ᐅ Which BILLY shelves are best suited for use in the living room?

Hello everyone, I am currently redesigning my living room and considering which BILLY shelves from IKEA would be best suited for this space. I have several requirements: the shelving should not only look stylish and provide enough storage for books, decorative items, and possibly some multimedia components, but it should also be sturdy and blend well into a cozy living atmosphere. Which BILLY models or combinations do you use for your living rooms, and can you recommend which versions work particularly well? Any advice on materials, dimensions, and possible additions like doors or inserts would also be very helpful.

Juliusz49 schrieb:
The shelf should not only look stylish but also provide enough storage space for books, decorative items, and maybe some multimedia components

I can relate to that very well, as I faced a similar situation. I ended up with a white BILLY shelving unit with glass doors because it keeps the look light and elegant while still protecting and displaying your items. The glass doors also help prevent dust, which is really convenient in the living room.

In addition, I combined the shelf with closed doors at the bottom to hide cables and technical equipment. If you place the shelf against a wall with less natural light, the light color would definitely be an advantage.

Maybe this combination could work well for you too? 🙂

I recommend the BILLY with a height of 202 cm (79.5 inches) and a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches). It fits well in the living room, offers plenty of space, and is sturdy. Doors are useful if you prefer a tidy look.

To return to the question of which BILLY shelves are best suited for the living room, I would like to add two important aspects that are often overlooked.

First: the shelf depth. It is best to choose the 28 cm (11 inches) deep versions; this is the standard depth and provides enough space for books and decorations without looking bulky.

Second: the color and material options. White is the standard and gives a modern look, but there are also versions with oak veneer or dark laminate, which often suit a living room with a warmer style better.

An important tip: if you want to accommodate a lot of electronics, you can add closed cabinet units at the bottom to keep cables well hidden.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help!

SUFOJE schrieb:
The shelf depth… 28 cm (11 inches) is the standard depth and provides enough space for books and decorations without appearing bulky.

Exactly! At first, I had a cabinet that was too deep, and the shelf felt too bulky for my living room. 28 cm (11 inches) is perfect in terms of spatial feeling.

What also helped me was installing shelves at mid-height, so smaller items don’t get lost. It looks tidier and helps with organizing.

Maybe something to consider for you?

I use the small BILLY, 40x202 cm (16x79 inches), with glass doors in the living room because it is slim and requires little space. Ideal if you have limited floor area.

You can also add highlights with interior lighting, which makes the shelving unit more attractive and cozy.