Keep Appliances Tucked Away & Counters Clear With A Chic IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack

Small kitchens often have one major culprit that makes them feel just that much smaller: too many appliances cluttering up the countertops. Everyday tools, like blenders, coffee makers, and air fryers, may be essential for your cooking routine, but they can quickly overwhelm surfaces, leaving little space for necessary prep. A cluttered countertop not only makes cooking stressful, but it also prevents your kitchen from feeling like an organized and functional space. While some homeowners assume that their only option is to remodel the entire space, the truth is that affordable, clever storage solutions can transform your kitchen without draining your budget. One of the most effective tricks to keep your kitchen counters clutter-free comes from repurposing IKEA's iconic BILLY bookcase into an appliance pantry.

The beauty of this hack lies in how it reimagines a piece designed for books into a vertical storage solution for small appliances. Instead of crowding counters, the BILLY's adjustable shelves allow you to stack gadgets neatly and keep them close at hand. It essentially works as a slim, custom pantry — stylish enough to blend seamlessly into most kitchens while offering all the function of extra cabinetry. By shifting appliances into a designated space, you create cleaner counters, open up prep areas for cooking, and invite a more cohesive look into your kitchen. There are several different configurations of BILLY bookcases, starting out at about $50, so you can either throw a couple in your space for additional storage, or just place one in a designated corner. The vertical design also means that it won't eat up necessary floor space around your small kitchen. In just one afternoon, you can transform your kitchen into a more efficient, stylish space with one budget-friendly trick.

Transforming a classic IKEA BILLY bookcase into an appliance pantry is surprisingly simple. Start by choosing a height and width that will best fit into your existing kitchen layout, keeping in mind that taller versions maximize storage without taking up necessary floor space. Since the shelves are adjustable, you can easily create compartments that are sized specifically for different gadgets — larger sections for stand mixers or coffee machines and smaller tiers for blenders, toasters, or hand-held food processors. Placing heavier items on the bottom shelf allows for additional stability, while lighter gadgets can take up space on upper shelves. Once you arrange the items on the shelves, you'll instantly notice the relief of having counters that are free from everyday clutter, cleared for cooking and entertaining.

Adding a few thoughtful touches can make the hack even more functional. Cutting a hole in the back allows you to plug appliances directly into an outlet behind the shelf, meaning you don't need to pick every gadget up to use it — you could even turn one shelf into your coffee bar using this idea. BILLY bookcases are known to have small holes on the interior of the shelves, which allow for customized storage systems. Once you have your layout down to a science, you may want to fill the additional holes with spackle, or add a simple strip of wooden trim on the interior. You can secure the trim with glue to allow for further customization in the future in case you need to move a shelf or two. Heat-resistant mats or trays on each shelf can protect against drips, spills, or scratches, making cleanup simple. For an added layer of convenience, you can keep everyday essentials, like mixing bowls and coffee beans, nearby.

While the shelves can completely shine on their own, the smartest trick you can do with the BILLY bookcase is pairing it with a few choice accessories. Doors are the easiest way to elevate the look, and IKEA provides a simple solution with the OXBERG line. They're available in three different styles: full glass, half glass, and solid paneling, and they secure directly to the BILLY bookcase itself. Solid doors can be an excellent option for homeowners who want to completely hide their appliances, especially if they look particularly utilitarian in an otherwise curated kitchen. Glass-front or half-glass options can strike the balance between function and style, allowing you to display decorative items, like heirloom dishware, your gorgeous stand mixer, or pantry staples stored in pretty jars, while concealing unsightly appliances. This simple trick instantly elevates your appliance pantry, turning it into a design feature that feels intentional around your kitchen.

If you have more appliances or just need a bit of extra storage, pairing two bookcases side by side creates a wall-like pantry reminiscent of built-ins or a stunning hutch. Install trim around the bookshelves, including where they meet, to make it feel like one unit. You can install adhesive LED strips or motion-sensor lights, like KOLVATTEN light strips, to the interior of the cabinets to illuminate the shelving system easily. Organizers, including baskets and lazy Susans, make the setup even more functional, ensuring cords or small items don't clutter up your shelves. What you don't want to do is simply take the mess on your counters and shove it in a pantry. Experiment with different storage solutions that will work with your individual space, as it isn't a one-size-fits-all trick.