Taking a piece of IKEA’s simple product and making it more unique and custom with some DIY tricks to meet individual needs is an IKEA hacker’s duty and dream. IKEA hacks are popular not only in the United States, but all around the world. Today I’d like to bring you the top 10 creative ideas for Ikea Billy hacks.
Ikea Billy was one of the best-known bookcases for its reasonable prices and a wealth of finish options. They come in various sizes and colors, and are perfect for the next generation of bookworms. You can mix and match the different parts to create a customized book shelving system.
Take a look at these creative IKEA BILLY Hacks which can add style to your home. Learn how the masters make a boring boxy house look like a 19th-century charmer. With a little effort you can also make that pre-fabricated IKEA bookcase look like it was custom-built especially for your home.
DIY Stylish BILLY Built-in Cabinet
Make budget built-ins from IKEA bookshelves. Love the side panels with sconces. Get the tutorial here.
DIY BILLY Bookcases with GRYTNÄS Glass Doors
These bookcases are perfect for a small room because they are so narrow. Get the tutorial here.
DIY BILLY Bookshleves
How to create a dream expensive looking bookshelf with the world’s most versatile bookcases. Get the tutorial here.
DIY BILLY Bookcases behind a Couch
Another great example of a well styled bookcase is a long, low bookcase separating the living and dining rooms without obstructing the sight lines. Get the tutorial here.
DIY BILLY Bookcases with Height Extensions and Glass Doors
Gorgeous bookcase made with Ikea Billy bookcases, glass doors and an IKEA lighting system. Arranging bookshelves in a corner is a clever way to maximize storage space. And what’s cozier and more satisfying than sitting in a room lined with books. Get the tutorial here.
DIY Customized Billy Built-ins
Library wall made to look built in complete with Ikea Billy bookcases. Love this huge wall of book shelving. Get the tutorial here.
DIY Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is composed of an IKEA butcher block and three BILLY bookcases. You can also give the island a more custom look with moulding and beadboard on the side. See more details here.
DIY Library Wall
You will need four BILLY bookcases, good hardware and quality wood to make this gorgeous library wall at home. Get the tutorial here.
Another creative example of build-in bookcase
Check out the tutorials here.
DIY Pantry Made with Two IKEA BILLY Bookshelves
See morehere.
Mudroom Lockers
Organize your mudroom with Ikea bookcases. Make getting out the door in the morning that much easier! Get the tutorial here.
Add a BILLY bookshelf to the baby crib
See how they did it here.
Create a custom closet with BILLY bookshelves
Get detailed instructionssource
Place the BILLY bookcase on top of the chest of drawers
Then secure them to the wall to this custom and beautiful furniture that provides TONS of storage. Get the step-by-step instructions here.
Tutorial to Add Beveled Crown Molding on Billy Bookcase (Ikea)
This is an excellent storage solution for A’s bedroom. Besides the crown molding, the custom back panel allows you to pull in other colors or patterns. This takes a little bit more work, but it will make your bookcases look built in.source
Built-in bookcases
Here is one more example of built-in bookcases. It not only adds a ton of extra character and storage to the house, but they really can make a small house feel so much bigger! See more instructions here.
Beautiful IKEA BILLY Bookcases for Kids
Good transformation by painting the backs in green and adding molding for the plain BILLY bookcase. This is perfect for the playroom! source
Bookcases with Glass Doors
These X motif custom designed glass doors along with library lighting give these bookcases an inimitable look. It is a simple way to ensure that your interiors stand out from the crowd. See more here.
DIY Custom Built-ins with Crown Molding and a Sliding Library Ladder
Create expensive-looking custom built-ins in your living room by mixing together Billy with crown molding and a sliding library ladder. See more here.
DIY Dollhouse with BILLY Bookcase
By adding a roof, chimney, wooden details, paint, fences, walls and even windows, the Billy Bookcase becomes a chic dollhouse for your little one. Learn how to make it here.
DIY arched bookshelves
See how to create DIY arched bookshelves with IKEA BILLY bookcases here.
DIY Gorgeous Home Bar Built from BILLY Bookcases
See more photos and details here.
Entertainment Stand in Living Room
Turn 3 BILLY bookcases from IKEA into an entertainment stand in the living room. Check out the full tutorial here.
IKEA BILLY Bookshelves Transformation
Simple and clever transformation of the IKEA BILLY bookshelves by modifing and adding trim and lighting. Get a custom look for the living room. Get the directions here.
Built in Bookshelves with Window-seat
I love this clever design. It provides us more comfy with the window seats alone with the bookcase. Get the instructions here.
Castle Bed with Upper Play Deck
Castle bed with upper play deck using an IKEA Kura bed and two BILLY bookcases. See more at ikeahacker.net.
The Convertible BILLY Princess Row House
A perfect hack idea for your daughter’s room. See more details here.
Built-in Bookshelf Wall in Living Room
Create a built-in bookshelf wall in your living room by mixing and matching together IKEA Billy bookcases and Besta TV unit. See more here.
BILLY Bookcase as Kitchen Cupboards
A good solution to make your kitchen stuffs organized. source
Use a BILLY bookshelf to build an IKEA Arcade Game
Based on the tutorial, it wasn’t easy, but the result is awesome and worth. Check out the directions here.
Clever Shoe Storage with IKEA BILLY Bookcase
Get a more shoe storage by adding some BILLY extra shelves to the simple bookcase. Check out more instructions here.
Mini Mudroom
Create this mini mudroom from IKEA Billy Bookcases and a bit of beadboard and trim. It costs not much and looks like custom built-ins! A super inexpensive DIY project. Get more details here.
Tamara says
Thanks for the love, all of these are GREAT and super inspiring! xx
Kristin says
Do you have any video of that? I’d want to find out some additional information.
Helena Webb says
How strong are the Billy bookcases? Do they warp and bend over time with the weight of lots of books? I have thousands of books in storage and was thinking of doing wall to wall Billy shelving. What do you think?
John says
Billy bookcases are mostly ok. You would have issue if you need to reassemble them (i.e. moving) but if stand in one place they are good bet. Make sure to assemble properly, you would have problem fixing it as it is not wood. I have row of 5 billy bookcases (i.e. wall), all with books and they are holding ok for last 7 years. I did have some similar bookcases from other retailer and yes, they did bent after maybe a year. The 50 years old bookcase I have (non ikea) is as heavy as 2 similar ikea and haven’t bent even a bit.
There Hemnes bookcsae that is also from IKEA that supposedly stronger, but way more expensive, and I don’t like the design (it has 4 legs, I want bookcase standing on the floor), so if I were to spend these much money, I’d rather build it myself, or would pay someone to build it for me.
Sarah Harris says
These are all great ideas! I love those bookshelves, you can do so much with them. I have them in my kitchen and home office for stoage and they are just amazing. Thank you for sharing :)
Susan says
I love the looks of bookcases that wrap around a room, dip below a window(window seat?) and return to full height.
Add good lighting, fresh air and comfortable seating. Build your own cocoon.