Emilia Clarke’s Father’s Timeless Decorating Wisdom: “Your Bookshelf Should Be Bigger Than Your TV”

Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones, has had quite a different upbringing from the complex and often dysfunctional character she portrayed on screen. Instead of navigating the treacherous politics of Westeros, Clarke grew up in the peaceful countryside of Berkshire, England, with her business-savvy mother, theatrical sound engineer father, and older brother Bennett. And while her childhood may have been miles away from the drama of the Seven Kingdoms, one piece of advice from her late father continues to resonate with her today—advice that transcends both the realms of home decor and life philosophy.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Clarke shared a nugget of wisdom from her father, Peter Clarke, who passed away in 2016 after a long battle with cancer. His guiding principle? “Your bookshelf should be bigger than your TV.” This simple but profound statement underscores a belief her father held deeply: the value of education and intellectual growth. According to Clarke, this philosophy was rooted in her father’s love for knowledge and his desire to cultivate an environment where ideas and learning were prioritized over mindless entertainment.

A Family Built on Conversation and Curiosity

Clarke fondly recalls her family’s shared moments around the dinner table, where conversations were the cornerstone of their connection. “My mum, my brother, my dad, and I would sit around a table, and my happiest place was just discussing stuff,” she says. It’s clear that intellectual curiosity wasn’t just encouraged—it was celebrated. Her father’s insistence on the bookshelf being more prominent than the TV was more than just a decorating tip; it was a reflection of the values he instilled in his children.

For Clarke, education wasn’t limited to what was learned in school. It was the art of conversation, the pursuit of understanding, and the joy of shared knowledge that formed the foundation of her family life. “I really value intelligence,” she says, noting that she feels incredibly fortunate to have such a close and intellectual relationship with her family. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially in an era when it can sometimes feel as though entertainment and materialism often overshadow more thoughtful pursuits.

Bookshelf as a Reflection of Values

Clarke’s father’s advice about the bookshelf speaks to more than just home decor; it suggests a broader approach to life. In a world where screens often dominate our attention, the notion of prioritizing books over televisions feels increasingly rare—but also incredibly refreshing. It’s a reminder to focus on enriching our minds, on curating knowledge and ideas rather than just consuming passive entertainment.

Given Clarke’s background in a family that valued intellectual discussions, it’s not surprising that books would play such an important role in her life. While we can only imagine what titles fill her shelves, one might speculate that A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, the series that made her a household name, would certainly have a place of honor. Beyond that, Clarke may stock her shelves with works that reflect her varied interests—from history and literature to science and philosophy.

A Lasting Legacy

Though her father is no longer around to remind her of the importance of a well-stocked bookshelf, his advice has evidently left a lasting impression on Clarke. As she continues to build a career that spans acting, producing, and public advocacy, the notion that “your bookshelf should be bigger than your TV” remains a guiding principle. It’s a call to value the richness of knowledge and the importance of learning over the instant gratification of passive entertainment.

In a world that can sometimes prioritize spectacle over substance, Clarke’s fond memory of her father serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting power of books, conversation, and the pursuit of education. It’s a piece of advice that resonates not only in the context of home design but also in the way we approach our lives and the world around us.

Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll get a peek at Clarke’s bookshelf—though we’ll have to imagine it’s full of more than just Game of Thrones lore. Whatever the contents, we can be certain they reflect the same thoughtful, intellectually curious spirit that her father nurtured in her from an early age.