25 Ultra Clever IKEA Billy Bookcase Hacks

Built-In Billy Bookcases

Love the look of built-ins but don't want to shell out major cash for a custom setup? Try a Billy bookcase hack for a built-in like this one. The shelves were installed to appear original to this living space using a wooden platform, some wood trim, and doors added to the bottom half of the structure. Sconces hung above the shelves add that final luxe, library-like touch.

Rows of Storage Bins

This Billy bookcase hack also used multiple shelves installed to appear like built-ins. They were painted to match the wall color to make them look extra custom.

And they were jazzed up with a clever touch: storage bins in a corresponding color. Bins like these make it easy to stash away kids' toys, craft supplies, workout gear, and anything else that needs a home. And the top shelves still allow plenty of space for books and other display items.

Custom Moldings

Once again, an empty wall got a major makeover in the form of a Billy bookcase built-in hack. The design uses a bottom trim piece of wood that matches the moldings used throughout the rest of the house for a custom look. And the bookcases match the wall color to make them look seamless in the space.

Entertainment Center

These Billy bookshelves were transformed into an expansive entertainment center full of storage. The closed cabinets help to keep cords and wires concealed.

Open shelves provide plenty of space for media storage and knickknacks. While they don't span the entire wall, the bookcases still look like they were custom-made for the space thanks to the way they perfectly frame the television.

Textured Cane Doors

Cane and rattan are a popular way to add texture to a space. And they're perfect for a Billy bookcase hack to give the flat shelving units some dimension.

This Billy bookcase got a stylish upgrade in the form of woven cane doors and sleek dark green paint. While the finished product looks quite expensive, the materials are relatively cheap.

Fluted Cabinet Doors

This Billy bookcase got a trendy makeover in the form of fluted cabinet doors. The doors are actually jazzed up with chair rail molding, of which there are many options to choose from to suit your style. The molding is glued to doors from IKEA's OXBERG line, and it's also been attached to the bookcase back for a cohesive look.

Fireplace Wall Built-Ins

Customize a pair of Billy bookcases with trim to create affordable fireplace built-ins. The DIYer also chose to caulk the shelves to the wall to minimize the appearance of any gaps.

TV Wall Storage

Create the look of a wall of custom built-ins on a budget by hacking prefabricated Billy bookcases. This living room TV wall includes add-on doors on lower cabinets with pulls that match the style of the space. And the DIYer chose to paint the walls to match the bookshelf color for a more seamless appearance.

Crown Molding

Even a freestanding Billy bookcase can be customized to look a little more luxe. Here, crown molding is attached to the top of a unit to make it appear a bit more ornate. The great part about this Billy bookcase hack is it's very inexpensive, and you have many molding options to choose from to match your style and space.

Library Ladder

Turn a simple Billy bookcase into a true library with the addition of a ladder. This ladder provides function—after all, reaching those top shelves can be difficult.

The ladder is on a sliding rail mounted above the bookcase to make it all look like it's part of one overall unit. And the unit features detailed trim for an upgraded look.

Work Station Storage

Your office space needs all the storage it can get, right? With this Billy bookcase hack, you'll have plenty of space for all of your precious files and supplies. This project used two back-to-back bookcases to anchor a workspace in the middle.

Wallpaper Backing

Wallpapering the back of your bookshelves is an excellent way to add more personality to a space on the cheap. Plus, it can be a fantastic alternative to paint. These Billy bookcase built-ins were jazzed up with the addition of some decorative molding and backed with removable wallpaper for a high-end look.

Glass Doors

Add glass doors to create display space for glasses and tableware in the dining room. Here, a few bookcases grouped together make for convenient storage for tableware, wine bottles, and other entertaining essentials. If you don't need all the storage space that the tall bookcases provide, you can opt for the short variety and use the top as a bar or buffet.

Reading Nook

Create a cozy reading nook around an existing window seat with Billy bookcases. (And if you don't have one, you can find a simple bench for this design.) This Billy bookcase hack perfectly frames the window and window seat with tall bookcases and then adds one more to cover the rest of the wall. Trim is added to keep the molding continuous around the room.

Playroom Storage

Anyone with young children knows how key it is to have proper playroom storage. This child-friendly entertainment center, composed of Billy bookcases is outfitted with colorful, easy-to-reach storage baskets, which might just teach little ones to tidy up after themselves. Be sure to bolt the bookcases to the wall, so there's no chance a child could accidentally pull them over.

Custom Paint

While many built-in Billy bookcase hacks make use of trim to create a cohesive look with the rest of the space, paint is also a great option. This navy blue Billy makeover is a stunner and proves that there's something to be said for going bold. The end result? Storage and an accent wall.

Paint and Wallpaper

Customize your Billy bookcase with a paint-and-wallpaper combo. The metallic silver marbled backdrop allows the bright blue to pop on these shelves. They bring just the right amount of color to an otherwise fairly neutral living space.

Bookshelf Dollhouse

Young children will fall head over heels for this adorable Billy bookcase-turned-dollhouse. While this IKEA hack is definitely off the beaten path, it's pretty easy to accomplish. Simply add extra wood to divide the shelves, and then define each "room" by using different wallpaper, paint, or fabric.

Storage Cabinet

While many retailers sell similar storage pieces for hundreds of dollars (if not more), this one can easily be recreated at home with some basic supplies from IKEA and the craft store. The doors are just rattan sheets framed in wood, and then the whole unit is painted so that the doors match the shelves.

Woven Storage Baskets

This bookshelf is kept looking nice and airy due to the glassware and greenery present. Plus, instead of solid cabinet doors, it uses a row of woven baskets for storage.

It also makes use of the different sizes available of the Billy bookcase, as well as the adjustable shelves. If you need to display something tall, such as a plant, you can always remove a shelf completely.

Traditional Built-Ins

A hacked Billy bookcase can be painted and finished to look at home in more traditional living spaces as well as casual family rooms. One trick to make your IKEA Billy bookcase look better is to display a limited number or type of items on the open shelves—e.g., only displaying books here—and stowing miscellaneous items behind cabinet doors.

Hybrid Hutches

A pop of paint can do wonders to turn the basic Billy into something that exactly fits your style. This IKEA hack actually features two items from the store to create a hutch: the Billy bookcase and a dresser below it. The DIYer opted to make two matching units to add balance, style, and storage to the space.

Corner Bookshelves

What's great about hacking a Billy bookcase is you can design an end product tailored to your needs. And that can include manipulating things a bit to fit a tricky corner spot or angle in your home. The narrow Billy bookcase option can work especially well to fill in odd angles, and it can easily be used in conjunction with the more standard wider version because they're the same height.

Home Office Storage

A sophisticated paint color, modern knobs, and traditional trim help to make this hacked Billy bookshelf home office corner unit look more high-end.

Pantry Shelving

Billy bookcase hacks aren't just for living spaces. They also can help you keep closets and even your pantry organized. This hack is super simple. It takes an empty closet space and adds a tall Billy bookshelf to create pantry storage. You can up your storage game by adding bins to the shelves, as well as shelf dividers. And don't forget to adjust the shelves to accommodate tall items.