DIY Transformations of IKEA BILLY Bookcases - 21 Inspiring Examples of Creative Makeovers on Basic Shelves
Over the years, the plain and uninspiring IKEA BILLY bookcase has transformed into a statement piece for many homes thanks to creative IKEA hacks. The budget-friendly price tag and lack of character makes it the perfect canvas for DIYers. Here's a collection of some of the most innovative and stylish IKEA BILLY bookcase hacks we've encountered:
1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
DIY-er Allie Ljubojevic (@allielylj) showcased her creative flair by building out the profile of two BILLY bookcases and adding crown molding to integrate them into her room. She then painted the bookcases to match the wall color for a seamless look.
2. Design a Wall-to-Wall Shelf
Kaari (@thesommerhome) and her husband could not find the right units for their living room storage needs, so they opted for an IKEA BILLY hack. After painting and adding hardwired lighting, the bookcases now look like part of the home's original architecture.
3. Create Built-in Alcove Shelving
Interior designer Felicity Hinchliffe (@fjhinteriors) utilized two HAVSTA base cabinets and two BILLY Bookcases to create the perfect alcove shelving for her living room. She filled the holes on the insides of the bookcase and sanded them down before painting the unit in a cool, contemporary color.
4. Build an Easily Accessible Pantry
DIY-er Kellie (@breakfastatkellies) transformed her kitchen pantry with two BILLY bookcases, attaching them with wall brackets and applying MDF to the seams. She then sanded the entire bookcase and painted it with Benjamin Moore Advance paint.
5. Create a Stylish Display Cabinet
Renovator Sophia Kostich (@diydoctorsoph) designed a contemporary piece by using a BILLY bookcase with glass doors from IKEA, painting it in a pastel palette, and adding brass handles for a stylish finishing touch.
6. Paint the BILLY Bookcase for a Pop of Color
Designer Claire Douglas elevated her built-in by drenching it in a stylish mint green hue, transforming her living room and fireplace. She used Farrow and Ball's Setting Plaster and Deep Breath paint for the project.
7. Create an Incredible Library Wall
Home renovator Sarah (@s.e.w.athome) transformed her living room with seven BILLY bookcases. She flipped them upside down and added molding between the vertical joins before painting them and adding antique brass pull handles.
8. Make Built-in Shelves with Two BILLY Bookcases
Designer Melanie Lissack (@melanielissackinteriors) created an art deco-inspired built-in using two IKEA BILLY bookcases, decorated with metallic wallpaper and lighting.
9. Design a Bespoke Library at Home
Designer Claire Douglas re-invented the IKEA BILLY into an eye-catching and bespoke shelving unit with MDF strips, a skirting board base, and cut foliage for a natural and rustic feel.
10. Create a Cozy Sleeping Space for Kids
Designer Johanna Hollstrand (@villaalvsjo) fashioned a whimsical kids' room with a forest theme using two BILLY bookcases, PLATA, and HJÄLPA. She added layered greenery and toys to complete the look.
11. Fashion a Stylish Display Cabinet
DIY-er Jen Rothbury (@crack_the_shutters) transformed a minimalist hallway into a wonderland with a BILLY bookcase, Oxberg glass doors, MDF arches, and decorative reeded pine moldings.
12. Turn the BILLY Bookcase into a Sleek and Stylish Mudroom
Steph (@henrikjunehome) crafted a functional mudroom by adding legs, painting, and installing custom features, panes, and hardware to give her BILLY bookcases a high-style look.
13. Craft a Chic Kitchen Cabinet
Bookcases make great storage solutions for modern kitchens. Katie (@ouracaciagrovehome) added legs, primed and painted the entire bookcase, attached beadboard to the back, and added custom features, panes, and hardware to give her IKEA BILLY a high-end look.
14. Add Contemporary Wall Units Around Your Fireplace
For a modern and sleek storage and TV mounting idea, take a basic IKEA BILLY bookcase, elevate it with new handles, and modern black paint.
15. Create Beautiful Built-In Alcove Shelving
Fitted alcove shelving for a living room corner can be expensive, but with an IKEA BILLY bookcase hack, it's affordable and stylish. Bedroom Ideas on a Budget have shared a tutorial for building bespoke alcove shelving using two IKEA BILLY bookcases.
16. Transform It Into a Boho-Luxe Rattan Kitchen Dresser
Interior stylist Kathryn Hawkes showcases how to take an IKEA BILLY bookcase from boring to showstopping with rattan roll, painting, and customized doors.
17. Elevate the Bookcase With a Modern Rustic Shelving Makeover
Ruth (@mrs_macs_home) elevated her BILLY bookcase with a modern rustic makeover, giving her neutral living room a touch of texture and interest.
18. Produce a Wall-Mounted Display Unit
This design-driven wall display unit uses two IKEA BILLY bookcases and four 600mm kitchen bridging units installed on wooden batons and screwed into the wall studs.
FAQs
Why Is IKEA'S BILLY So Popular?
The IKEA BILLY bookcase has become a phenomenon, with over 60 million units sold worldwide. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, versatility, and affordability, as it is a blank canvas for creativity and can be easily transformed into various furniture pieces.
How Do I Make a BILLY Bookcase Look High End?
Add decorative moldings, wallpaper, or paint the front of the BILLY bookcase for a high-end look. Consider using trim, texture paints, or trendy handle finishes to achieve a more polished appearance.
Which Doors Fit a BILLY Bookcase?
IKEA offers a wide range of doors that fit the BILLY bookcase. Options include wooden, glass, and rattan doors, or even no doors for an open storage solution. Prices range from £15 to over £100 depending on the type of door chosen.
Can You Paint Over a BILLY Bookcase?
Yes, but sanding and painting it multiple times might be necessary due to its seemingly impenetrable laminate finish. Consider using a primer and a high-quality paint like chalk paint or mineral paint for the best results.
These creative IKEA BILLY bookcase hacks showcase the versatility of this simple yet versatile piece of furniture. From built-in shelving to wall-mounted display units, DIYers have transformed the BILLY into unique and beautiful pieces to suit their homes.
- Allie Ljubojevic (@allielylj) used IKEA BILLY bookcases in her home, integrating them into her room with creative DIY hacks, including adding crown molding and painting the bookcases to match the wall color.
- Kaari (@thesommerhome) and her husband, unable to find suitable units for their living room storage needs, opted for an IKEA BILLY hack, painting the bookcases and adding hardwired lighting to make them look like part of their home's original architecture.
- Interior designer Felicity Hinchliffe (@fjhinteriors) combined HAVSTA base cabinets and BILLY Bookcases to create contemporary alcove shelving for her living room, filling the holes, sanding them down, and painting the unit in a cool color.
- DIY-er Kellie (@breakfastatkellies) transformed her kitchen pantry with IKEA BILLY bookcases, attaching them with wall brackets, applying MDF to the seams, and painting them with Benjamin Moore Advance paint.
- Sophia Kostich (@diydoctorsoph) demonstrated how a BILLY bookcase can be turned into a contemporary piece by using glass doors from IKEA, painting it in a pastel palette, and adding brass handles for a stylish finishing touch.
- Claire Douglas added a pop of color to her built-in by painting it a stylish mint green hue, transforming her living room and fireplace with Farrow and Ball's Setting Plaster and Deep Breath paint.
- Home renovator Sarah (@s.e.w.athome) showcased an incredible library wall made from seven IKEA BILLY bookcases, flipping them upside down and adding molding between the vertical joins before painting them and adding antique brass pull handles.
- Melanie Lissack (@melanielissackinteriors) created an art deco-inspired built-in using two IKEA BILLY bookcases, decorated with metallic wallpaper and lighting.
These DIY projects exemplify the versatility and affordability of the IKEA BILLY bookcase, allowing homeowners to create custom and unique pieces that reflect their individual lifestyles, interior design preferences, and home-and-garden decor choices. The bookcase hack trend has been popularized through social media platforms, inspiring countless home improvement projects that elevate the Scandinavian minimalism style while remaining budget-friendly and approachable for DIYers of all skill levels. The bookcase, with its neutral color and simple design, serves as the perfect canvas for expressing personal style and adding a touch of DIY-style charm to any room in the home.
