Reese Witherspoon's book storage is a masterclass in sophisticated design – professional organizers say it 'invites exploration and reading'
The Hello Sunshine Collective leader stays organized for her book club using these stylish shelves – experts explain its benefits
In 2024, Reese Witherspoon's book club claimed the definitive title of most popular celebrity book club, with everything Reese touches turning to gold. As she builds her empire, the actress needs space to store all the novels she recommends; hence her artfully created bookshelves.
Witherspoon's Nashville home office is a beautiful shrine to her books. The built-in shelves are finished with a matte, olive green paint. Shaded wall sconces create the perfect warm lighting. Below the open-concept shelves, closed cabinetry provides even more storage space.
Professional organizers are awed by Witherspoon's book storage. 'Witherspoon's office features bookshelves in a soothing olive tone that provides a calm, sophisticated backdrop, highlighting the rich colors of hardcover books without overwhelming the senses'' says Melanie Summer, professional organizer at I Speak Organized.
'The custom paneled design of the shelves offers a bold architectural element that anchors the room, allowing the books themselves to be arranged more freely, thus inviting exploration and reading.'
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Melanie is a professional organizer and decluttering expert based in Vancouver, WA. She is a member of the American Society of Professional Organizers.
Aside from the color, the details of Witherspoon's bookshelves make a strong impact. 'Reese has gone for a sophisticated, timeless, traditional library style bookcase aesthetic. The bookcase panelling adds texture and interest, adding to the old school study feeling, whilst the colour choice for the shelving creates an air of luxury,' says Charlotte Reddington, professional organizer at Style Sisters.
Charlotte Reddington, alongside her best friend and business partner, Gemma Lilly, is a co-founder of the Style Sisters, the UK's leading storage and organizational lifestyle brand. Charlotte is an interior designer and Gemma a fashion stylist who collaborate to create a stylish detox and organizing service for the home. You can see their advice on social media or find it in their new book.
Witherspoon's reading nook lighting is another talking point. Summers tells Homes & Gardens: 'This setup is not only practical but also artistically appealing, as the soft, adjustable lighting on each shelf enhances visibility and adds a warm glow to the space.'
Reddington adds, 'The stylish accent lighting is a beautiful touch; it makes it feel elevated and elegant.'
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Organizers say that Witherspoon's cabinet storage is a huge boon to her space. 'Beneath these shelves, closed cabinets conceal miscellaneous items, ensuring that the focus remains on the books, states Summers. 'This thoughtful design choice not only keeps the area tidy but also turns the bookshelves into a prominent, stylish feature of her office.'
Shop Bookshelves
With thousands of bookshelf options on the market, deciding which will fit best into your space is difficult. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Reese's Book Club may be the topic of the moment, but we think that her bookshelves are just as noteable.
Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
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