Gwyneth Paltrow Hired a Personal ‘Book Curator’ and Twitter Is Divided

The world of interior design usually includes universally accepted rules, how high to hang art. But what about decorating your space with books? While it’s common to find a home library or bookshelf of some sort in any lived-in home, we don’t often think of books as the decor that fills in that space, the same way we’d think of plants or a paperweight. Cue the latest Twitter debate: are books decor?

In an interview with Town & Country, bibliophile and collector Thatcher Wine has been sourcing books since 2001 to curate beautiful libraries that are based on color or design of the books, interests, and more. Wine’s client list consists of several Hollywood stars like Gwyneth, and hotels like the Nomad in New York City. 

Twitter user and New Yorker writer Helen Rosner was one of the first to express her stance on the decorative books issue. 

One Twitter user agreed with Helen, saying a book can hold more than one purpose.

While another user flat out disagreed.

Others shared their anger about this news, but not for the reason you think. 

This isn’t the first time books have been at the center of an online debate in regards to what adds to a home’s vibe. Back in January, Marie Kondo, author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and host of the Netflix show “Tidying Up,” recommended that people get rid of books that did not bring them joy. 

One user was shocked at the very thought of it.

While another user believed deciding what is best for you and your home is the way to go.

Some believe books are sentimental tokens, while others believe books can be items that come and go like most pieces of decor. Can books simply be decor or not? Would you try Thatcher Wine’s controversial design tips in your own home?