Billy Bookcase
Main parts/ Side panel: Particleboard. BILLY bookcase is a beloved icon that never goes out of style. Thanks to its versatility you can use it in many different ways at home, regardless of whether you store books or everyday items in it. Adjustable shelves can be arranged according to your needs. A simple unit can be enough storage for a limited space or the foundation for a larger storage solution if your needs change.
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends it
10 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 1, 2025
Need a recommendaion for a bookcase
I’d check ikea besta or billy with the glass doors add-on. shelves are adjustable and deep enough for vinyl. solid for the price.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Jan 3, 2025
The difference between generations…
If you didn't build the billy right and don't lift carefully, it'll shear.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Jan 3, 2025
The difference between generations…
We have well over a thousand books (and over 500 video games) and they’re all kept on the cheapest ikea Billy bookshelves with no anchors, because furniture wedges are sufficient.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Jan 3, 2025
The difference between generations…
My galant desk, My 16 year old IKEA Stockholm couch, and wool rug, and a few other things are still rock solid and comfortable, even after 4 moves all over the country. The two things I’ve learned with IKEA. - you really get what you pay for at IKEA. Their uncharacteristically for IKEA expensive stuff is usually way better quality than any generic furniture of the same price. - Things like the Billy book case are intended to be secured to the wall. Do they, and they are actually quite solid and will last a long time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Jan 1, 2025
The difference between generations…
If it’s getting wobbly during a move that means you’re doing something wrong. I moved a couple Billy bookcases half a dozen times between homes before I upgraded them to something that I liked the look of better. They were as sturdy the day I sold them as they were when I first assembled them. If you abuse your stuff, *nothing* is ever BIFL.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Jan 1, 2025
The difference between generations…
Yeah I had movers damage my Billy bookcase in a move. A bit of 2x4 cross brace and it was stronger than new (plus easier to affix to the wall that way)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Jan 1, 2025
The difference between generations…
I mean, even a Billy bookcase shouldn’t break on you. Set it up according to the instructions, fasten it to the wall, add shelves. They’re pretty fucking sturdy despite being shitty particle board with wood grain printed paper veneer, unless you get the solid colours.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Jan 1, 2025
The difference between generations…
This, i live in Norway and Ikea is massively popular here. I do not understand what people who crap on Ikea furniture do. Every household I've been to here has at least a good few furniture pieces from Ikea as a minimum and everyone's experience has always been positive. We recently got billy shelves from Ikea as we moved and after fastening the shelves to the wall i can't even imagine how they would get damaged or ruined. My father in law showed me his kitchen fully furnished from Ikea back in 2009 and it looks brand new and according to him only required minor maintenance.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Jan 1, 2025
The difference between generations…
There are definitely better bookshelves, but not near that price point. Eventually, I build something into my house with solid wood, but until then, the Billys stay where they are (cause you have to anchor them to the wall for safety).
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Jan 1, 2025
The difference between generations…
Yeah, my Billy shelves are awesome. No bowing, moved twice and it's been about ten years for us too.
View on Redditopen_in_new
