I’d treat an outdoor reading nook like a tiny room: you need one comfortable anchor seat, a surface for a drink and book, something soft underfoot, and a little help with shade, privacy, and lighting. In a city, the trick is choosing urban outdoor furniture that is compact, weatherproof, and easy to move when the weather turns.
Start with a weather-resistant lounge chair or glider with a high back and removable cushions. Powder-coated aluminum, teak, and PE rattan tend to hold up well outdoors, and solution-dyed acrylic cushions with quick-dry foam are worth the upgrade if your nook gets rain or sun. If space is very tight, a folding Adirondack-style chair or a stackable bistro chair can still feel inviting without taking over the balcony.
Next, add a small outdoor side table or a narrow bistro table. You only need enough room for a mug, a book, and maybe a small plate, so a round table is often friendlier in tight corners than a rectangular one. An outdoor rug in polypropylene helps define the reading zone and makes concrete or tile feel much softer underfoot.
For extra coziness, consider a weatherproof ottoman, pouf, or storage bench. A storage bench is especially practical because it can hold blankets, cushions, and small gardening tools when you are not using the nook. A privacy screen or a row of tall planters can block an awkward view and reduce wind, which makes the space feel calmer and more enclosed.
Don’t forget lighting and shade. A cantilever umbrella or a simple shade sail can make a sunny spot usable, while battery-powered lanterns or warm string lights make the nook inviting after work. Keep the furniture scale modest, leave a clear walkway, and bring cushions inside during heavy rain. Done right, a small balcony or patio can become a genuinely cozy reading retreat.