ᐅ Which Billy shelves are not suitable for use as room dividers?
Created on: 9 Oct 2023 18:23
J
justinne57
Hello everyone,
I’m currently considering using a Billy bookcase as a room divider in my apartment. I’ve noticed that there are different versions and sizes available. My specific question is: based on your experience or knowledge, which Billy bookcases are not suitable as room dividers, and what are the reasons against using them for this purpose? I’m thinking about factors such as stability, back panel material, depth, or the possibility of accessing storage from both sides.
It would be helpful if you could support your assessment with specific model names or dimensions, so I can better judge which bookcases might be less suitable. I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
I’m currently considering using a Billy bookcase as a room divider in my apartment. I’ve noticed that there are different versions and sizes available. My specific question is: based on your experience or knowledge, which Billy bookcases are not suitable as room dividers, and what are the reasons against using them for this purpose? I’m thinking about factors such as stability, back panel material, depth, or the possibility of accessing storage from both sides.
It would be helpful if you could support your assessment with specific model names or dimensions, so I can better judge which bookcases might be less suitable. I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
Surela schrieb:
One option is the BILLY/OXBERG model, which offers a solid back panel and door option.I can confirm that. The BILLY/OXBERG shelf has a thicker back panel and a more thoughtful design, especially since it was also intended as a room divider. Additionally, the doors can be installed to open from either side, which is usually not possible with standard BILLY units.
A tip: For the standard model without doors, which is placed against a wall, you should always check the back panel. If it is made of thin hardboard, I recommend replacing it with a sturdy MDF board to ensure stability when the unit is freestanding.
I think the thin back panels on Billy really cause problems when placing it in the middle of a room.
If you want to use a Billy as a room divider, you should either reinforce the back panel or choose models with closed sides instead.
But hey, the 20cm (8 inches) deep shelves are just too shallow – not only does it look unstable, but there’s also hardly any space for decorations. My advice: go for 40cm (16 inches) depth instead – it feels much sturdier and a bit more elegant. 🙂
And if you want to make it look really stylish, you can upgrade it with nice boxes or baskets for storage, which also looks great from the living room side. ;-)
If you want to use a Billy as a room divider, you should either reinforce the back panel or choose models with closed sides instead.
But hey, the 20cm (8 inches) deep shelves are just too shallow – not only does it look unstable, but there’s also hardly any space for decorations. My advice: go for 40cm (16 inches) depth instead – it feels much sturdier and a bit more elegant. 🙂
And if you want to make it look really stylish, you can upgrade it with nice boxes or baskets for storage, which also looks great from the living room side. ;-)
The risk with Billy-style shelves used as room dividers is their lack of stability when accessed from both sides and their thin back panel.
Especially unsuitable are newer models without back panel reinforcement and with a thin structure. Attaching doors to sides not designed for them is also problematic. This can cause the shelf to easily tip over or twist.
Tip: Room dividers should always be secured to the floor or ceiling; otherwise, their use is only conditionally recommended.
If securing the unit is not possible, I recommend additional reinforcement of the side panels with brackets or metal profiles.
Especially unsuitable are newer models without back panel reinforcement and with a thin structure. Attaching doors to sides not designed for them is also problematic. This can cause the shelf to easily tip over or twist.
Tip: Room dividers should always be secured to the floor or ceiling; otherwise, their use is only conditionally recommended.
If securing the unit is not possible, I recommend additional reinforcement of the side panels with brackets or metal profiles.
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zarHenning11 Oct 2023 17:39For me, the Billy units with the thin hardboard walls are more decorative than stable partition walls. If you want to be sure that it doesn’t wobble, go for the deeper versions with solid wood sides and reinforced back panel.
The 20cm (8 inches) models or those without a back panel are definitely not room dividers. Simply too unstable.
The 20cm (8 inches) models or those without a back panel are definitely not room dividers. Simply too unstable.
zarHenning schrieb:
20cm (8 inches) models or those without a back panel are definitely not room dividers. I agree with that.
If I have it standing freely in a room, I want access from both sides. A Billy without a back panel is usually only usable to a limited extent. For room dividers, it's better to choose the deeper version with a sturdy back panel.
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