ᐅ How can I install Billy shelves in apartments without drilling?

Hello everyone, I am planning to install my IKEA Billy shelves in my rental apartment, but I want to avoid drilling at all costs since the landlords are very strict and it could cause problems. My question is: How can I securely, stably, and permanently mount Billy shelves in apartments without drilling? I am mainly looking for solutions that reliably fix the shelves in place so they don’t wobble or fall over, and can possibly support some weight. Additionally, any tips on which materials or tools work best for typical rental apartment walls—usually plaster or wallpaper over concrete—would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey Linean, cool question – I’m familiar with that issue. In rental properties, drilling holes is often a no-go. For Billy-style shelves, small clamp strips or mounting brackets that can be fixed with strong double-sided tape or a special foam adhesive work well. Of course, they won’t hold tons of weight, but usually, they’re fine for a few books or decorations. Some people also swear by extra-strong silicone adhesives, but you really need to pay attention to the wall type, or you might end up with visible stains. It’s best to experiment a few times before fixing everything permanently 🙂 🙂

As a supplement: For those who want to securely attach Billy shelves to the wall without drilling, it is recommended to use special adhesive systems designed for this purpose. These usually consist of high-performance adhesive or mounting tape of branded quality (e.g., 3M VHB). It is crucial that the wall surface is clean, dry, and load-bearing. Smooth surfaces are generally more suitable than textured plaster walls. Additionally, the load should not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications for the adhesive materials. Alternatively, there are so-called tension shoe systems that wedge between the ceiling and floor, providing good load distribution without damaging the wall.

I would like to share a simple step-by-step guide on how to assemble Billy shelves without drilling – and still ensure they are secure.

1. Choosing the attachment method: Use either high-strength adhesive pads/tapes or install a tension shelving system (between floor and ceiling).

2. Preparing the wall: Clean the surface thoroughly (dust-free, dry, grease-free) using alcohol or spirit. Consider the paint thickness and, in case of wallpaper, its condition; do not stick anything on loose surfaces.

3. Attachment with adhesive tape: For adhesive tapes (e.g., 3M VHB), cover the area generously and apply pressure for about 30 seconds per tape. Let it rest under load for at least 24 hours.

4. Tension system: When using a tension shelving system, check that the floor and ceiling are sturdy enough, and adjust carefully. Advantage: leaves no residue on the wall.

Common mistake: sticking directly onto wallpaper or uneven plaster – this hardly holds. It’s better to test on a small area first.

Summary: No drilling means either strong adhesive or fully relying on tension solutions. For heavy loads, drilling is hardly replaceable, and this should be kept in mind.

In addition to LANICOLE’s note, I would like to emphasize that the wall condition significantly affects the choice of the mounting method. In older buildings, walls are often uneven or the wallpaper is not load-bearing. In these cases, I recommend tension shelves (floor-to-ceiling) rather than adhesives, since the latter can fail on uneven surfaces or poor-quality finishes. Furthermore, shelves should be equipped with anti-tip fittings, as a fully secure installation cannot be guaranteed without drilling.

LANICOLE schrieb:
Without drilling means either using strong adhesives or relying entirely on tension-based solutions. Drilling is hardly replaceable for heavy loads.

I fully agree with this assessment. If drilling holes is not allowed, weight limits must be accepted and installation should be adjusted accordingly. A combination of a stable tensioning device and supports to prevent tipping is advisable. Strong adhesive mounting glues are only suitable for smooth, clean surfaces—otherwise, detachment may occur. Before purchasing, the product datasheet should be checked for suitability.