As an avid reader and design aficionado I'm always looking for two things: a cozy spot to read, and the perfect place to store books. Mark Ruffalo's recent Instagram picture has completely shaken up my conception of both.
The actor shared an image draped across his white sofa in front of wooden shelves to the right of his fireplace. Ruffalo's living room shelving is built into the white-washed plaster walls and covered in colorful books and glass bottles. I love how he's left a gap in the middle of the books to emphasize the beauty of the empty space. The sofa is also a built-in detail; it's a white cushion laid over a ledge on the fireplace. In the extensive Pinterest-boarding I've done throughout my time as a design editor, I've never considered a built-in reading nook like this for my future home. Now, I need one.
I consulted with the experts to understand exactly what makes Ruffalo's living room storage so striking, and how I can recreate it in my home. 'The built-in shelving is a brilliant design choice, not only is it an efficient use of space, but it also has a sleek, modern appeal that doesn’t overwhelm the room,' states NYC-based interior designer Jove Meyer. 'Unlike freestanding bookshelves that protrude from the wall, this built-in design is flush with the adobe walls, allowing the books and decor to take center stage without creating visual clutter. The natural wood tones complement the neutral whites of the walls, warming up the space and adding depth through the contrast. It’s an elegant balance of form and function.'
Editor's Picks for Shelving
In the case that you rent or can't install built-ins for other reasons (like me!), well chosen freestanding shelves can be just as impactful when styled right. Here are a few of my favorites.
Sturdy and versatile, this wood case is a booklover's home essential.
The shelving possibilities are endless with this gorgeous, acorn-finished wall unit.
Mango wood and ample height make this an effortless piece to display books and miscellaneous items in.
Part of what works so well in Ruffalo's reading nook is how he taps into the power of natural materials. NYC-based interior designer Kathy Kuo explains: 'I love how natural and organic these shelves look—they pair perfectly with Mark's upscale bohemian aesthetic here. It makes perfect sense to have easily accessible shelving over the built-in sofa; it makes it oh-so-easy to grab a book for a laidback and luxurious afternoon reading moment!'
If, like me, you're dying to build something similar in your home, Meyer offers easy-to-follow guidance. He says: 'For those looking to recreate this look, built-in shelving is a fantastic option if you have the space and the right structural support in the walls. The key is to design with warmth in mind—opt for natural materials like wood to soften the modern aesthetic of white walls, and incorporate personal touches like books, plants, or art to give the space character. It's about blending style with practicality in a way that feels effortless but thoughtfully curated.' Even if you can't do this, a similar energy can be harnessed with wooden living room bookshelves.
Sometimes, coziness isn't about cocooning interiors. Instead, it's about making space for your hobbies and surrounding yourself with natural materials. Whatever the method, Mark Ruffalo has found the end.
