Instead of a thin layer of wood veneer, BILLY now has a hard surface of durable paper foil. ”The foil has different printed patterns that look like natural wood and means that less wood is needed to make each BILLY,” says Umut. Using materials only where they are needed is resource-efficient. “And it has meant another positive thing – an even more affordable BILLY.”
More from the BILLY series
BILLY Bookcase, brown walnut effect, 31 1/2x11x79 1/2 "
Price $ 89.00
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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.
Article Number505.086.52
Product details
BILLY is a versatile bookcase that works just as good as a storage unit and is suitable to use in many different ways at home.
The shallow and adjustable shelves help you customize your BILLY and allow you to use it as you like – for storing everyday items, memorabilia or other things you collect.
BILLY has a simple and timeless design that is easy to personalize by adding boxes, lighting and your favorite items.
Make it even more personal by adding doors, allowing you to both hide and display things. In this way your BILLY can get new functions and a new look as your style and living situation changes.
A single unit can be enough storage for a limited space – but you can add more bookcases, extension units and shelves to create a larger storage solution if your needs change.
The wooden expression with a tactile wood texture brings a warm and natural feel into your home and adds a beautiful and vibrant look to the room.
The back panel fixes in place with snap fittings – making BILLY easy to assemble and disassemble, so you can bring it when moving instead of buying a new one.
Designer
Gillis Lundgren
Good to know
Keep in mind that you need enough space between the top of the furniture and the ceiling to be able to anchor the product to the wall.
1 stationary shelf and 4 adjustable shelves included.
May be used with doors; available in different colors and designs.
May be completed with extra shelves to add storage space.
Can be used with BILLY height extension unit in the same width for added storage vertically.
Product is possible to recycle or use for energy recovery, if available in your community.
Materials and care
Material
- Main parts/ Side panel:
- Particleboard, Paper foil, Plastic edging
- Plinth front:
- Particleboard, Paper foil
- Back:
- Fiberboard, Paint, Paper foil
Care
Wipe clean using a damp cloth and a mild cleaner.
Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Safety and compliance
WARNING! Tipping hazard – this product must be securely anchored. Use suitable screws and plugs for your home. If you are uncertain, seek professional advice.
Assembly and documents
Assembly instructions
BILLY Bookcase505.086.52Advice and care instructions
BILLY Bookcase505.086.52Measurements
- Width: 31 1/2 "
- Depth: 11 "
- Height: 79 1/2 "
- Max load/shelf: 66 lb
Packaging
BILLY
Article Number505.086.52- Width: 11 ¾ "
- Height: 5 "
- Length: 81 ¼ "
- Weight: 87 lb 10 oz
- Package(s): 1
Reviews
Lower QualityShelbyI purchased 3 white Billy shelves 3 years ago. We recently moved and I had room to add two more. IKEA now uses lower quality materials. Both book shelves came scratched. There are seams on the newer shelves that weren’t on the older models. I’m not impressed with the newer models at all. I don’t think they will hold up as long. *sad*
Lots of IssuesMalloryWe've purchased three other Billy bookcases in the past and loved them. However, this recent one was in horrible shape. There were long scratches the entire length of it, scuff marks throughout, dents, and a quarter sized hole in one spot. The entire bookcase is off white and doesn't match the other Billy bookcases we've previously purchased. The paint appears to be significantly lower quality, and the white backing is multiple shades of white, none of which match the other Billy's backing. I have no idea how this product made it out of the factory and was sold at full price. I sincerely hope I got a factory reject that accidentally got shipped, and that this doesn't represent all Billy bookcases going forward. Unfortunately, I paid an extra $81 for shipping through a third party to get it up to Alaska and Ikea wouldn't refund that, so now I'm stuck with this eye sore. I have a ton of photos I wanted to post on here but there doesn't seem to be an option to do so.
IT'S EVERYTHING I NEEDED!AlexanderWhat a sturdy and beautiful bookcase! It's got all the shelves I need and more! It was easy to put together and the instructions were really easy to follow. Which I appreciated! It has made my home feel like a home.
Like and easy to install MaciEasy to install nice quality
Ideal Bookcase for LEGOHeatherI think IKEA and LEGO talk to each other. I was recommended Billy bookcases by a friend who is also a LEGO enthusiast. They are the perfect size and come in multiple colors to match decor and the mood of the LEGO. Shelves are easy to move as the collection expands and changes. The quality for the price is exceptional. I have my very own LEGO Room with Billy bookcases wall-to-wall, and I could not be happier.
a must in my gothic homeReigni meant to order this in black but this was the happiest accident of my life i’ve fallen in love with the dark brown and want to replace some of my other furniture to match <3
Pieces cracked and broke easily.LizI’m actually very surprised as I’ve never seen a more cheaply manufactured IKEA product. The pieces cracked and came loose easily, not stable will not be keeping.
Super Easy Assembly - Perfect Bookcase!JasonThe BILLY bookcase is hands down one of the easiest pieces of furniture I have ever assembled. The instructions were crystal clear with simple step-by-step diagrams that made the entire process a breeze. All the parts were perfectly labeled and fit together seamlessly. I had the entire bookcase put together in under 30 minutes with just basic tools. The snap-on back panel design is a fantastic improvement that saves even more time. If you are new to furniture assembly or just want something hassle-free, the BILLY bookcase is the way to go. Highly recommended for its effortless assembly and great quality!
Nice feel, easy to assembleLaurenDefinitely has a sleek feel, and the color looks good. Instructions were clear, and assembly took about 40 minutes. I actually bought two because of the price and the size. I wish it was a little easier to move the shelves, but I can’t complain otherwise
Extremely Easy to Assemble!JasonThe BILLY bookcase was incredibly easy to assemble. The instructions were clear, and I was able to put it together quickly without any hassle. The new snap-on back panel design made the process even simpler, and I appreciate how sturdy and versatile the bookcase is. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a straightforward assembly experience.
Incredibly Easy to Assemble!JasonThe BILLY bookcase was surprisingly easy to put together. The instructions were clear and all parts fit perfectly. I was able to assemble it quickly and without any frustration, which is a huge plus for furniture assembly.
Incredibly Easy to Assemble!JasonI was extremely impressed with how easy the BILLY bookcase was to put together. The instructions were clear, and I managed to assemble it quickly and without any frustration. The ease of assembly is a major selling point for this product.
GreatAddisonGreat bookcase. Easy to put together. Only issue is the backing bulges away from the shelves and let's papers slide down. Also, bulges are of course unsightly.
Love these!BonnieThese bookcases worked perfectly to complete our wall on each side of our Murphy bed in a spare bedroom. With added 1/2 glass doors, they make the perfect storage and display space.
Easy to assemble and perfect for my needsDeniseThe BILLY bookcase was incredibly easy to assemble. The instructions were clear, and I was able to put it together quickly without any hassle. The new snap-on back panel design made the process even simpler, and I appreciate how sturdy and versatile the bookcase is. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a straightforward assembly experience.
Good bookcaseJingBest bookcase I purchased, easy to install.
Great bookcase!BryonLove the look and width of the bookcase
GreatAmandaBought to replace my old target bookcases and it was a breeze to put together and holds more of my books.
Really Like These BookcasesEddieRemodeled my office library. Due to the size I was able to mix in the smaller Billy with the larger bookcase combination. Worked out very well.
Great shelf with slimeline, frees up floor spaceNancyI have several Kallax units, great if you have bins, but if you have smaller items, books and binders, this is vastly superior. Tall with good capacity. Has freed up significant real estate! Great for home libraries and craft rooms.
Customer reviews
4.6Average rating
2629Reviews
4.6Average rating
2629Reviews
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Story
An updated storage hero
BILLY bookcase has been a steady customer favorite for more than 40 years – but old faithful favorites also need to be updated to keep up with the times. We took a closer look at BILLY and came up with some ideas. One of them means more efficient use of materials, and another makes the bookcase easier to assemble and take apart.
“BILLY was introduced in 1979 and has helped millions of people to organize books and other things in the home. But the world has changed a lot since then, and even popular big-sellers need to adapt to new demands and ways of living,” says Umut Ates, one of our co-workers.
Paper means smarter use of raw materials
Easier to assemble and take apart
BILLY fits just as well in the living room as in other areas of the home – the office, dining room or library. It’s easy to expand and combine with other furniture. But one thing that has had potential for improvement is how the bookcase is assembled and taken apart. “Previously, you had to use about 50 small nails to get the back panel in place, but that’s history now. Instead, you snap on the back panel without any tools,” explains Umut. It also makes it easier to disassemble BILLY without damaging it if you move or want to resell your bookcase. “The improvements have made BILLY more adaptable – it can keep up changing life situations – and it wouldn’t surprise me if this storage hero is as popular in 40 years as it is today.”
Material
An updated storage hero
BILLY bookcase has been a customer favorite for over 40 years – but even old faithful servants need to be updated to keep up with the times. We took a closer look at this storage hero and came up with some ideas. One means more efficient use of materials and another makes the bookcase easier to assemble and take apart. The improvements can be hard to see – except on the price tag – which has become even more pleasant to see.