ᐅ How do people improve the appearance of older BILLY bookcases?

Hello everyone, I have some older Billy shelves from IKEA at home that have become a bit worn and outdated in appearance after years of use and moving. I’m interested in learning about ways to improve the look of these older models without having to buy completely new shelves. What methods have you used to refresh the shelves’ appearance, make them more durable, or better match modern interior styles? I’m especially interested in practical and cost-effective solutions—whether through painting, applying adhesive films, replacing doors, or other creative adjustments. Thanks in advance for your tips!

One of the most effective and durable ways to visually update older BILLY shelves is to sand the surfaces and then paint them with a high-quality acrylic paint. This allows you to customize both the color and the finish (matte, satin, or glossy). It is important to thoroughly sand the surface before painting and clean it with a degreaser or water so the paint adheres well.

For a less labor-intensive option, you can experiment with self-adhesive films, although these often tend to peel or develop bubbles over time. Another possibility is replacing the doors with models featuring glass or different fronts, which are available in IKEA accessories and can instantly make the look more modern.

gadalu schrieb:
experimenting with self-adhesive films

Exactly, that was my first step! Especially films with wood grain or concrete finish give the shelves a quick style upgrade, even if they don’t last forever.

I covered my old BILLY shelves with matte films, and they look like they just came from a furniture designer. 🙂 If you want a more permanent result, of course you can sand and paint them, but for a quick makeover, films are really great.

It is also possible to install LED lighting in the BILLY shelves to shift the focus away from the used wood and give them a modern, high-quality character. LEDs are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be controlled via remote or app.

Additionally, replacing the original shelves with glass grids is worthwhile – these appear lighter and less bulky.

Many people underestimate the impact of handles. If your BILLY shelves have doors or drawers, replacing the handles and knobs can make a significant difference. There are numerous modern options made of metal, wood, or plastic that are easy to install.

Additionally, you might consider covering the shelves with wallpaper or applying veneer to the back panel. This creates a high-quality contrast and allows you to replace or refresh the back panels here and there without much effort.

I would recommend first checking if the shelf is still stable.

Then: get paint or film, new doors, or glass doors.

You can also add lighting, which usually works very well.