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, dark-brown oak effect, 31 1/2x11x79 1/2 "
Price $ 89.00
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Dark brown oak effect
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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.
DesignerGillis Lundgren
Article Number804.927.82
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 Bookcase804.927.82Advice and care instructions
BILLY Bookcase804.927.82Measurements
- Width: 31 1/2 "
- Depth: 11 "
- Height: 79 1/2 "
- Max load/shelf: 66 lb
Packaging
BILLY
Article Number804.927.82- Width: 11 ¾ "
- Height: 5 "
- Length: 81 ¼ "
- Weight: 87 lb 8 oz
- Package(s): 1
Reviews
Build quality of this new version is terribleKennethI have several of the old Billy bookcases and the laminate quality was nice. This new version is so cheap looking it’s disgusting. See uploaded photo, left is the old version.
not the sameAnnaI loved the older Billy models. The most recent one I purchased in spring 2026 is not the same. It's flimsy, cheap-looking, and the back trifold board absolutely REEKS of chemicals. It's really disappointing as an avid reader who used to love these bookcases. Unless there's a redesign, I won't be purchasing new Billy models. I'll search the vintage market instead.
Good but chipedAshleyOut of 4 of them that i ordered one arrived beat up sort of chiped.
Billy bookshelves aren't as good as they had been, 10+ years ago.JosephWe recently moved across the country, and I had to leave the old (circa 2012) version behind, actually sold them as they were sturdy and in great shape.
I put together the first replacement Billy bookshelf and am not happy. The plastic cams don't seem to lock as tight as the old metal ones. It seems as if the back panel was flimsy. I didn't see the long screws that were needed to wall mount it, as recommended in the instructions.
When moving it to its location in the new house it just seemed overall to be flimsy. Like all the connections are loose. I will go find replacement metal cams and perform an upgrade. Along with buying and installing wall anchors before putting anything else on it. Even going to place the sheves on the bottom to give it some weight to help prevent accidental tipping.
I need 3 more, but my bottom line is that that is the last set of BIlly bookshelves I will buy. It is time for a better bookshelf, something feels like it was last another decade.
Easy to assemble, but flimsy finishesYiyiThe BILLY bookcase was easy to put together with clear instructions. However, the particle board feels flimsy and the finish chips easily. It’s a decent budget option, but don't expect premium durability or high load capacity for heavy books.
Does not last, shelves collapse BariThis bookshelf does not last very long at first it’s great however after a year of use the shelves collapse and will not hold books anymore. I even went as far as weighing the box to make sure that. I didn’t overload the shelves. I’m so frustrated and feel as thought I’ve wasted money. it’s better to invest in a more sturdy shelf than these and spend a little more money.
Great bookcaseWilliamLove my bookcases…sturdy and perfect for my needs.
DefectiveEugeneTwo of three of the boards used for the base, top, and middle of the structure didn’t have the correct holes drilled.
I love it NahishaI was so easy to install with the instruction i love it
Great Bookcase!CherylI recently purchased 3 Billy bookcases for a friend’s study. She loves the color and the way they look in her favorite room. I put them together for her in only a short amount of time with very few tools. Her study now looks neat, welcoming and orderly to her, her cat and her hundreds of books!
Billy Bookcase is great for CD storageMichaelWe love the Billy Bookcase. Was not that difficult to assemble. Right size. Looks great. Holds a lot of CDs after installing additional shelves.
Easy solo assembly, great qualityJoeEasy to self-assemble.
I love it for my design but… there are color differences.ShannonThe bookcase definitely needs to be anchored to ensure its sturdiness. The only other minor issue is that the background of the bookcase is a completely different color. This creates a visual effect where the cabinet appears to be walnut, while the background resembles white oak.
in loveStephannie Johnmy husband said these were easy to assemble, they look great in my library. I do find that I have a hard time adjusting the shelves myself, so I do have to have him help me. That is mainly for my block sets to fit as a display. However, that moves the shelves around for more books. I do wish that the local store stocked them and I didn't have to have them shipped in.
Not as good as the original Billy bookcaseFrancesFor the price point, it’s a decent bookcase. But it’s nowhere near as good as the original Billy bookcases from 20 years ago.
I wish IKEA had kept the bookcases the same from 20 years ago and increased the price instead of doing the reverse and keeping the price low but also having to reduce the quality.
This will probably be the last time I buy Billy bookcases. Just too cheap feeling and it’s noticeable compared to my older Billy bookcases.
Also I absolutely HATE the current version of using the bookshelves. The small little shelf holders are significantly worse than the metal tubes the Billy shelves used to use. They always create sawdust when you remove them. They feel flimsy. Sometimes they don’t sit right in the shelves. Just a significantly worse user experience.
I would not recommend purchasing the current version of the Billy bookcases unless you can only afford this. As an avid book lover, I cannot recommend this line of bookcases anymore.
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.
Customer reviews
4.6Average rating
3053Reviews
4.6Average rating
3053Reviews
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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.”