The Ikea Billy bookcase has been around over 40 years and is a firm favorite product among Ikea customers. It is also perfect for hacking!
There are so many Billy bookcase hacks out there that are all fantastic. It’s such a versatile piece of furniture and can be hacked in so many ways.
We have brought together some of the very best Ikea Billy bookcase hacks in one place to demonstrate what you can do with it and hopefully inspire you to do your own Billy bookcase hack!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more great Ikea hack ideas.
Let’s have a look at these amazing Billy bookcase hacks!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here for more info.
Dual Study Nook With Pastel Billy Bookcases
The soft pink hues on this built-in study nook make the Ikea Billy bookcases feel totally fresh and inviting. Cleverly paired with a warm wooden desktop, it creates a perfect, cozy spot for two.
Open shelves framed around the desks have been lovingly styled with colorful toys and books, giving the space personality and charm. Soft lighting tucked into each cubby highlights these playful details beautifully, making it feel alive and welcoming.
This design by @hellogeronimo proves that Ikea billy bookcase hacks & ideas can brighten kids’ spaces while keeping everything organized.
Elegant Built In Look With Billy Bookcase
This stunning setup takes the classic Ikea Billy bookcase and elevates it to a built-in masterpiece. The deep olive green paint paired with classic trim at the top adds a sophisticated, bespoke vibe that’s hard to beat.
Closed-door cabinets at the bottom keep clutter hidden, while open shelves above artfully display vintage books and delicate plants. This balance of concealed storage and open styling creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any room.
The design inspiration comes straight from @sparrow_and_weston, making it a must-try for those craving smart, stylish storage solutions.
Bold Coral Billy Bookcase Transformation
This striking coral hue immediately sets this Ikea Billy bookcase apart, creating a vibrant backdrop for colorful books and quirky objects. The classic shelving has been refreshed with sleek cabinet doors that add neat storage and a polished look.
Arranged by color, the shelves become a visual feast while the lower cabinets hide away clutter for clean lines. Small brass knobs and subtle wallpaper in the back hint at custom touches inspired by @rosieandthefarm, proving personality can shine through everyday furniture.
This setup is perfect for those craving a pop of color without sacrificing function or charm.
Rich Wood Finish Transforms Billy Bookcases
This stunning makeover turns simple Ikea Billy bookcases into a warm, sophisticated wood unit that steals the spotlight. The deep walnut tone adds instant richness and creates a seamless built-in look, truly elevating the space.
The addition of cupboard doors on the lower half provides clever hidden storage to keep clutter at bay. Matching wooden knobs accentuate the handcrafted feel, while open shelves invite style with carefully chosen decor, like dried florals and ceramics.
Inspired by @usiebiewdomu, this is one elegant example of Ikea Billy bookcase hacks & ideas you can adapt for your home.
Arched Cabinet Doors Elevate Vintage Chic
Transforming the classic Ikea Billy Bookcase, this stylish cabinet sports arched glass doors that soften the overall look with a vintage flair. The warm beige paint pairs beautifully with the ribbed lower panels, breaking up the monotony and adding texture.
Brushed gold handles bring a touch of elegance, while the glass fronts let you showcase curated ceramics and decor items. Layers of detail like this turn a simple bookshelf into a statement piece that feels personalized and fresh.
Find this design inspiration by @crack_the_shutters and give your space a custom, cozy vibe.
Elegant Arch Details Elevate Built In Shelving
This dreamy soft pink built-in shelving unit redefines Ikea Billy bookcase hacks & ideas with its stunning arched trims. These arches add a classic, architectural charm that makes the entire wall feel like custom craftsmanship rather than a flat bookshelf.
The uniform blush tone extends across the cabinetry, shelves, and arches for a cohesive, calming effect. Brass knobs and curated décor items bring texture and warmth, making it an inviting spot to display treasures and books alike.
Inspired by @allstylelife, this design proves clever paint and molding can transform basics into a show-stopper.
Soft Blue Built-In Billy Bookcase Charm
This tucked-away reading nook features a wonderfully softened blue built-in that was inspired by Ikea Billy bookcase hacks & ideas, but taken to a polished new level by @homeonharbor. The piece blends open shelving and closed storage, making it perfect for showcasing books and keepsakes while hiding the clutter.
Brass drawer pulls add a touch of warmth and elegance that contrasts beautifully with the matte blue finish. The design idea balances an office workspace with cozy seating and natural light, creating a versatile and inviting corner.
It’s a stylish tweak that feels both classic and fresh, ideal for anyone wanting a chic, functional space.
Deep Purple Backdrop Refreshes Classic Shelves
Give your Ikea Billy bookcases a fresh personality by painting the interior a rich, deep purple. This unexpected color adds warmth and drama, turning boring shelves into an eye-catching focal point.
The cream-colored frame contrasts beautifully with the dark back, creating a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. Shelves styled with soft white ceramics and pops of greenery bring balance and texture to the design.
Inspired by @melanielissackinteriors, this combo invites you to experiment with moody tones and elegant displays.
Dark Sophistication Meets Practical Elegance
This dark green Billy bookcase transforms a simple storage piece into a dramatic focal point. Painting the entire unit in this rich hue adds a bold, moody charm that makes it feel custom and high-end.
Adding a wooden ladder brings vintage library vibes while offering practical access to the upper shelves. Matte black ladder rungs complement the deep green, and subtle plants scattered on shelves soften the look effortlessly.
This blend of style and function from @redunnhomes invites you to experiment with color and accessories on your own Billy bookcase.
Serene Built-Ins With Scalloped Cabinet Flair
These tranquil built-ins are a stellar take on Ikea billy bookcase hacks & ideas, showcasing a soft gray paint finish that melts quietly into the room. The scalloped trim along the cabinet doors adds an unexpected wave of whimsy and charm, turning ordinary storage into artful statement pieces.
The mix of open shelving and closed storage balances function with style, giving you spots to show off decor and keep clutter out of sight. Brass handles add a touch of classic warmth that pairs beautifully with the natural wood accents seen on the mantel and dining table.
For personalized flair and cozy sophistication, @little_edwardian_semi nails the art of transforming Billy bookcases into a seamless room highlight.
Black Framed Glass Door Billy Bookcase Hack
Sometimes you just don’t want to hide everything away in a cupboard and this stunning black framed glass door hack from April & May for Ikea is the perfect way to create a display cabinet.
Ikea have made this far easier by actually creating glass doors for the Billy bookcase now.
It’s such an elegant looking piece of furniture with the doors on, displaying your finest bits and pieces inside.
Floor To Ceiling Billy Bookcase Built In Hack
The neutral color on this gorgeous floor to ceiling Billy bookcase hack from A Beautiful Mess helps the books stand out. You can’t go wrong with displaying a collection of books on an open shelf.
They have used spacers to widen the gap between shelves and trim at top and bottom to give it a chunkier, built in look that works really well.
Rattan Door Billy Bookcase Hack
This is probably our favorite Billy bookcase hack. House of Hawkes have created something really stunning here by inserting rattan sheet into the door panels.
It gives a lovely bit of rustic texture to the room and the bookcase has been painted the perfect complimentary color.
Library Ladder Built In Billy Bookcase Hack
The Makerista put a lot of effort into this amazing Billy bookcase library with sliding ladder and the results are phenomenal!
Who wouldn’t want a library ladder in their home? This hack makes it accessible to anyone, but still expensive looking!
Bank of Built In Billy Bookcases
The symmetry of the bookcases and the styling make this Billy bookcase set up from mrs_macs_home on Instagram really shine.
They have done such a good job of balancing the modern and rustic elements and the whole thing provides a stunning background for the dining room.
Rustic Shiplap Low Level Billy Bookcase Hack
Adding a little bit of shiplap to the back of these Billy bookcases, as well as a wooden surface on top gives them a custom feel.
The makers at Bless’er House have created something that is gorgeous, but practical for a play room at low cost by using the Billy bookcases.
Chunky Shelf Billy Bookcase Remodel
This Billy bookcase hack from Centsational Style is a more modern style built in, with chunky shelves that give the bookcase a little more presence.
The color background also helps the chunky shelving look stand out and provides a bit of contrasting color for the room.
Billy Bookcase Door Wrap Around Hack
We love the use of space over and around the door with this Billy hack from ScrapHacker. The shelving uprights have had trim added to them for a more custom look.
Then the books do what books do and look great!
This is such a great idea if you are short on space in your home and have a big book collection!
Billy Bookcase Eclectic Drawers Hack
We’re in love with this awesome hack from Infarrantly Creative, using the Billy with some custom made drawers, lots of unique drawer knobs and range of paint colors.
It’s such a creative use of the Billy bookcase and would really stand out in any setting.
I imagine this was really good fun to make too!
Cabinet Doors Hack for Billy Bookcase
The makers of this Billy bookcase hack at Design Evolving did it to cover an air conditioning unit and it has been wonderfully successful!
Adding cabinet doors to the Billy like this is a great, simple way to customize it and also add some hidden storage for those things that are not so good on display!
Entryway Wrap Around Billy Bookcase Built In
Another great wrap around hack from The Accent Piece, this one being a little more dramatic and elegant.
They have added some down lights to enhance the look of the bookcases, especially at night. These will be quite a statement piece within this room.
Floating Billy Bookcase Hack
If you like the idea of wall-mounted furniture that will not sit on the floor, or just like the ‘floating’ look then this Billy hack from Ikeahackers is ideal.
They have used L brackets to mount the shelves to the wall and the overall effect is really modern.
Mobile Craft Station Billy Bookcase Hack
This is such a brilliant idea from Queen Lila to house all her craft and sewing things in a pod that can be moved around and opens up into a workstation.
It is actually not too difficult to create, with the main elements being a piano hinge down one corner of each Billy bookshelf and some castors on the bases.
Billy Bookcase Dollhouse Hacks
Now this is a really original way to hack the Billy bookcase. These dollhouses by Tamara Jewelry are so cute and will save you a load of money over buying one ready made!
As you can see, they can even be used as practical shelves when your kids grow up.
Bespoke Billy Bookcase Built In
This is a really high quality built in hack from The Homestud. The Billy bookcases have been raised up and made to look like they are recessed into the wall.
They blend in perfectly and create a really good quality, bespoke looking storage space for a kitchen or living room.
Wallpaper Backed Billy Bookcase Hack
It can be so easy to upgrade your Billy bookcase. In this hack by Melanie Lissack Interiors they have added wallpaper to the back to instant make them look stunningly elegant.
There has been other trim and lighting work done to these bookcases, but if you were to do one thing to really transform them, the wallpaper trick is a good one.
French Style Billy Bookcase
We love the French style of this Billy bookcase hack from ShabbyFuFu. They haven’t had to do much to it with just a cornice added to the top, but the styling has put it slap bang in French country style territory.
It goes to show that you don’t need to do too much actual DIY to create the right look!
There are some really stunning Ikea Billy Bookcase hacks here. It’s surprising how creative people can be with something that is a blank canvas in furniture form.
We hope this has provided you with plenty of inspiration to go forth and make your own custom bookcase with an Ikea Billy hack.
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more great Ikea hack ideas and we will continue to bring you the best Ikea hack projects out there!
Good hacking!