To call Ikea a ‘retailer’ just doesn’t do it justice. Far more than a store, it has become an emporium of ideas and possibilities. Democratic by design, the low prices and (mostly) well thought out designs have meant that Ikea's wares have become a springboard for makers and DIY-ers alike, personalising and customising basic pieces so that they become something else entirely. And the highest selling and arguably most hackable design of them all is the Billy bookcase – one is sold somewhere in the world every ten seconds. Infinitely versatile, there are thousands of ways to make yours stand apart. Click through for six of our favourites, from styling suggestions to full on hacking.
If Pinterest is anything to go by, Ikea hacking has reached new highs of late – and this faux built-in unit is a prime example. Using three Billy units, some wooden 2 x 4s and some clever spacing (and considerable patience), this fancy construction is barely recognisable from the humble bookcases it started life as. And you thought building the flat pack was hard enough... Find out how it’s done on The Makerista.
Photo: Courtesy of The Makerista.
You can never have too many shoes. Except when you live in a flat in London with no wardrobe space, that is. Billy comes to the rescue once again, this time reincarnated as a shoe wardrobe. Note the corner unit too – an excellent use of dead space put to good use.
Photo: Courtesy of Fashion Hippie Loves.
This elegant home office has repurposed the shorter Billy, placing several units side by side and fashioning a top to give the illusion of a single piece of furniture. The low height makes the room feel uncluttered and more spacious too.
Photo: Courtesy of Design Sponge.
Never underestimate the power of colour. This Billy has been transformed with a simple splash of colour, which looks all the more striking on a white bookcase. Curate books and objects in pale shades for bonus style points.
Photo: Courtesy of Ikea.
Another impressive bit of DIY, this time covering up shelves with a homemade chipboard door on a rail to hide clutter (although in this case immaculately stacked white magazines, but whatever.) Just the thing for the untidy or disorganised among us who don’t want our collection of Grazia's on display.
Photo: Courtesy of ICH Designer.
Billy can take on a different disguise entirely by adding glass doors (also from Ikea, naturally.) A black finish not only looks more expensive, but also brings a moody and opulent feel to a space. Proof that even chaotic shelves can look good. God bless you Ikea.
Photo: Courtesy of Ikea.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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