Hello everyone, I’m looking for recommendations for BILLY bookcases that work well in small spaces. My living room is just under 12 square meters (130 square feet), and I want to use a shelf that is both space-saving and functional, capable of holding books, decorations, and maybe a few folders. Does anyone have experience with specific models or narrow versions of the BILLY range? It’s especially important to me that the shelf doesn’t feel too bulky despite the limited space and provides good storage without making the room feel cramped. Looking forward to your advice!
Hey dolore, that’s a great question! I love the BILLY shelves for small spaces because they are so versatile! 😊 For really tight corners, I recommend the narrow versions, for example, shelves that are 40 cm (15.7 inches) wide. These are perfect for saving space while still looking neat and not bulky!
What I find especially clever is that the shelves can be adjusted flexibly to accommodate books or folders well. And if you add a door, it immediately looks tidier – perfect for small rooms!
What I always do as well: don’t build a BILLY shelf all the way up to the ceiling; leave a few centimeters (inches) of space at the top – this makes the room feel bigger right away! Good luck with setting up :-)!
What I find especially clever is that the shelves can be adjusted flexibly to accommodate books or folders well. And if you add a door, it immediately looks tidier – perfect for small rooms!
What I always do as well: don’t build a BILLY shelf all the way up to the ceiling; leave a few centimeters (inches) of space at the top – this makes the room feel bigger right away! Good luck with setting up :-)!
Regarding the question of which BILLY shelves are suitable for small spaces: the narrow versions with a width of 40 cm (15.7 inches) and a height of about 202 cm (79.5 inches) are ideal. They require little floor space but still provide sufficient storage capacity. The adjustable shelves allow for customization to fit items of varying sizes. An additional tip: light, bright colors or white finishes make the piece appear less bulky.
todunar schrieb:This is essential for optimal use and space efficiency.
I especially like that the shelves can be adjusted flexibly
G
Genevieve22 Aug 2022 08:55I would like to offer a slightly different perspective on choosing BILLY shelves for small spaces. It is true that the narrow shelves with a width of 40 cm (16 inches) appear more space-saving. However, it is also worth seriously considering whether vertical height is always the best solution. Because
This is often supported by a ‘look-up’ effect: shelves that reach the ceiling can visually reduce the size of a room if the ceiling is low.
Furthermore: Is the shelf planned to be open or with doors? Doors help keep things tidy but also reduce light and the feeling of space somewhat. If you have lots of small items, doors make sense. For decorative books and ornaments, open shelves often feel more inviting.
I recommend carefully measuring the room – not just the floor plan but also the ceiling height and window wall – before making a decision.
dolore schrieb:
the shelf does not appear too bulky despite limited space
This is often supported by a ‘look-up’ effect: shelves that reach the ceiling can visually reduce the size of a room if the ceiling is low.
Furthermore: Is the shelf planned to be open or with doors? Doors help keep things tidy but also reduce light and the feeling of space somewhat. If you have lots of small items, doors make sense. For decorative books and ornaments, open shelves often feel more inviting.
I recommend carefully measuring the room – not just the floor plan but also the ceiling height and window wall – before making a decision.
When it comes to small rooms and BILLY shelves, I would add the following: instead of one wide shelf, you can also use two narrow BILLY shelves (each 40cm (16 inches) wide) and place them, for example, in an L-shape in the corners. This creates more storage space with a slightly more open layout.
That is true, but sometimes it also depends on the ceiling height. In rooms with high ceilings, tall shelves also work wonderfully even in small areas.
The color also makes a big difference – light tones, perhaps even the classic BILLY white, help the shelf blend into the room. Oh, and the popular BILLY glass doors are perfect if you want dust protection without filtering the light. Enjoy decorating! 🙂
Genevieve schrieb:
Shelves that reach up to the ceiling can visually reduce the room
That is true, but sometimes it also depends on the ceiling height. In rooms with high ceilings, tall shelves also work wonderfully even in small areas.
The color also makes a big difference – light tones, perhaps even the classic BILLY white, help the shelf blend into the room. Oh, and the popular BILLY glass doors are perfect if you want dust protection without filtering the light. Enjoy decorating! 🙂
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