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Struggling with limited storage in your home? A budget-friendly solution is at hand. This innovative IKEA hack utilizes the versatile BILLY bookcase to create a personalized and stylish storage option without the hefty price tag of custom furniture. With a dash of creativity and some paint, you can transform an everyday flat-pack into a chic centerpiece that reflects your unique style.
My previous attempt to construct an alcove bookcase using MDF sheets yielded less than satisfactory results. While it provided ample storage, functionality was lacking—the doors wouldn’t close correctly, and the shelves were uneven. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: for my next home, an IKEA hack would be my go-to for a new bookcase.
Getting started with your IKEA hack
This transformation was achieved without any power tools. We inherited four BILLY bookcases from the former residents, and I instantly recognized the potential to recreate a stunning bookcase inspired by Belle’s library from Beauty and the Beast. This guide is designed for DIY beginners; seasoned carpenters may want to look away. The focus here is not on flawless craftsmanship but on achieving the dream bookcase you envision.
Preparing the bookcases
To kick off any IKEA project, it’s crucial to prepare the units properly. I recommend using Zinsser’s BIN primer, especially for painting laminate surfaces. If you’re concerned about the shellac base, a water-based alternative called Zinsser BIN Aqua is available. For this project, I opted for the traditional shellac version, which required patience as it took the longest during the prep phase. After priming each unit, I secured them together with screws to form a robust base.
Enhancing the design
If your bookcase falls short of your ceiling height, don’t worry. IKEA offers extension boxes that can be added to the top. Initially, I thought the extension units left behind by the previous owners were just cubbies, but it was a delightful surprise to learn they were meant to elevate the BILLY bookcases. With the full unit in mind, my vision started to take shape.
Adding decorative elements
To achieve a seamless built-in appearance, I incorporated coving as a cornice at the top and added wood moulding to the front. I used a mitre box for cutting the coving, though my attempt to create scribed cuts was not very successful. Thankfully, since the bookcase is positioned in a corner, the imperfections are only noticeable from a specific angle. For the wood moulding, I initially tried to cut it with mitre shears, but a simple hand saw would have been a better choice. Once I had the pieces cut, I secured both the coving and moulding using Hard as Nails adhesive.
The best part? Painting. I chose a color called Mouse’s Back by Farrow and Ball, a lovely deep hue perfect for a cozy yet sophisticated home office. This color subtly shifts from green to grey depending on the light, creating depth in the space. To reduce brush marks, I added a paint conditioner called Floetrol, which helped achieve a smooth finish resembling a spray-painted look.