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Let’s be honest…who isn’t a sucker for a good home decor hack? Let alone an affordable home decor hack that will instantly transform your space. This year, I’m on a mission to add some character and storage to a couple of spaces in my home, so I’ve been on the hunt for a cost-effective way to achieve this.
That’s what led me to the side of TikTok where creators are spilling the tea on how to use the Ikea Billy Bookcase in creative ways to add built-in storage to their homes. While I’m pretty handy with tools and home DIY projects, these design ideas are actually fairly easy to recreate.
Whether you’re looking to add a wardrobe to your primary bedroom, a pantry to your kitchen, or to the entryway of your home, I’ve rounded up the best ways to use the Ikea Billy Bookcase in your space. Keep reading to see how each creator executed their project and be inspired to do the same in your home.
What is the Billy Bookcase?
For years, the Billy Bookcase has been one of the best-selling IKEA products. With its versatile design and affordable price point, the pieces are great for customizing your space and adding storage wherever it is needed.
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of widths and depths, making it customizable.
- It has a simple design — giving you a blank canvas to paint and add your own hardware.
- An affordable storage solution
- Great for renters who want a built-in look, but don’t need anything too permanent
Cons:
- It’s made from particle board and has a veneer finish. While its materials are cheap in cost, it’s not as durable as hardwood.
Ikea Billy Bookcase Essentials:
Billy Bookcase
BILLY / OXBERG Bookcase with Doors
BILLY Bookcase (Half-Size)
BILLY Bookcase Corner Unit
BILLY / OXBERG Bookcase with Doors
BILLY Height Extension Unit
1. Billy Bookcase Library
@newbuild_newlyweds Full start to finish process! Ikea billy bookcases for the win 🙌🏼 follow for more DIYs #bookish #booktok #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #library #ikealibrary #ikeahack #billybookcase #billybookcasehack #billyhack #lifehack #diyhack #diyproject ♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem
Do you have a large collection of books to store in your home? Or do you dream of turning a spare room or nook into a library? If so, creating a library space with Ikea Billy Bookcase units is an easy way to achieve the look and feel you want. Wrap your room in the bookcases and paint them a striking, dark color to create a cozy, built-in look.
2. Storage Display Shelves
@home.style.by.tiff The perfect storage/display shelves for our home. I have the @IKEA Billy Bookcases in oak in my office and in black in our living room. I love how you can customise these with different doors, glass and add ons to make them the perfect size and look for any space. There is a great amount of storage inside to hide away all those things you don’t want out and beautiful display shelves on top for all that pretty decor you want to show off. Here is what I have used in this space: 2x Billy Bookcase with Doors Oak 80x30x202cm 3x Billy/Oxberg Bookcase with Door Oak 40x30x106cm #ikea #ikeahack #diy #homeoffice #fyp ♬ motive x promiscuous – ℳ💞
I love how stunning this light oak finish is on the Billy Bookcase units. It creates such a fresh look in any space. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point in a home office or want to create a custom, built-in media unit for an affordable price, the Ikea Billy bookcases are the perfect product to use.
3. Small Built-In Nook
@steffydegref Replying to @☀️Caitlin☀️ the best IKEA hack to build these yourself 🙃🌿🧡🍂 #ikeahack #ikeabillybookcase #diy #carpentry #fall ♬ original sound – Steffy Degreff
Sometimes, small nooks in your home can be challenging to design. Installing a couple of Billy Bookcase units in the space can give it a built-in cabinet look that’s perfect for seasonal decor and additional storage. Plus, adding unique details like a scalloped trim and a gorgeous paint color of your choice to the unit and surrounding walls to complete the design.
4. Billy Bookcase Kitchen Pantry
@laurenliberg Perfect. #diyproject #ikeabillybookcase #ikeahack #ikea ♬ So Easy (To Fall In Love) – Olivia Dean
Need more pantry storage in your kitchen? Adding a few Billy Bookcases to an empty wall will maximize your space and give you enough storage for all your pantry items. To create a custom look, paint the bookcase your preferred color and add some gorgeous hardware.
5. Arched Office Bookcase Units
@sagephillipshome IKEA BILLY BOOKCASE HACK 👇🏼 with a few simple (and affordable) tricks you can completely transform the basic IKEA billy bookcase into a custom looking arch bookcase! follow @sagephillipshome for diys, hacks, home decor and styling inspo! • • • #ikeabilly #homeofficedecor #homeoffice #deskdecor #homedesign #homedecor #diyhome #diy #diyhomedecor #diyideas #ikeahacks #ikeahome #ikeahack #ikeafinds #ikea #billybookcase ♬ suara asli – 𝙀𝙄𝙔 🍁 – 𝐏𝐚𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐬
How stunning is this arched detail on these Billy Bookcase units? It adds a custom touch that’s perfect for people who prefer a more modern, trendy design. Add this to bookcases in your living room, home office, or bedroom.
6. Billy Bookcase Mini Bar
@holly_homestyle Would you give it a go? #ikeahack #billybookcase ♬ original sound – holly_homestyle
I’m obsessed with this mini bar built with the Billy Bookcase units. Painting the unit the same color as the walls makes it feel like it’s always been a part of the space. Once it’s installed and painted, it’s time to style the shelves and mini bar. Pro tip: You could even make this a coffee bar in your kitchen or living room.
7. IKEA Billy Bookcase Media Wall
@ciara.anaman IKEA billy bookcase – Media Wall. #ikea #ikeahack #ikeauk #mediawall #tvwall #mediaeallbuild #mediawalldesign #reno #renovation #homereno #homerenovation #doityourself ♬ Can I Call You Rose? (Cover) – SOLOMON
I love a cozy living space, and I wouldn’t have believed that this stunning, inviting media wall is made up of Billy Bookcase units. With a combination of the Billy/Oxberg cabinet bookcase and several small Billy Bookcase units, you can create this design. The earthy, green color keeps the space light but cozy. Plus, the custom brass hardware adds a traditional feel to the room.
8. Use Billy Bookcases to Transform Your Closet
@thehillarystyle The ULTIMATE Closet Organizer! Denim, trousers, leggings…all the above…no longer have to be stacked on a shelf. This is a much easier way to hang your pants. Full details and dimensions on the product listing. I have IKEA Billie bookcases in our closet. #amazonfinds #closetorganization #closetorganizationhacks #organizedhome ♬ Warm Nights – LAKEY INSPIRED
If you’re like me and you’re looking for an affordable solution to create a luxurious closet, then adding Billy Bookcases to your space could be a great solution. I have the smallest, most ineffectively designed closet, so I’m definitely looking forward to creating a similar look in my space. This is such a genius hack to maximize vertical space to store everything you need.
