Complete Guide To Creating A DIY Arch Reading Nook

Creating a cozy, nature-inspired reading nook doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity, you can build an inviting arch canopy using sturdy store-bought frames, playful DIY materials like pool noodles and hula hoops, repurposed camping tent arches, or even budget-friendly $13 dome tents from Big W and Kmart. This guide brings together all the options we’ve explored.

Option 1: Bunnings Garden Arch

Materials:

Garden arch kit (steel or timber) from Bunnings
Sheer fabric (curtains, tulle, or muslin)
Fairy lights or flower garlands
Cushions and rug for seating
Anchors (brackets, sandbags, or weights)

Steps:

Assemble the garden arch according to instructions.
If the height is too tall, omit a section (steel arches) or cut down timber posts.
Secure the arch indoors with brackets or weights for stability.
Drape sheer fabric across the arch to create a canopy.
Wrap fairy lights and flower garlands around the frame.
Place a rug and cushions underneath to complete the nook.

Recommended Bunnings Arches:

Pros:

Sturdy and long-lasting.
Affordable (from $23 to $179 depending on the model).
Easy to decorate with fabric and lights.

Cons:

Requires assembly and anchoring.
Timber versions may need cutting to adjust height.

Option 2: Pool Noodle & Hula Hoop Arch

Materials:

4–6 pool noodles
Hula hoop (cut in half for structure)
Strong duct tape or gaffer tape
Wooden dowels or PVC pipe (optional for rigidity)
Sheer fabric, fairy lights, flower garlands
Weighted bases (sandbags, baskets, or boxes)

Steps:

Bend pool noodles into an arch shape and tape ends together.
Insert dowels or PVC pipe inside noodles for extra strength.
Use a hula hoop cut in half as a base curve, taping noodles over it.
Anchor the ends into weighted baskets or boxes.
Drape fabric across the arch and decorate with lights and flowers.
Add cushions and a rug underneath for comfort.

Pros:

Very low cost (pool noodles $2–$3 each).
Lightweight and safe for children.
Flexible and easy to customize.

Cons:

Less sturdy than garden arches.
Needs creative anchoring to stay upright.

Option 3: Camping Tent Arches

Materials:

Spare camping tent poles (fiberglass or aluminum)
Tent connectors or DIY base anchors (wooden blocks, PVC holders, or weighted baskets)
Sheer fabric (curtains, tulle, muslin)
Fairy lights or flower garlands
Cushions, rug, and storage baskets

Steps:

Connect tent poles into one or two long arches.
Anchor the ends into weighted bases or blocks to keep upright indoors.
Drape sheer fabric across the arches to form a canopy.
Clip or tie fabric at the top so it cascades down the sides.
Wrap fairy lights or flower garlands around the poles.
Add cushions and a rug underneath to complete the nook.

Pros:

Low cost if you already have spare tent poles.
Lightweight and flexible.
Easy to assemble and disassemble.

Cons:

Less sturdy than garden arches.
Needs creative anchoring indoors.
Limited height depending on tent design.

Option 4: $13 Dome Tent Hack (Big W & Kmart)

Materials:

$13 2-Person Dome Tent (Big W or Kmart)
Tent poles (fiberglass, included with the tent)
Weighted bases (sandbags, baskets, or boxes)
Sheer fabric, fairy lights, flower garlands
Cushions and rug

Steps:

Assemble the tent poles into arches without attaching the tent fabric.
Anchor the ends into weighted baskets or boxes indoors.
Drape sheer fabric across the arches to create a canopy.
Decorate with fairy lights and flower garlands.
Add cushions and a rug underneath for comfort.

Pros:

Extremely low cost ($13 for a full tent kit).
Poles are flexible, lightweight, and safe.
Easy to repurpose for classroom or home nooks.

Cons:

Poles are less sturdy than garden arches.
Tent fabric is not needed; only poles are used.
Requires secure anchoring indoors.

Reference Products:

Comparison Chart

Option	Approx. Cost	Sturdiness	Ease of Setup	Safety for Children
Bunnings Garden Arch	$23–$179	High-steel/timber frames are durable	Moderate – requires assembly and anchoring	Very safe once secured; heavy-duty structure
Pool Noodle & Hula Hoop Arch	$10–$20	Low – flexible but not load-bearing	Easy – tape and anchor creatively	Safe, lightweight, but may wobble
Camping Tent Arches	$0–$50	Medium – flexible poles, less sturdy than steel	Easy – quick assembly, needs anchoring	Safe, lightweight, but limited height
$13 Dome Tent Hack	$13	Medium – poles are flexible but stable with anchoring	Very easy – assemble poles, skip tent fabric	Safe, lightweight, but must be anchored

Educator Tips

Rotate books seasonally or by theme to keep the nook engaging.
Use the space for mindfulness breaks, storytelling, or one-on-one chats.
Always check stability and safety before children use the nook.

Whether you choose a Bunnings garden arch for durability, a pool noodle/hula hoop arch for playful affordability, camping tent arches for repurposed flexibility, or the $13 dome tent hack for ultra-low cost, each option creates a magical canopy space that encourages children to relax, read, and imagine. With fabric, lights, and cushions, you can transform any corner into a restorative, inviting reading nook.