IKEA’s BILLY bookcase has been a go-to storage solution for decades, thanks to its affordability and simple design. But let’s be honest, straight horizontal shelves can only take you so far in the style department.
Enter the latest BILLY hack that’s turning heads: vertical dividers.
Redditor Enfer06 deftly executed what could become the next big trend in IKEA hacking by transforming their basic BILLY into a stunning display unit using vertical shelf dividers and arches.
The result? A piece that’s a sharp departure from its $79 flat-pack origins.
“Thought I would share my first ever custom BILLY bookcase that I built for my living room!” Enfer06 posted. “Might give people some idea of what is feasible!”
Feasible? This hack doesn’t just prove what’s possible, it may have just changed how we look at the BILLY entirely. Here’s how to make your own.
What You’ll Need
- 3 IKEA BILLY bookcases (31 ½” x 11” x 79 ½”)
- 3 IKEA BILLY bookcase extensions (31 ½” x 11” x 13 ¾”)
- 6 IKEA ENKÖPING doors with glass (15” x 30”)
- 6cm flat wood moldings
- MDF sheet
- Wooden dowels
- LED light strips
- Adhesive
- Clamps
- Caulk
- Primer
- Paint
- Raffia
- Compass
- Jigsaw
- Basics — screwgun, drill, tape measure, pencil, paintbrush, roller
Transform BILLY Bookcases with Vertical Shelf Dividers
Billy Bookcase transformation
byu/enfer06 inikeahacks
1. Assemble and Secure the BILLYS
Put together the three BILLY bookshelves and extensions according to IKEA’s instructions, and set them up where you want them. Once you have them in place, clamp them to avoid shifting, screw them together, and secure them to the wall.
2. Create the Shelves
The creator said that it took a lot of work to create the vertical dividers and niches. But I think it’s so worth it, because it really gives the BILLY bookcases a whole new look.
Cut pieces of MDF to make the different vertical dividers, and set up your various nooks. You can use an online design tool to try out configurations or sketch out ideas to decide on your favorite option.
Tip from the hacker: Use two wooden dowels on the top and bottom of each vertical divider, plus one long vertical screw from the top shelf to tighten. The lateral shelves also help keep things in place, and then use caulk to hide the screw.
A few commenters expressed concern about how the horizontal shelves held weight once they were cut in half. But the hacker said that with the dowels installed, they are sturdy and seem like they could hold even more weight.
3. Time for the Doors
Typically, the OXBERG doors are the ones that go with the BILLY shelves. Therefore, the hacker had to move the intermediate shelf to accommodate the taller ENKÖPING doors. You want the shelf to line up with the top of the doors, so take time to align everything properly.
The hacker opted to break the tempered glass and replace it with raffia because they wanted more texture. This is optional, of course. You could leave the glass as-is, or attach the raffia or a pretty fabric or wallpaper behind the glass, depending on your preference.
4. Add the Arches and Trim
Cut a piece of MDF to match the full length of the three joined units (or have it cut to size at the store). Use a compass to draw the rounded edges and cut out the arches with a jigsaw.
Next, sand the rough edges, and add the flat trim to hide the vertical joints where the bookcases meet. The hacker said this part took “a bit of elbow grease” and, in total, took roughly two hours. (But it was also their first time using a jigsaw, so pretty impressive!)
5. Caulk, Prime, and Paint
To finish off the project and create a beautiful custom storage unit, fill all the seams and holes with caulk, then sand. Paint the doors, cabinet, moldings, and MDF arches to match the IKEA white on the BILLYS. Alternatively, paint everything for a seamless finish, or change the color if you want.
6. Add Lights
The LED lights really make a huge difference. The hacker placed the strips along the edge of the trim over the bookcase joints. They also ran 6 light strips from the top of the door to the top of the bookcase.
The wires are secured under the shelves, with holes drilled between the bookcases to run strips through to the outlet. The lights turn on and off with just a touch of the bookcase, making them super simple to use.
BILLY Bookshelf With Display Niches
This BILLY bookcase hack looks completely different and absolutely stunning. An impressed commenter suggested adding trim to the bottom to really complete the illusion that the whole piece is one single shelf.
The hacker agreed and said it’s on their list. But even without it, it looks amazing. What do you think?
Are you a DIY enthusiast and an IKEA lover with your own projects? Share your hack for a chance to get featured on the site and showcase your awesome ideas to others!