I’ve been using Kelly Hoppen’s top tip for styling shelves for years – and it always gets me compliments from guests
It creates a show-stopping, well-balanced look with ease


Whenever interior designer Kelly Hoppen imparts any wisdom through her interior advice-focused Instagram reels and TikToks, the Ideal Home team, along with everyone else, is sure to listen. And while I, of course, love learning about new tricks from experts like Kelly, what feels even more validating is when a pro like her recommends something you already do on a regular basis. And that’s exactly the case with Kelly Hoppen’s latest shelf-styling tip.
Kelly shared this simple yet brilliant shelving idea in a recent Instagram reel, where she recommended laying books horizontally on shelves and using them as display platforms for your decorative accessories, be it vases, ceramic bowls or candles.
A post shared by Kelly Hoppen CBE (@kellyhoppen)
A photo posted by on
In the video, Kelly said, ‘When you’re styling shelves it’s all about balance. And one of your biggest, biggest friends when styling shelving is books because you can change the levels of where you place things.’
And I couldn’t agree more. My living room bookshelf is one of the first things people see as they walk through the door – and the styling always earns me compliments, while also drawing my guests to browse the various framed pictures, books and other decorative elements arranged on the shelves. After all, bookshelf wealth isn’t a trend for nothing.
How to use books for styling your shelves
There are several Kelly Hoppen interior styling tips that I pretty much live by, whether that’s the importance of texture in a room that Kelly stresses or this shelf styling trick. And I’m not the only one that fully backs this particular piece of Kelly’s advice. So does Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist.
‘Kelly Hoppen’s tip of using books to create balance on shelves is a classic styling technique that works beautifully. Books naturally provide structure and visual weight, making them ideal for anchoring a display while adding personality to the space. I use this approach frequently in my designs, as it’s a practical way to style shelves while also showcasing the homeowner's interests.’
Whether you’ve just moved in, got a new bookshelf or are simply looking for a fresh look for your shelves, then you need to start by placing the books down.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
‘Place the books up so you have different levels,’ Kelly said, demonstrating her advice in the reel. ‘Choose your colours, you can have them back to front. Then you place the vase on and then you can have something at an angle which sort of creates a different eye view point. Then you can start placing the accessories.’
But make sure not to place all of your books horizontally – some still need to be vertical to create that sought-after well-balanced look.
‘To elevate the look, consider mixing horizontal and vertical book arrangements to add variety,’ Alex at Flitch says. ‘Pair them with decorative objects like vases, candles, or small sculptures, and try grouping items in odd numbers for a more dynamic feel. Don’t forget to leave some empty space – it helps the display breathe and keeps it from feeling overcrowded.’
Not only will this book from interior stylist Colin King look great on your bookshelf, it's also full of tips on how to arrange things in your home for maximum impact. It's been on my wish list since last year when it came out.
Adorn your shelves with stunning editions of your favourite books. There are several publishing houses that print literary classics in beautifully ornate covers, much like this Pride and Prejudice edition by Puffin in Bloom.
You don't necessarily have to use real books for this styling trick to work. Book storage boxes have been trending since last year and provide the perfect opportunity to store away clutter (or hide your secrets).
These tips are sure to help you create a showstopping display that everyone will keep complimenting you on. It’s been put to the test, after all.
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. She is now also the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, and so far has tested 80 different sofas.
Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others.
-
Wildlife experts are urging you to cut holes in your garden fence this spring for this important reason
Cutting a small hole in your garden fencing will be a big help to this garden critter
By Kezia Reynolds
-
A dated Georgian cottage gets a modern-country update
Cream tones and rustic pieces keep it sumptuous but simple
By Sara Emslie
-
4 hayfever-proof flowering plants that will add colour to your garden - without dry eyes and runny noses
We can't say these plants will stop you sneezing completely, but these are the best flowers for hayfever
By Kezia Reynolds
-
7 ways to store pots and pans in a small kitchen - expert tips for clutter-free cooking
Genius ways of storing cookware in a compact kitchen
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
George Home is selling an air fryer that rivals the coveted Ninja FlexDrawer - it's getting rave reviews from shoppers
The George Home 11L Multi-Drawer Air Fryer has a five-star rating
By Kezia Reynolds
-
5 ways to organise food containers in your kitchen - for clutter-free cupboards that actually close
A ten minute task that provides so much satisfaction
By Holly Cockburn
-
Every homes editor I know owns this Joseph Joseph kitchen essential, and I've finally been persuaded to buy one too
I've never known a washing up bowl have such a cult following
By Rebecca Knight
-
'Dirty kitchens' are the luxury kitchen trend with practical appeal - here's why you need one
It's much more appealing than it sounds
By Holly Cockburn
-
The White Company is embracing Mamma Mia core with its new summer collection - these are the stunning pieces to watch
These sun-soaked styles are not ones to miss
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I wish I'd known these 4 things before I bought my Ninja air fryer – here's how to buy the right one for your home
This is what I'd change if I could do it over again
By Molly Cleary
-
Do acoustic wall panels soundproof a room? Experts reveal what they should really be used for and dispel the biggest myth
This is what acoustic wall panels are actually for and why they don't soundproof a room
By Sara Hesikova