IKEA hacks are extremely popular projects to tackle in the DIY world. One of the most commonly seen is the IKEA Billy hacks. After reading over so many blog posts, I found one common theme: everyone wanted a custom built-in for a fraction of the cost. No brainer there. Billy bookcases offer you the ability to create a custom look on your own for a fraction of the cost.
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Why the Billy bookcase?
Billy bookcases come in a variety of sizes. From narrow and wide, short and tall, half doors and full doors, solid wood and glass cut out — the list goes on and on. As you can see, creating a custom look with Billy bookcases is absolutely possible. That’s what I (and so many others) love the most about the Billy hacks. Each end result can be so incredibly different, proving you can achieve the exact look you want from a built-in without the high custom-built price tag. It’ll be custom-built — but by you!
Each example below goes into great detail so that you can achieve your built-in bookcase dream as well. As most say, it is not a one-man project. So if you have handy family members or friends make sure to get them involved, too! Take a look at the bloggers below who took on the challenge of creating a custom Billy bookcase and created absolute works of art in the process.
Seven Billy Bookcases
Blank wall no more! We love this pale green chosen by Mandi of Beautiful Mess that gives her built-in Billy bookcase hack a ton of chic personality. With the use of seven Billy bookcases (three on one side of the window and four on the other) and impeccable molding, the entire wall is perfectly filled around the window. It creates such a grand appearance in her home, and any book lover would envy this awe-inspiring collection! As Mandi puts it, it’s “cozy chic” and we couldn’t agree more.
Custom Glass Panes
Is it the black paint, custom glass panes, or addition of legs that make this one seriously high-end-looking item? Who are we kidding — it’s all three, of course! Created by @ouracaciagrovehome, this will have all guests in awe when they discover it’s only an IKEA hack.
Stacked Playroom
These floor-to-ceiling stacked Billy bookcases were created by Mandi of Vintage Revivals. For stacking IKEA’s Billy bookcases Mandi recommends trimming the bookcases so they don’t give off a noticeably stacked appearance. She explains this perfectly in her blog post. Also, you must use brackets when stacking — not optional. She beautifully created these built-ins as a way to store all things playroom-related. The color-coordinated touch is truly the icing on the cake to this finished project.
Stylish Storage
Modern and sophisticated, we are in awe of this Billy transformation. As a way to create more storage for her condo, Melanie of More of Mel created the most gorgeous storage solution with five Billy bookcases. The added molding, glass panels, and added long black handles make this a clean and stunning built-in storage solution.
A Perfect Fit
With two narrow Billy bookcases on each side connected by made-from-scratch shelving in the middle, Kate from We The Dreamers created a built-in masterpiece. Created for her studio home office, this artist truly knows how to create a standout look. With inspiration boards and perfect measurements by coincidence (her words!), the shelving and couch were made for each other. You have to agree, the dark green bookcases perfectly encasing the yellow sofa is an absolute dream!
European-Inspired
Jen from City Farmhouse refers to her Billy bookcase hack as European-inspired, and we couldn’t agree with her more! With arched cabinetry and fluted doors, these Billy beauties are an incredible work of art. In addition to the craftsmanship of the actual bookcases, Jen handmade the leather pulls attached. Each detail she put into the bookcases makes them so charming and overflowing with personality.
At Home Library
With a dream of having an in-home library, Abigail from Abigail Maira created exactly that. She purchased two wide bookcases with extensions because of her ceiling height. The bold, classic shade of green makes the project pop in her neutral-colored room. It gives off such a calming vibe, any avid reader would love to prop up here all day!
Variation of Shelves
What makes this Billy bookcase hack stand out is the variation of shelves. Malcolm of Design 69 chose to combine the wide and narrow shelves to create contrast and visual interest to the overall project. This project is also wall hung, unlike most others that sit flat on the ground. Malcolm goes into great detail on how to make it secure so you can, too. Finished with cup pulls, this is one seriously impressive Billy bookcase hack!
Glam Wall Of Built-Ins
With the use of four Billy bookcases with Oxberg doors, Kaari of The Sommer Home created a super chic built-in. The enclosed bottom portion of the bookcases with the addition of brass light fixtures up top makes this one seriously glamorous hack. It’s no wonder she says it’s her most popular blog post! Plus, can we appreciate her impeccable decor for a moment? Love it!
Shape & Color
The arched cabinet with glass panels paired with the Billy bookcase creates a sophisticated and high-end-looking item by Alice and Lois. The earthy green shade makes this a one-of-a-kind piece. As they said, “shape and color are what makes this a true transformation.” Alice and Lois also have a fluted door option for an IKEA Billy hack, check it out as well!
Sconce Lighting
With the use of three Billy bookcases and 3 extensions, Mysha of Remington Avenue created a built-in library at home. The addition of the black and brass sconce lighting makes this one seriously charming end result.
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