20 Unique IKEA Billy Bookcase Hacks

IKEA Billy bookcase is amazing. Here are all the things you can do with it and transform the IKEA furniture for that extra WOW factor.

Did you know that one IKEA Billy bookcase is sold every 5 seconds? This comes as no surprise because the Billy bookcase is probably one of the most versatile items by the Swedish home furnishings company.

The Billy bookcase can be used for so much more than holding books. It can be easily transformed into anything you like, from a cozy reading nook to convenient shoe storage.

Here are 20 hacks to inspire you.

1. Add GRYTNÄS Kitchen Doors to Your Billy

Credit: ikeahackers.net

Why pay hundreds of dollars for glass-front bookshelves in stores like Barrel or Pottery Barn? You can make your own cheaper version by adding GRYTNÄS kitchen glass doors to your Billy.

You will need one of these hinges to make it happen.

Find more IKEA hacks on how to decorate on a low budget!

2. Turn the Billy Bookcase into Mudroom Lockers

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Being a transition space between the indoors and the outdoors, the mudroom is a great asset to a home. You can use it to keep wet coats, muddy shoes, laundry, kids’ backpacks, you name it!

But with all that stuff, your mudroom can easily turn into a wild mess. Jessica from House Homemade hacked her mudroom using a BESTÅ TV unit, two BILLY bookcases, and two BILLY height extension kits.

For the decorative feel, you’ll need these wooden cube storage boxes and these coat hooks.

3. DIY Built-in Daybed Reading Nook

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If you’re looking for a way to encourage your kids to read more, this hack is just for you. This cozy daybed reading nook will provide a quiet place to focus, which is so important.

Not to mention, it looks so awesome your kiddos won’t be able to resist it!

4. Turn Billy into a Set of Drawers

Credit: infarrantlycreative.net

Let me tell you, this set of drawers is anything but ordinary. To make it, you’ll need some oak plywood for the drawers, as well as boards for the drawer fronts.

Now, this is where all the fun begins: making the drawers colorful. To achieve this, you’ll need a paint sprayer like this, spray primer and spray paint in different colors.

The finishing touch comes in the form of old and new hardware. Go through your garage, and I’m sure you’ll find a few pieces.

Check out more DIY furniture makeover ideas like this.

5. From Billy to Built-Ins

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If you’re tired of living among piles of books and decoration items, it’s time for a built-in bookcase project.

Now, let me be clear: this is not a simple DIY project that is done in a couple of hours. It involves some serious tools like this miter saw, compressor and Brad nailer, oscillating multi-tool, drill, and X-acto knife.

I mean, just looking at this list of tools makes me sweat LOL. But it’s totally worth the effort. Can you believe that this customized bookcase started its life as Billy’s bookcase unit?

If you’d like such a built-in for your office. Check out more IKEA desk hacks here.

6. Add Crown Molding to Your Billy Bookcase

Credit: thevintagerugshop.com

Wanna style your Billy and make it look more glamorous? Add a crown molding!

The supplies you’ll need for this endeavor: one basic pine board, basic pine trim, 8′ crown molding, caulk, and some color that matches your bookcase. Tada!

To make this happen, you’ll need self-adhesive decorative paper. Get creative with plenty of options here.

7. Turn Billy into Shoe Storage

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How many pairs of shoes do you own? More than you can count on one hand?

If you’re one of those people who can’t resist a cute pair of shoes, then you need tons of shoe storage. And if you’re looking for ways to increase your shoe storage space, this hack is just for you.

To make it, you’ll need an Ikea Billy bookcase, three Ikea Billy extra shelves, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a power drill.

Here are more IKEA hacks for your bedroom if you want to increase storage. That’s especially important if you live in a small apartment!

8. Built-In Billy Bookcase Library Wall

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In the past, home libraries used to be dark and dusty places, with antique leather books and low lighting. Heck, in the past, home libraries were found only in aristocratic houses!

Well, now you can have your very own library wall that is beautiful and functional and stores all your beloved books.

Get these beautiful burlap cube storage bins to achieve the look just like in the picture.

9. DIY Kitchen Under Counter Shelves from Billy Bookcase

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You don’t need to break the bank in order to put an end to overflowing kitchen cabinets! This DIY Billy Bookcase hack will help you transform even the messiest cupboard into a neatly organized oasis—with almost zero expense, effort, and time.

If you love using IKEA furniture for your kitchen, check out these IKEA kitchen hacks! Also, if you have a bunch of shelves in your kitchen, consider buying these handwoven cube storage baskets. They’re foldable and can be used for almost anything!

10. Billy Bookcase Library Hack

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We’re not done with home libraries! I know there are many bookworms among you who dream of having space where they can relax with a good book.

A library is a highly personal space, and even though Billy bookcase is pretty simple, you can easily hack it to suit your taste.

Check out how Mysha from Remington avenue turned the minimalist Billy into a personalized library wall with crown molding and remote control sconce lighting!

Once again, you can see how storage bin cubes can come in so handy. They look good and will hide away a bunch of stuff! These are the ones I usually recommend.

11. Billy Bookcase Built-In Shelving

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Built-in shelving doesn’t have to be for books only. It can store all your decoration items, houseplants, picture frames, and document files as well.

My point is, built-in shelving can add lots of storage space, aestheticism, and value to your home without hurting your budget. Check out how Kylie from the Lux Nax Blog did it.

12. DIY Billy Bookcase Buffet

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Do you need extra storage for things like dishes, glasses, tablecloths, and even your kids’ crayons and coloring books? You can turn your Billy into an amazing buffet!

A miter saw table saw, drill, and pocket hole jig are the only tools you will need to complete this piece!

13. DIY Billy Bookcase Built-Ins

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Another built-in? You bet! I just can’t get enough of these beautiful, affordable hacks that give tons of personality to a home!

It’s amazing what you can create with a little bit of imagination and creativity. If you’ve been around crafting for a while, you might want to check out these IKEA kallax hacks.

14. Billy Bookcase Hack – Library with Ladder

Credit: thelilypadcottage.com

Let’s take the reading game to a whole new level! Kelly from Lilly Pad Cottage is not only turning the Billy into a built-in library but she’s also adding a ladder to reach the top shelves easily.

Get your library ladder here! Feel free to get creative and paint it in a different color. Could give the whole design a little bit of a twist that you didn’t expect!

15. DIY Wall-Hung Library

Credit: designsixtynine.co.uk

Yes, this is another built-in but before you say anything, hear this – this built-in is wall-hung (gasp!)

In order for it to be secure, Malcolm from Sixty Nine Design fixed it into the wall studs to provide sufficient support for the weight it would be carrying. Then, for extra strength, he screwed in two additional support beams into the wall.

16. From Billy Bookcase to Bar Table

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What’s more relaxing than a drink after a busy day at work? Alas, but you don’t have a bar in your home!

Not to worry, the good old Billy can solve your problem! Debbie from Refresh Restyle used the Billy bookcase to create an industrial-looking bar-height table with adjustable shelves. Perfection!

If you’re rocking your shabby chic kitchen decor, this could be a good addition to it!

17. DIY Record Shelf

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Where do you keep your record collection? If you’re about to say that is stored securely in boxes somewhere in the attic, stop right there!

I mean, where’s the fun in that? Do you know that vinyl sales continuing to soar?

Oh yeah, if you have a vinyl collection, now is the time to let it shine on a beautiful, DIY record shelf.  

18. Faux Built-in Billy Bookcase

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If you have a fireplace and you need a built-in that will anchor the room and give it some classic charm, this is the perfect solution for you.

This faux built-in IKEA hack is a bit time-consuming but it will save you thousands of dollars! With the right decor elements, it will look stunning and liven up the room.

19. DIY Moroccan Stenciled Bookcases

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Do you love creating fun DIY projects with stenciling? I know I do!

Stencils (along with some paint) are probably one of the best ways to refinish old furniture and make it look like new! Check out how Carrie transformed her plain Billy into a Moroccan-style piece of furniture!

Need furniture stencil ideas? Here’s my favorite one that has little birds on it.

20. Billy Bookcase Hack with Shiplap

Credit: angelamariemade.com

As you might have figured out, the Billy bookcase is very popular to use for custom built-ins. You have, haven’t you? LOL!

However, if you don’t want to create a built-in, you can easily upgrade the Billy and it will still look awesome.

Angela Marie painted it with a rich, navy blue-grey color (like this one here), added some shiplap boards (like these) as the backing, and used gorgeous brass knobs on the doors (like these).

Conclusion

So, what do you guys think? Which of these 20 Billy bookcase hacks is your fav? Let me know in the comment section below.