The IKEA Billy bookcase is iconic for a reason.
Want more design inspiration?
Try a Billy bookcase hack for a built-in like this one.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
They were painted to match the wall color to make them look extra custom.
And they were jazzed up with a clever touch: storage bins in a corresponding color.
And the top shelves still allow plenty of space for books and other display items.
Kaari Sommer
And the bookcases match the wall color to make them look seamless in the space.
The closed cabinets help tokeep cords and wires concealed.
Open shelves provide plenty of space for media storage and knickknacks.
A Beautiful Mess
And they’re perfect for a Billy bookcase hack to give the flat shelving units some dimension.
This Billy bookcase got a stylish upgrade in the form of woven cane doors and sleek dark green paint.
While the finished product looks quite expensive, the materials are relatively cheap.
Dana VanTongeren
The DIYer also chose to caulk the shelves to the wall to minimize the appearance of any gaps.
And the DIYer chose to paint the walls to match the bookshelf color for a more seamless appearance.
Here,crown moldingis attached to the top of a unit to make it appear a bit more ornate.
Sara Ann Sutton
This ladder provides functionafter all, reaching those top shelves can be difficult.
And the unit features detailed trim for an upgraded look.
This project used two back-to-back bookcases to anchor a workspace in the middle.
Blushing Bungalow / Madison Bess
Plus, it can be a fantastic alternative to paint.
(And if you don’t have one, you could find a simple bench for this design.)
Trim is added to keep the molding continuous around the room.
Alice & Lois
Warning
MDF can be difficult to screw into because of the density of the board’s fibers.
To avoid splitting or tearing the wood,drill a pilot holeand then insert a screw.
Storage and an accent wall.
Life After Coffee / Jessica Bowen
The metallic silver marbled backdrop allows the bright blue to pop on these shelves.
They bring just the right amount of color to an otherwise fairly neutral living space.
While this IKEA hack is definitely off the beaten path, it’s pretty easy to accomplish.
Chi Townhouse / Erica Graham
Plus, instead of solid cabinet doors, it uses a row of woven baskets for storage.
If you better display something tall, such as a plant, you could always remove a shelf completely.
The DIYer opted to make two matching units to add balance, style, and storage to the space.
Shabbyfufu / Janet Coon
And that can include manipulating things a bit to fit a tricky corner spot or angle in your home.
Pantry Shelving
@little_birdhouseinyoursoul/ Instagram
Billy bookcase hacks aren’t just for living spaces.
They also can help you keep closets and even yourpantry organized.
The Makerista / Gwen Hefner
This hack is super simple.
It takes an empty closet space and adds a tall Billy bookshelf to create pantry storage.
And don’t forget to adjust the shelves to accommodate tall items.
Scavenger Chic / Joan Stricker
Because these bookcases are made of particle board, they do not resist water and moisture well.
They may deteriorate over time, especially in rooms with high humidity.
Wider shelves can hold 66 pounds, while the half-size shelves can hold 33 pounds.
Melanie Lissack
No, BILLY bookcases are made of particle board, which is not real wood.
How do I attach a BILLY bookcase to the wall?.
Mel Vandersluis
Samantha Raising Wildflowers / Samantha Hicks
Lamberts Lately / Leslie
Stacie’s Spaces
Makes, Bakes, and Decor / Lianne Hempsall
The DIY Village / Jacque Knowlton
House of Hawkes / Kathryn Hawkes
@urban.bungalow/ Instagram
@magical_manor / Instagram
Tasha Agruso
@1930shouserevamp/ Instagram
@ourhome.becoming/ Instagram
@little_birdhouseinyoursoul/ Instagram
