I am currently planning to use the IKEA Billy shelf as a room divider in my apartment but am unsure whether this might cause any issues. From your experience, are there stability problems when the shelf is placed in the middle of a room, or does access from both sides limit the storage space? I am also interested in whether there could be drawbacks regarding appearance and acoustics in larger rooms. Has anyone used a Billy as a room divider for an extended period and can share any difficulties?
Hello Ginujo, I am familiar with that problem.
That was exactly my concern – the shelf can indeed become a bit unstable if it is not fixed to the wall. For me, this caused some discomfort, so I also used brackets and wall plugs for extra security.
Dividing the space with a Billy shelf significantly changed the sound in my case, mostly in a negative way – the open shelf tends to reflect sound diffusely, which can sometimes be unpleasant. Overall, I would say the Billy is a practical room divider, but with some compromises, especially regarding stability and acoustics.
Ginujo schrieb:
From your experience, could there be stability issues if the shelf is placed in the middle of the room?
That was exactly my concern – the shelf can indeed become a bit unstable if it is not fixed to the wall. For me, this caused some discomfort, so I also used brackets and wall plugs for extra security.
Ginujo schrieb:
There might be acoustic drawbacks in larger rooms
Dividing the space with a Billy shelf significantly changed the sound in my case, mostly in a negative way – the open shelf tends to reflect sound diffusely, which can sometimes be unpleasant. Overall, I would say the Billy is a practical room divider, but with some compromises, especially regarding stability and acoustics.
I’m approaching this topic with a lighthearted wink 😉
What I also find funny: the Billy shelf works really well as a room divider, but it always looks a bit like a confession party – the inner secrets are revealed right away. It’s less “room divider” and more “transparent screening” 😉
Especially if you use it on both sides – but hey, that’s what makes life interesting!
dusujan schrieb:it’s a good idea to secure it – otherwise, you’ll soon have a Billy shelf that suddenly starts dancing! If you’re not careful, that leads to movement instead of separation 🙂
regarding stability
What I also find funny: the Billy shelf works really well as a room divider, but it always looks a bit like a confession party – the inner secrets are revealed right away. It’s less “room divider” and more “transparent screening” 😉
Especially if you use it on both sides – but hey, that’s what makes life interesting!
I have had a Billy bookshelf used as a room divider in my living room for a year now and can share the following:
Stability was a concern for me at first, especially since it just stands on the floor. The shelf is on a slightly uneven surface, and if I lean against it, you can notice some slight wobbling. However, this hasn’t affected daily use.
What I really like is the flexibility, as you can easily reconfigure or move it at any time. Considering the price and the look, it’s great. I recommend reinforcing the back panel if you plan to store many heavy books.
Acoustically, I can confirm that the open design hardly absorbs sound, but I used it as a room divider rather than for sound or visual privacy.
Stability was a concern for me at first, especially since it just stands on the floor. The shelf is on a slightly uneven surface, and if I lean against it, you can notice some slight wobbling. However, this hasn’t affected daily use.
What I really like is the flexibility, as you can easily reconfigure or move it at any time. Considering the price and the look, it’s great. I recommend reinforcing the back panel if you plan to store many heavy books.
Acoustically, I can confirm that the open design hardly absorbs sound, but I used it as a room divider rather than for sound or visual privacy.
Brief and to the point: Billy is only partially suitable for use as a room divider.
Stability: Wall mounting or additional fixing is necessary.
Storage: Access from both sides is convenient; otherwise, it can be difficult.
Acoustics: No soundproofing effect.
Appearance: Fits well in modern apartments, gives a light and open feel.
Conclusion: Works, but with limitations.
Stability: Wall mounting or additional fixing is necessary.
Storage: Access from both sides is convenient; otherwise, it can be difficult.
Acoustics: No soundproofing effect.
Appearance: Fits well in modern apartments, gives a light and open feel.
Conclusion: Works, but with limitations.
Ginujo, your question is very well put, especially since it covers different aspects.
I would like to add that floor grip is also important. My Billy was standing on a very smooth laminate floor, so it slid easily if it wasn’t secured additionally. Non-slip pads or small stops can help with that.
Also, the shelf is relatively low, so if you value privacy screening, it might not be the ideal solution. However, if you want a boundary without complete privacy, it works well.
If you want to know how to stabilize it, I’m happy to help.
I would like to add that floor grip is also important. My Billy was standing on a very smooth laminate floor, so it slid easily if it wasn’t secured additionally. Non-slip pads or small stops can help with that.
Also, the shelf is relatively low, so if you value privacy screening, it might not be the ideal solution. However, if you want a boundary without complete privacy, it works well.
If you want to know how to stabilize it, I’m happy to help.
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