35 Incredible IKEA Billy Bookcase Hacks to Transform Your Space on a Budget
The IKEA Billy bookcase stands as perhaps the most versatile piece in the Swedish retailer’s vast catalog, offering endless potential for creative customization.
These affordable shelving units provide the perfect blank canvas for DIY projects that can elevate your home’s style and functionality.
With some simple tools, a bit of imagination, and these clever ideas, you can transform the humble Billy into custom-looking built-ins and furniture pieces that reflect your personal style.
1: Built-In Library Wall
Create the look of custom built-ins by installing multiple Billy bookcases side by side and adding crown molding at the top.
Fill gaps between units and walls with trim pieces, then paint everything the same color for a seamless, expensive-looking library wall.
Add baseboard molding along the bottom to complete the built-in effect and make the bookcases appear like permanent fixtures.
2: Corner Reading Nook
Transform two Billy bookcases into a cozy reading corner by positioning them at right angles and adding a cushioned bench between them.
Create the bench seat using a piece of plywood topped with foam and upholstered in fabric that complements your decor.
Add throw pillows and a small reading lamp to complete this inviting nook that maximizes previously unused corner space.
3: Kitchen Pantry Conversion
Repurpose a tall Billy bookcase into an organized pantry by adding doors and adjusting the shelves to accommodate various food items.
Install pull-out wire baskets or clear bins for better visibility and access to smaller items that might get lost on deep shelves.
Label each shelf or container clearly to maintain organization and make grocery shopping more efficient by quickly identifying low supplies.
4: Hidden Door Secret Room
Mount a Billy bookcase on heavy-duty hinges to create a secret door that conceals a closet, small room, or storage area.
Install casters on the bottom of the bookcase to help distribute weight and make the door easier to open and close.
Balance the weight of books and decorative items carefully to ensure the door functions properly and maintains its disguise.
5: Headboard With Nightstands
Position three Billy bookcases in a row behind your bed—a taller one in the center flanked by two shorter units as built-in nightstands.
Add LED strip lighting underneath the nightstand portions to create ambient lighting for reading without disturbing your partner.
Adjust the shelves to accommodate books, alarm clocks, and decorative items at convenient heights for bedtime accessibility.
6: Entertainment Center Makeover
Transform Billy bookcases into a comprehensive entertainment center by combining units of different heights around your television.
Add doors to lower sections for concealing electronic components, gaming consoles, and media that you don’t want visible.
Install cable management solutions through the backs of the bookcases to keep wires organized and maintain a clean appearance.
7: Room Divider With Storage
Use Billy bookcases as functional room dividers in studio apartments or open concept spaces that need definition without walls.
Position units perpendicular to walls and secure them properly to prevent tipping, using L-brackets attached to the floor if necessary.
Fill with books and decorative items on both sides to create visual interest regardless of which side of the “divider” you’re viewing.
8: Window Seat Flanked By Bookcases
Frame a window with two Billy bookcases and connect them with a comfortable window seat to create a charming reading area.
Build a simple bench between the bookcases using plywood and 2x4s, then add cushioning and fabric for comfort.
Install matching crown molding across the top of both bookcases and the window area for a cohesive, built-in appearance.
9: Nursery Changing Table
Convert a horizontal Billy bookcase by adding a changing pad on top and baskets in the shelves below for baby supplies.
Secure the changing pad properly and consider adding a safety rail around three sides to prevent rolling.
Organize diapers, wipes, clothes, and other necessities in labeled bins for quick access during diaper changes.
10: Home Office Desk System
Create a comprehensive home office by combining Billy bookcases with a desktop to form a workspace with ample storage.
Position bookcases at each end of your desired desk length and place a solid wood or laminate countertop across them.
Adjust shelves to accommodate office supplies, reference materials, and decorative items that inspire productivity.
11: China Cabinet Transformation
Convert a Billy bookcase into an elegant china cabinet by adding glass doors and interior lighting to showcase your collection.
Install LED strip lights along the front edges of shelves to illuminate your dishes, glassware, and serving pieces.
Add wallpaper or paint the interior back panel in a contrasting color to create a beautiful backdrop for your displayed items.
12: Floating Effect Upgrade
Create the illusion of floating bookcases by removing the standard Billy base and mounting the units to wall studs.
Leave several inches of clearance between the floor and the bottom of the bookcase to enhance the floating appearance.
Install LED strip lighting underneath to further emphasize the floating effect and add dramatic ambient lighting to your room.
13: Bar Cabinet Conversion
Transform a Billy bookcase into a sophisticated home bar by adding wine glass holders, bottle storage, and a serving surface.
Install a pull-out shelf at counter height to serve as a mixing station that can be tucked away when not in use.
Add mirrored backing and glass doors to create a more elegant look that showcases your spirits and barware collection.
14: Kids’ Dollhouse Bookcase
Convert a Billy bookcase into a combination dollhouse and storage unit by creating “rooms” within some of the shelving spaces.
Add miniature wallpaper, flooring, and tiny furniture to selected cubbies while leaving others open for book and toy storage.
Paint the exterior in a playful color to differentiate this special piece from ordinary storage in your child’s room.
15: Craft Supply Organization
Dedicate a Billy bookcase to organizing craft supplies with adjustable shelves that accommodate various supply containers.
Add pull-out bins, pegboard inserts, and specialized organizers designed for different crafts like sewing, painting, or scrapbooking.
Label each section clearly and consider installing a fold-down workspace that attaches to the front when needed.
16: Customized Color Blocking
Give your Billy bookcase visual interest by painting different sections in complementary colors for a modern, color-blocked effect.
Choose two to three colors that coordinate with your room’s palette, applying them to alternating shelves or sections.
For a subtler approach, paint just the back panels in different colors while keeping the frame and shelves uniform.
17: Rolling Library Ladder Addition
Install a sliding library ladder system across multiple Billy bookcases to access higher shelves while adding architectural interest.
Use heavy-duty hardware designed for library ladders and ensure your bookcases are securely anchored to wall studs.
Choose a ladder style and finish that complements your bookcase customizations for a cohesive, high-end library appearance.
18: Greenhouse Display Cabinet
Transform a Billy bookcase with glass doors into a stunning display cabinet for plants or collections by adding grow lights.
Install small LED grow lights under each shelf to provide proper illumination for houseplants at all levels.
Line shelves with waterproof material if using for plants and consider adding a humidifier for moisture-loving specimens.
19: Coffee Bar Station
Dedicate a Billy bookcase to creating a complete coffee station with storage for mugs, beans, and all your brewing equipment.
Install a pull-out shelf at the perfect height for your coffee maker, with electrical outlets accessible through the back panel.
Add cup hooks under shelves for hanging mugs and use attractive containers for beans, sugar, and other coffee necessities.
20: Mudroom Locker System
Combine multiple narrow Billy bookcases with added hooks and bench seating to create a functional mudroom organization system.
Install coat hooks between or on the sides of each unit and add a bench across the bottom with hinged seats for shoe storage.
Add baskets to shelves for gloves, hats, and other seasonal accessories, labeled for each family member.
21: Apothecary Cabinet Look
Transform your Billy into a vintage-inspired apothecary cabinet by adding small drawers and specialized compartments.
Install drawer units designed to fit inside Billy shelves, or create custom dividers for organizing small collections.
Add label holders and decorative hardware to complete the vintage apothecary aesthetic while maintaining practical storage.
22: Mid-Century Modern Upgrade
Give your Billy bookcase a mid-century makeover by adding tapered legs and wood veneer or laminate to the exterior surfaces.
Replace the standard base with 6-8 inch tapered wooden legs attached to a secure foundation for authentic retro height.
Add sliding doors with geometric patterns to some sections for the perfect balance of display space and concealed storage.
23: Fabric-Backed Display
Add visual interest to your Billy bookcase by applying fabric to the back panels using spray adhesive or staples.
Choose patterns that complement your decor—from subtle textures to bold prints—depending on whether you want a backdrop or focal point.
Change the fabric seasonally or when you redecorate for an easy refresh without replacing the entire bookcase.
24: Crown Molding and Picture Lights
Add architectural interest to your Billy bookcases by installing crown molding at the top and picture lights above shelves.
Choose molding proportional to your space—more substantial for larger rooms, more delicate for smaller spaces.
Install battery-operated picture lights to illuminate artwork or collections without worrying about wiring or electrical outlets.
25: Kitchen Island Conversion
Combine two back-to-back Billy bookcases with a countertop to create a functional kitchen island with storage on both sides.
Add casters to the bottom for mobility or build a more substantial base if you prefer a permanent solution.
Customize the shelves to accommodate cookbooks, small appliances, and serving pieces based on your kitchen needs.
26: Home Beverage Fridge Integration
Modify a Billy bookcase to incorporate a small beverage refrigerator while maintaining storage for glasses and accessories.
Remove shelves in one section to accommodate the fridge’s height, reinforcing the sides if necessary for stability.
Install glass shelves above the fridge for stemware, with specialty storage for cocktail tools and recipe books nearby.
27: Vintage Card Catalog Effect
Convert a Billy bookcase into a vintage-inspired card catalog by adding small drawers and traditional label holders.
Install ready-made small drawer units or build custom dividers sized to fit within the standard Billy shelf dimensions.
Add brass or antiqued hardware with label holders to complete the library aesthetic while creating practical small-item storage.
28: Built-In Banquette Seating
Use Billy bookcases as the end supports for a dining banquette, with storage for table linens, seasonal decor, or cookbooks.
Build a bench seat between two bookcases positioned at right angles against walls, creating an L-shaped dining nook.
Add hinged bench tops for additional hidden storage underneath the cushioned seating area for items used less frequently.
29: Sliding Barn Door Fronts
Add rustic charm to your Billy bookcases by installing miniature sliding barn doors to conceal certain shelves.
Mount small barn door hardware scaled to fit the Billy’s dimensions, allowing doors to slide horizontally for access.
Choose reclaimed wood or new boards with distressed finishes to achieve the popular modern farmhouse aesthetic.
30: Display Cabinet Lighting
Install professional-looking display lighting in your Billy bookcase to highlight collections or create ambient illumination.
Add LED puck lights under shelves or LED strips along the front edges, concealing wiring behind the vertical supports.
Use remote-controlled or smart lighting systems that allow you to adjust brightness and sometimes color for different moods.
31: Wallpapered Statement Piece
Transform your Billy bookcase into a statement piece by applying bold wallpaper to the back panels of the shelving units.
Choose patterns that complement your decor—tropical prints, geometric designs, or textured grasscloth for sophisticated depth.
For maximum impact, organize display items in color stories that coordinate with or purposefully contrast your wallpaper selection.
32: Cat Climbing System
Modify a tall Billy bookcase into a cat playground with platforms, hideaways, and scratching areas for your feline friends.
Install carpet-covered platforms at various heights, creating a climbing path that utilizes the bookcase’s vertical space.
Add cozy beds in some cubbies while maintaining others for books and decor, creating a dual-purpose piece of furniture.
33: Bathroom Storage Solution
Weatherproof a Billy bookcase for bathroom use by sealing all surfaces with water-resistant polyurethane or marine varnish.
Adjust shelves to accommodate towels, toiletries, and decorative items while maximizing vertical space in your bathroom.
Add doors to lower sections to hide less attractive necessities while keeping frequently used items easily accessible on open shelves.
34: Executive Home Office Built-Ins
Create a sophisticated home office by combining Billy bookcases with a desk to form executive-style built-in cabinetry.
Position bookcases on either side of a desk area, adding crown molding and baseboards for a custom millwork appearance.
Paint or stain all components in rich, professional colors like navy blue, hunter green, or mahogany for a traditional office aesthetic.
35: Game Table System
Modify a horizontal Billy bookcase by adding a flip-top surface that reveals game storage below and provides playing space above.
Build a hinged top that matches your bookcase finish, attaching it securely to create a functioning lid for the unit.
Organize board games, cards, and puzzles in the shelves below, using dividers or bins to keep components neatly separated.
Conclusion
The IKEA Billy bookcase offers extraordinary versatility at an affordable price point.
With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can transform these simple shelving units into custom furniture pieces perfectly tailored to your needs and style.
