Zooey Deschanel's closet is a masterclass in using vertical space – experts say it's 'quirky, exciting and charming'

This clothing organization is both beautiful and effective – professional organizers explain what makes it work and how to recreate it

Zooey Deschanel
(Image credit: Kate Green via Getty Images)

Zooey Deschanel is a quirky style icon, so it's no surprise that her closet is just as adorable. The actress showed off the space in a recent Instagram video where she walks through her entire home, jokingly searching for someone who can 'match her twee.' Though she didn't find them, she did find one of the most beautiful, well-organized closets we've seen this year.

Deschanel's walk-in closet is a beautiful, open-concept space. It features rows of easy-to-reach dresses, hung based on color in a loosely rainbow pattern. Below, built-in shelves have become a color-coordinated shoe rack. Above the railings, one row of shelves is the perfect storage, while the highest shelf features boxes for storing the accessories that are likely accessed the least frequently. It's attractive, neat, and user-friendly.

'Zoey Deschanel gives us the swiftest glimpse into her luxe closet, bursting with her beautiful, supremely feminine clothes, shoes, and purses. It’s a dream for any little girl who longs to dress like a princess. Like the actress herself, the space is quirky, exciting, and totally charming,' says Suzanne Roynon, H&G’s guest contributor in Interiors Therapy. However, Deschanel's closet goes beyond aesthetics: it's designed to make getting dressed easy. 'There is something here for every possible occasion, and the open closet space makes everything instantly available to see and touch,' Roynon adds.

The color coordination is not only beautiful, but contributes to this goal of creating the perfect dressing room. Melanie Summers, professional organizer at Speak Organized, says: 'One of the standout features of Deschanel's closet is how she has zoned each section by color and style. This not only makes it easier to find specific items but also adds to the aesthetic appeal. Her collection of handbags and shoes is strategically placed to pair well with the clothes in each section, allowing for quick and cohesive outfit planning.'

Furthermore, it's a masterclass in vertical storage. 'Deschanel has done an excellent job of maximizing the vertical space in her closet,' Summers comments. 'By utilizing the upper shelves for matching bins, she not only creates additional storage but also keeps the area looking neat and cohesive. These labeled bins are likely used for organizing miscellaneous items and accessories, keeping everything in its place.'

Roynon adds: 'Uppermost in this high-ceilinged room, Deschanel has made use of all available space with neutrally colored caddies which tone into the room and are likely used for out-of-season items or perhaps cherished pieces she prefers not to have on display. '

Shop Zooey Deschanel's Closet Storage


If you are hoping to recreate Zooey Deschanel's closet idea, it's worthwhile to invest in a few high-quality closet organizers. Summers recommends: 'The investment in matching bins, along with the use of matching velvet hangers, contributes to the overall clean and streamlined look of the closet. This uniformity helps reduce visual clutter and makes the space feel more organized and spacious.

She continues, 'Deschanel's use of acrylic dividers to file her handbags is a fantastic touch. This method allows her to easily see and access each bag, ensuring that they stay upright and in good condition. It’s a practical and stylish solution for handbag storage.' Though these closet organizers won't instantly turn your closet neat, they are an easy and tangible way to move towards creating the look.

Looking to celebrity closets is a great way to find organization inspiration, and Zooey Deschanel's is one of the best out there.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

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.