18 Ways To Use An IKEA BILLY Bookcase For Way More Than Books

Bookcases are essential furniture pieces in a home, especially if you have lots of books. And while many people purchase bookshelves to sort reading materials, that doesn't mean you have to, especially with the versatile IKEA BILLY bookcases. Don't let your shelving unit be a bore. From displaying your collectibles to using as a pantry, here are 18 ways to use an IKEA BILLY bookcase for way more than storing books.

BILLY bookcases are a popular model of furniture sold by Swedish company IKEA. The basic BILLY series ranges in sizes and styles from the three-shelved unit to the corner comb bookcase with a load of extensions and door options. This popular bookcase can also be paired with other IKEA organization models to create a functional furniture piece that matches your home's aesthetic. The series comes with fittings and inside organizers that you can add to your bookcase. IKEA even provides a BILLY planning tool to help people create customized BILLY furniture pieces that fit their home. The price range for this furnishing piece starts from as low as $29 but can cost up to hundreds of dollars, making it a highly customizable item you can use to style and organize just about every room in your house. Once you get your furniture item designed, purchased, and built in your home, the fun part begins — arranging things on top and inside.

Store and display your collectible dishware by using your BILLY bookcase as a china cabinet. Choose the size you want and install glass doors and extensions to create a piece that fits your theme as well as complements your collection inside. A functional place to arrange your custom china cabinet is in your dining room, where it can act as a centerpiece. Once you have the bookcase up, don't forget to decorate it to your taste. 

Decorate your kid's bedroom so it's not too childish as they grow up by using IKEA BILLY bookcases as shelving units. When your kiddos are young, these shelves make handy spots to stow away all their items, including clothes, diapers, wipes, and books. Then, as they grow, the cases will work for whatever they need to store, whether it is toys or school supplies. Stick organizers inside to keep everything tidy on the shelves.

One craft room idea that you'll want in your own home involves adding a bookcase as an affordable way to display and organize this space. The shelves make it easy to hold your supplies and equipment like heat presses, circuits, tools, fabrics, paper, and more. Include doors to hide any clutter, or use organizers to help keep things in order. You could even place your craft inventory for sale on these shelves. Either way, a BILLY bookcase from IKEA is a convenient way to keep everything tidy.

An optimal location to set your IKEA BILLY bookcase is in your office. There are many areas you can put these shelving units, including against the wall or even on the sides of a window or desk. You can even use IKEA BILLY bookcase's latest addition to instantly upgrade your home office. Once you have the furniture piece up, fill it with all your office essentials including files and supplies. Awards, books, family photos, and other décor pieces can also be included.

Keep handbags organized by installing an IKEA BILLY bookcase to hold all of them. This is also an elegant way to display your collection, especially in a walk-in closet. To protect your bags, install doors on the shelving unit. However, if you want to see the accessories, choose glass door options. You also can mix and match different models to create a display that only shows a few choices so you can strategically alternate your collection.

You can also transform IKEA's famous BILLY bookcase into a functional mudroom. Position the shelving unit against a wall and include doors to help hide any clutter. In the space, store rain boots, jackets, dog-walking supplies, backpacks, and more. Just remember that BILLY bookcases are made from particle board, so you shouldn't place them next to a door. And if you do bring in water, make sure to wipe it up to stop mold growth or moisture from damaging your shelving unit. 

Over the years, many of us acquire small little collectibles and sentimental items that we can't seem to part ways with. Displaying them on an IKEA BILLY bookcase is a great way to keep them out in the open without cluttering your home. Whether you are an avid LEGO builder or a pop culture figurine collector, strategically arrange your items without making the space seem cluttered. You can add lights, open shelves, and glass doors to create a unique display.

Sometimes our rooms don't provide enough storage space to hold all our belongings. Easily upgrade the area by creating a built-in dresser or vanity. BILLY bookcases are a clever way for you to add storage because they come in a variety of sizes. You can build custom drawers or keep the shelves open. Also remove some of the shelves and add a mirror to create a place to get ready. Position it near your bed or along an entire wall in your bedroom to easily store your stuff. 

Your IKEA BILLY bookcase can hold more than just books, so clearly, you should fill the space with plants. There are many houseplants that are perfect for spaces on your bookshelf, including a spider plant, peace lily, and string of pearls. Strategically insert them on the shelves to bring more natural elements into your home. The main thing you need to remember is to properly care for the plants. To protect your shelves from water damage, you can also place saucers or small trays underneath the planters.

Take your closet to the next level by using a BILLY bookcase to create custom closet solutions. With all the customization options, you can easily create a closet that matches your needs whether you need tall shelves or space to hold a rack. Don't forget to try this simple IKEA BILLY hack that will tidy up your cluttered closet. Then, put out organizers to keep it in pristine condition. These bookcases are also a useful solution to hold collector shoes.

Use a BILLY bookshelf to display framed family pictures and small pieces of décor. These bookcases are an optimal way to display your family's fondest memories. Then keep everything tidy by setting out organization baskets on the bottom row to easily and quickly store your items out of sight. Don't forget to use variations of décor objects to break up photos and create depth. You can also paint the bookshelves a dark color and add an arch on top for more interest.

Sometimes you don't have enough cabinet space to store all your kitchen appliances and essentials. Put everything away with ease by creating a kitchen storage unit with an IKEA BILLY bookcase. There are many spots you can arrange this shelving unit in your kitchen. You can even use IKEA's iconic BILLY bookcases for a fridge budget DIY to help frame your refrigerator.

Add charm to your fireplace by installing IKEA BILLY bookcases on either side. You can even create gorgeous fireplace built-ins on a budget with this IKEA BILLY bookcase hack. Use closed doors on the bottom to hide items and then glass on top to display decorations. Insert photos, sculptures, and other items to adorn the area. Many people often hang or mount a TV or painting above the fireplace to fill in the empty space.

Get ready to sip and entertain because you can turn your IKEA BILLY bookcase into a stunning built-in home bar. Since this is an adjustable shelving unit, you can easily create heights that will fit any size bottle you have to display your alcoholic collection. Include doors to create a cabinet to hold your glasses, accessories, and extra liquor. Then set out fun décor to add personality to the space. Wallpaper in the back of the cabinet can also serve to add more interest.

Does your family have a pretty good amount of board games? Fortunately, the best way to organize small board games includes an IKEA fave: the BILLY bookcase. Place it in an area where your family enjoys hanging out, like an entertainment space or living room. Insert your board games into it, making it easy for you to pick your options. Make things easier by having an organizing system, whether that is through alphabetization or categorization, so it's easier to find the games you need when you want to play.

Turn an IKEA BILLY bookcase into a showstopping bathroom storage solution when you need seamless organization. Since these bookcases are so versatile, you can easily place it in a bathroom with limited storage space. Install glass doors for a charming effect. With adjustable shelves, this is a useful way to store extra towels, cleaning supplies, and bathroom essentials. Just remember not to set it too close to your shower or bathtub since it is made out of particle board and excess water can damage it.

Did you know that IKEA's viral BILLY bookcase is perfect for food storage in your kitchen? Take these shelves and create your very own pantry. This is a clever idea, especially if you live in an apartment that does not have a pantry. You can even organize your walk-in pantry by lining it with these bookcases. No matter what you decide to go with, these shelves are perfect for storing cooking essentials. Don't forget to use organizers to keep clutter at bay.

Organize your laundry room with custom IKEA BILLY bookcases. These shelving pieces are ideal for holding your laundry and cleaning supplies. You can even install doors to keep curious paws and hands away. Multiple shelves can also be used to sort your clothes as you fold. No matter how you use it, a BILLY bookcase will work wonders for your laundry process.