the best reading positions for every bookworm

Yes, there is such a thing.

It was one of those lazy, rainy Sundays here in Brazil. The kind where the clouds hang heavy all day, and you know the only thing on your to-do list is to dive into a book and let the world outside fade. I got a strong cup of black coffee in my hand—there’s no other way to drink it, really—and curled up on a deck chair. Book in hand, the steady rhythm of the rain tapping against the window, I lost track of time, lost in the pages of a good novel. It hit me that the spot where you read can change everything about the experience.

Believe me. This might change your world.

Whether you’re lost in an epic novel, studying a nonfiction book, or simply unwinding before bed, where you place yourself affects how you engage with the read. Different moods and different books call for different setups. So, there is such a thing as the best reading positions.

Indulge me…

Curled Up on the Couch (Cozy & Immersive)

There’s something magical about sinking into your favorite spot on the couch, draping a soft blanket over your legs, and letting the world outside melt away as you turn the pages of a novel. It’s the setup for those moments when you want to lose yourself completely in a book.

Cozy + Immersive. That’s the mood.

The couch is perfect for books that need your full emotional investment, stories that make you forget the clock. Like The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas—our current pick for the Beardy Reads Book Club, and trust me, it’s the kind of book that will have you glued to the couch for hours. The layers of intrigue, revenge, and adventure are best appreciated when you’re settled into a cozy corner. This spot is also perfect for reading just about any classic, whether it’s Pride and Prejudice or Moby Dick—timeless stories that invite deep immersion.

I’m saying “couch” here but it could be any kind of cozy furniture where you can sit on, like my deck chair in the beginning, a hammock, an armchair… you name it. It just has to be comfortable.

So, for that kind of book, I suggest you grab a blanket, dim the lights, and get your favorite hot drink ready. If you’re into it, light a candle, too. The goal is simple: make yourself as cozy and comfortable as possible so that nothing stands between you and the world of the book.

Sitting at a Desk or Table (Focused & Intentional)

Then there are those times when reading is more about learning or reflecting, maybe even jotting down a few notes.

For this, sitting at a desk or table is the way to go. It’s where reading becomes more of an active engagement than a passive escape, especially when there’s a notebook by your side—or an iPad with Apple Pencil, in my case, if you’re like me and tend to jot down thoughts digitally.

This is the kind of setup that works for books like Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, or if you’re looking for something even more current, Nexus, Harari’s latest book on artificial intelligence. It dives deep into the future of AI, and it’s the kind of book that makes you want to stop and reflect on what’s happening in the world. But it works with any non-fiction book, too. Specially if you want to learn or study something.

So, having a good cup of coffee and a clutter-free space nearby is key for this type of reading—you’ll want all your focus on the ideas unfolding before you.

Also, you might wanna set your space up with good lighting, a comfortable chair, and maybe a notepad nearby for thoughts that pop up. For nonfiction readers, this setup can be a game-changer. It’s all about finding focus, creating an intentional space where you can absorb, analyze, and think deeply, not to mention finding ideas for creating new content.

Lying in Bed (Relaxed & Unwinding)

Finally, there are the nights when the day’s weight is still on your shoulders—or what we call here “every night”—, and you’re looking for an easy, relaxing way to wind down. For me, nothing beats lying in bed with a book—bedside lamp casting a soft light, covers pulled up, AC on at 23 Celsius (or 74 Fahrenheit) and a peaceful vibe taking over.

This is where I reach for something light and comforting. Like the books by Fredrik Backman, like A Man Called Ove or My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry. His novels are heartwarming without being too demanding, the kind of stories that leave you feeling good before you drift off to sleep. If I’m in the mood for something a little more classic, I’ll pick up a light classic, or maybe something that can be heavy but still has a sense of calm in its narrative style that’s perfect for bedtime reading, like The Pickwick Papers or Ulysses.

To make this setup work, you’ll want soft lighting that doesn’t strain your eyes and a book that won’t keep you up all night thinking. It’s the perfect end-of-day ritual—just a few chapters before you drift off.

The Connection Between Reading and Mood

Now let’s talk about the connection between reading and mood for a second.

Over the years, I’ve found that my mood and a lot of my readers’ moods often dictates how and where we read. When I’m feeling introspective or looking to learn something new, I sit down at my desk with a cup of coffee and dive into nonfiction. When I need an escape, it’s the couch and a novel that transports me to another world. And when it’s time to unwind, there’s no better place than bed with a gentle story.

Experiment with different setups based on the book and your mood. Maybe you’ll discover that sitting at a desk sharpens your focus for nonfiction, too. Or perhaps the couch is where novels truly come alive for you as well. For me, reading often begins with that first cup of coffee, setting the tone for the day’s journey into the pages.

You know, two of my favorite authors are Hemingway and Orwell. The way they wrote has influenced me in many ways—both in how I write and how I read. Hemingway had this incredible knack for simplicity, stripping away the unnecessary to get to the core of a story. I think there’s something Hemingway-esque about finding simplicity in reading, too—choosing a spot, grabbing your book, and letting the words take you wherever they may.

And then there’s Orwell, whose works make you stop and think about the world around you. His ability to dissect complex societal issues through storytelling influences not just what I read, but how I engage with those ideas. When I’m reading something more reflective or analytical, I find myself drawn to a more focused setup—maybe a desk or a quiet spot where I can pause and really digest the content.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that the authors you love might also give you a hint about how you prefer to read. It’s not just about the words on the page, but the environment and the mood you create for yourself. Do you know what I mean?

Does all that make any sense to you?

What’s your favorite reading position? Do you curl up, sit down, or lie back with your book? Let’s hear about your perfect setup.