parasol: what are they and why should you know about them?
28 de October de 2025
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If you love reading, you’ve probably thought about setting up a little corner of your home where you can enjoy your favourite stories. Of all the possible spaces for this, one of the best is the garden, where you can relax outdoors while enjoying your favourite hobby. But do you know how to create an outdoor reading corner?
From simple options with a few outdoor poufs and pleasant shade to more elaborate alternatives with storage furniture for your books, lighting and decorative elements, it all depends on your style, needs and budget.
In this post, we’ll tell you the best tips for creating and decorating a reading corner in your garden, from what furniture to choose to how to make the space as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Let’s take a look!
A reading corner is a space designed for enjoying the pleasure of a good book in a comfortable and relaxed way. Although its decoration can vary greatly, it usually includes a comfortable chair or armchair, good lighting and details that encourage concentration, such as cushions, plants or blankets.
The aim of reading areas is essentially to create a cosy, distraction-free environment where you can immerse yourself in a novel and relax. In this sense, you can set up your reading corner anywhere in your home, from the living room to the bedroom, but there is no better place to do so than the garden.
In an outdoor space, your reading corner will have natural light and contact with nature, making the experience more relaxing and peaceful. The sounds of the environment, such as birdsong or the whisper of the wind, contribute to creating an even more serene atmosphere.
If you’re wondering how to decorate a reading corner on your terrace or in your garden, the truth is that it’s not as difficult as it seems. The key is to combine comfort, functionality and an atmosphere that invites relaxation and concentration.
Here’s how to create a reading corner in your garden in a few simple steps:
The first step is to decide where to place your reading area. Look for a spot with natural shade or where you can easily place a parasol, sheltered from the wind and away from noise and foot traffic.
It could be a quiet corner of the garden, a spot by the pool or even part of the balcony near the railing. The important thing is that it is a space that invites you to relax and unwind.
The furniture for your reading corner is the most important part. Outdoors, it is essential that it is weather-resistant, made from materials such as synthetic rattan, aluminium or polypropylene, like the ones we use at Home Zentrum.
In addition, the chairs or armchairs for your reading corner should be comfortable, with padded cushions that allow you to rest in a comfortable position for long periods of time. You can also add a pouffe to rest your feet on; if you’re not sure what a pouf is and what it’s for, you can check out our previous posts to find out.
Placing a side table to hold books or drinks is also a good idea. You can also add a chest to store your favourite books and protect them from humidity and rain.
The decoration of your reading corner is another essential aspect to consider, as it is what makes the atmosphere cosy and relaxing. Potted plants, warm string lights, outdoor candles or lanterns, for example, are some ideas for your reading corner.
Similarly, a couple of moisture-resistant pictures or natural elements, such as decorative stones or small fountains, can turn your corner into the perfect retreat for enjoying a good read.
Reading corners in the garden have the advantage of natural light for most of the day, but when night falls, it is important to light the space well so you can read without straining your eyes.
In this regard, elements such as LED garlands, spotlights or solar lamps, which charge during the day, will provide warm, soft light so you can continue reading effortlessly.
The comfort of reading corners depends not only on the armchair, chair or lounger, but also on the other elements you incorporate into the space. Placing cushions, blankets and a table to hold your drink are all aspects that contribute to a more comfortable atmosphere.
Similarly, good ventilation, protection from insects and a noise-free space complete the feeling of well-being, making your reading corners the ideal place for long hours of relaxation with your favourite novel.
Finally, you should also adapt the space to your needs and tastes. If you prefer to read with music, install weatherproof speakers, while if you like to connect with nature, opt for plants and water features.
Your reading corner should reflect your personality and become that place you always want to return to.
Before we finish, we want to give you a few ideas for decorating your reading corner in a creative and personal way. Don’t miss them!
As we have already mentioned, light is key to creating a cosy atmosphere. Place your reading corner in an area with sufficient lighting, but with shade so you can be comfortable on hot days.
If you don’t have natural shade, you can place a parasol, pergola or awning to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, avoiding sun glare on your book and alleviating the heat.
When choosing furniture, opt for comfortable models that are resistant to both humidity and prolonged exposure to the sun. There are options in a wide variety of materials to suit all tastes, including synthetic rattan and aluminium, among others.
Add a pouffe to your reading corner so you can rest your feet and enjoy reading for longer.
For a small reading corner, optimise the space to arrange the furniture in the most efficient way. You should have enough space to move around and change position comfortably, but with good planning you can create a very cosy corner even in a small space.
All you need is a comfortable armchair in your reading corner, along with a small table to rest your book or drink on, and a few decorative elements to add colour and balance to the space.
To enjoy your reading corner even when the weather is not so good, you can incorporate elements that protect it from the elements.
On sunny days, a parasol will protect you from direct sunlight, while in colder weather, consider placing outdoor heaters or thermal blankets to maintain a comfortable temperature.
This way, you can turn your reading corners into spaces suitable for all seasons, so you can always immerse yourself in your favourite books without worrying about the weather.
Colours also influence our sense of well-being. In outdoor spaces, warm tones such as beige, terracotta or soft greens bring serenity, giving your reading area a more relaxing feel.
You can include these tones in your cushions, blankets, rugs or plant pots to reinforce the feeling of harmony.
If you want to create the perfect reading corner, small extras such as decorative cushions, water fountains, fans or small speakers are elements that can make all the difference.
Find the details that you like and that represent your style, so that your reading corner is a truly unique space made especially for you.
