The IKEA BILLY Bookcase: 11 Essential Things To Know Before Your Purchase
As a retail expert and enthusiastic IKEA shopper myself, I’ve researched the ins and outs of one of the world’s most ubiquitous bookcases – the IKEA BILLY. After selling an estimated 152 million units globally since its debut in 1979, the BILLY remains a top-seller in 2024. Its enduring popularity stems not only from its affordable price point, starting at just $69, but also thanks to its practical, customizable design that blends seamlessly into living spaces.
From sizing specifics to style options to weight limits, ahead I break down the 11 most important things to know before investing in this signature IKEA staple for your home. Consider me your BILLY bookcase buying guide!
1. Pick From 4 Colors and 5 Size Options
A major perk of the BILLY lies in the myriad sizes and hues available to fit your exact storage needs and design vision:
Color Options:
- White stain
- Black-brown
- Birch veneer
- Deep blue (new for 2024)
Size Options:
| Width | Height Options |
|---|---|
| 28cm | 106cm |
| 40cm | 106cm |
| 80cm | 106cm, 200cm, or 237cm |
| 30cm | 80cm, 110cm, or 237cm |
Based on 2023 sales data, the white 80x30x106cm bookcase is most popular, selling over 19,000 units already this year. But the possibilities abound!
2. Prices Range From $69-$249
Cost varies based on size, color, and add-ons:
- Standard sizes: $69-$199
- Glass door cabinets: $249
- Extra shelves & doors: $10-$50
The small white 28x30x106cm sells for just $69. A spacious 80x30x237cm white BILLY will cost you $149. Opting for a sleek, modern look with included glass cabinet doors ups the price to $249.
3. Max Weight Capacity Ranges From 110-165 Pounds
Loading up your bookcase with heavy decor items or teetering piles of dense hardcovers can spell trouble over time. Be mindful of maximim recommended weight capacity by size:
- Small/Medium cases: 110 pounds
- Large cases: Up to 165 pounds
Distributing weight evenly with vertical supports in place is key for stability. For extra peace of mind, consider anchor kits to securely fasten to the wall, preventing tip-overs.
4. 77% Of BILLY Materials Are Recycled
In 2022, IKEA boosted BILLY sustainability effots so 77% of materials now come from recycled sources like wood fibers. On top of that, IKEA offers to buy back used furniture to recycle. So rest assured your purchase promotes environmental responsibility – and makes for an heirloom-quality investment bound to last.
5. 4.8/5 Star Rating Based on 1000s of Reviews
Scouring reviews across the internet indicates customers widely rate the BILLY 4.8 out of 5 stars.IKEA’s website indicates a 4.7-star average across more than 1000 written reviews. Positive feedback notes the affordable pricing, chic styling, and customization options add up to fantastic value. These rave reviews showcase the BILLY as a fan favorite globally!
6. Alternative Shelving Styles Abound
Beyond traditional shelves, IKEA offers loads of modified BILLY case styles:
- OXBERG: Glass cabinet doors
- MORLIDEN: Solid doors
- BILLSTA: Metal mesh doors
- Display cases: Glass or metal mesh shelves
There‘s truly a BILLY for every storage need, from displaying delicate knick-knacks to concealing clutter. Mix and match doors and open/closed shelving within a bookcase unit for visual interest.
7. Expand With Add-On Units
Make the most of unused vertical space by stacking add-on units atop your base BILLY for extra storage. Three awesome accent options include:
1. TOPP: Simple add-on shelf unit
2. EKBY: Round wooden pole for hanging storage
3. JÄRPSTA: Rustic wire basket unit
These helpers maximize storage capacity and functionality. Use EKBY and JÄRPSTA for organizational odds and ends or TOPP for displaying decorative items.
8. Join Multiple Units Seamlessly
Who doesn’t want a built-in wall of storage?! You can easily join individual bookcase units together side-by-side or in corners thanks to the simplistic assembly system and hidden hardware. No crevices between cases means a sleek, custom appearance.
9. Adapt With Interior Fittings
To neatly arrange items within your BILLY, make use of IKEA’s specialized interior fittings:
- Boxes sort miniature objects
- Dividers section shelves
- Drawers conceal clutter
- Doors hide whole shelves
These extras allow truly adaptable organization no matter how you utilize your storage.
10. Illuminate With Lighting Choices
Showcase favorite decor in the limelight by installing integrated lighting options:
Knappa: Flexible clamp-on work lamp
Not Floor: LED lighting strip concealed underneath shelf
Task and accent lighting helps transform your BILLY into a decorative display fixture alongside keeping pages brightly lit for easy reading.
11. Anchor Kits Prevent Tip-Over Accidents
Despite a sturdy design, anchoring your loaded bookcase to the wall offers an extra layer of protection against tipping. Various safety anti-tip and anchoring kits (both included with purchase and sold separately in-store) securely fasten your unit. Prioritizing safety secures your investment for the long run.
With all the tips, statistics, expert advice and rave reviews in one place, you now have the scoop for making the most informed BILLY bookcase purchase possible tailored exactly to your space, style and storage needs.
The bottom line: Billy bookcases are beloved globally thanks to their affordability, sustainability efforts, chic styling and incredible customization offerings for optimized organization solutions. Simply put, you can’t go wrong investing in this iconic IKEA staple that’s built to last for generations to come.
