ᐅ What issues can arise when using BILLY as a TV stand?

Hello everyone,

Lately, I have been using IKEA’s BILLY shelves as a TV stand, which seems practical because they are flexible and affordable. However, some issues appear to arise when using them as a TV stand, and I would like to explore these in more detail. Specifically, I am interested in hearing about typical challenges other users have encountered when using BILLY as a TV stand. These include problems with load capacity, stability, cable management, or the available space for media devices.

I would really appreciate well-informed feedback, including any specific modifications or solutions you have found. Thanks in advance!

One of the most common issues I clearly see is the stability of the BILLY shelving unit when a heavy TV is placed on it. These shelves were originally not designed to bear such a load, especially with larger models. Additionally, the shallow depth often poses problems for media players or receivers.

I recommend reinforcing the shelves with additional bracing and, for heavier TVs, definitely securing them to the wall.

Regarding load-bearing capacity: BILLY shelves are designed for books and lighter items. The weight of a modern TV frame often slightly to significantly exceeds the recommended maximum load. For example, IKEA itself specifies a maximum load of about 30 kg (66 lbs) per shelf, which is usually insufficient for TVs from 40 inches (102 cm) and larger.

Additionally, there is the issue of inadequate cable management. Although the open back panel partly facilitates this, it often leads to messy cable arrangements.

In addition to the load-bearing capacity mentioned by Lorukeo, the shallow depth must also be considered. BILLY shelves in the standard depth version (about 28 cm (11 inches)) are often too narrow to properly accommodate larger AV components such as subwoofers, receivers, or cable boxes.

A common solution is to purchase the deeper version (about 40 cm (16 inches)) or to add extra shelves as intermediate compartments.

The downside to this is that the appearance and stability may be negatively affected.

nubar schrieb:
the shallow depth is often problematic for media players or receivers.

That makes sense to me, thanks for the clarification. How sturdy are the included shelves? Are there any significant weak points that could break easily? I haven’t considered adding extra reinforcements yet.

Also, I would be interested to hear if anyone has experience with the weight of TVs on BILLY shelves, especially for larger screen sizes (over 50 inches).

I find the discussion here interesting, but honestly: using BILLY as a TV stand is definitely a compromise and should be carefully considered.

Besides, I wonder if the existing issues are actually a sign that it’s better to buy something more specialized for electronic devices, instead of trying to get the most out of a bookshelf.

The load-bearing problem is not only a risk for the TV but also for the user – and this is often underestimated.