Last summer, as I stepped into my house for the very first time, my eyes landed on a blank wall in one of the rooms. Instantly, a vision of a magnificent wall of custom bookshelves filled my mind. I could almost see rows upon rows of books, trinkets, and memories neatly arranged, turning the space into a haven for literature and personal treasures.
However, after the arduous task of gutting the entire first floor and spending the past year painstakingly rebuilding it, my energy and funds were running low. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and in my case, the solution was just a trip to IKEA away. I discovered that with an IKEA Billy bookcase hack, I could achieve the custom – cabinetry look I desired for our home library without breaking the bank.
I wasn’t alone in my discovery. The blogosphere was filled with countless inspiring IKEA Billy bookcase hacks. I was particularly drawn to Malcom Begg’s chic painted bookcase, Jenny Komenda’s arched creation, and a hack that featured a built – in Billy bookcase with a ladder. These projects showed me the incredible potential of these composite and laminate shelves with a little creativity and elbow grease.
My bookcase project became a true family affair. Phil took on the task of assembling the IKEA shelves, while I set to work building the additional structure around them. And then there was my dad, whose compound – angle – cutting skills were put to good use when it came to applying the crown moulding at the top. Watching the project come together with each of us contributing our unique talents was a rewarding experience.
Looking at the before and after pictures of the room, the transformation is truly remarkable. The once – bland space now exudes personality, thanks not only to the bookcases but also to the new furniture pieces. I opted for a more monochrome look for the room. With my rather eclectic and uncoordinated book collection, I wanted the books themselves to be the stars of the show. The color scheme and furnishings needed to be cozy and chic, yet understated enough to let the books take center stage.
To achieve this, I selected the seasalt gray Burrard sofa from Article and the smoky quartz womb chair and ottoman from Rove Concepts, which added a sophisticated mid – century vibe to the space. Monochrome statement pieces, like the vintage coffee table I swapped with my friend Susie and the minimal globe floor lamp, further enhanced the room’s elegance.
When it came to choosing the Billy bookcases, I opted for the 15 3/4″ wide units. They fit snugly on either side of the window, with four units on the left and three on the right. The three bookcases on the right didn’t reach the corner of the wall, but I had a plan to deal with that later in the process. I explored various options that other DIY enthusiasts had used, such as combining different widths of bookcases or leaving gaps between them, but in the end, I decided to keep mine tightly together.
To transform the Billy bookcases into a built – in unit, I gathered a specific set of materials. From a full 4×8 sheet of 3/4″ plywood to various poplar boards, wood glue, screws, and nails, each item played a crucial role. And of course, the right tools were essential. A power drill, carpenter square, tape measure, nail gun, and saws were all part of my toolkit. While a stationary table saw would have been ideal for perfect cuts, I managed with a circular saw and a sliding miter saw, using a clamped straight edge for added precision.
The first step in the process was building a base for the bookcases. This base not only elevated the shelves off the floor but also gave the entire unit a more substantial and sturdy feel. It was constructed from a 2×4 frame with interior studs to support the plywood top. Next, I cut a piece of plywood to cover the top of the base frame, ensuring a smooth and level surface for the bookcases to rest on. As I embarked on these cutting tasks, I carefully marked my lines and clamped a straight edge to guide the circular saw, ensuring clean and accurate cuts.
With each step, I could see my vision coming to life. The IKEA Billy bookcase hack was not just about saving money; it was about creating a unique and personalized space that reflected my love for books and design. And as the project neared completion, I couldn’t wait to fill the shelves with my favorite reads and display the mementos that told the story of my life.
