Hello everyone,
I recently bought a Billy shelving unit from IKEA and now want to make sure that the shelves are actually deep enough for the items I plan to store there. My question is: What is the best way to check if the Billy shelves are deep enough?
So far, I have only found the shelf dimensions in the instructions, but what I really want to know is how you measure the space optimally and what criteria you use to be absolutely sure that the depth is sufficient—especially considering different items like books, folders, or decorative pieces.
Does anyone have tips or proven methods for checking the right depth before fully setting up the shelving unit? Thanks in advance for your help!
I recently bought a Billy shelving unit from IKEA and now want to make sure that the shelves are actually deep enough for the items I plan to store there. My question is: What is the best way to check if the Billy shelves are deep enough?
So far, I have only found the shelf dimensions in the instructions, but what I really want to know is how you measure the space optimally and what criteria you use to be absolutely sure that the depth is sufficient—especially considering different items like books, folders, or decorative pieces.
Does anyone have tips or proven methods for checking the right depth before fully setting up the shelving unit? Thanks in advance for your help!
F
Friedrich26 Aug 2023 12:15I also had doubts for a long time about whether the depth would be sufficient – I wanted to store large photo albums and thick books. My advice: start by using cardboard boxes or stacks of books that match the dimensions of your items. This will give you a better idea of whether 28cm (11 inches) deep is enough.
Don’t worry if it looks tight at first – often, more fits in than you expect. And if your shelves are adjustable, you can experiment with adding extra intermediate shelves.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to go for the deeper option – for example, Billy often comes in 40cm (16 inches) depth.
Don’t worry if it looks tight at first – often, more fits in than you expect. And if your shelves are adjustable, you can experiment with adding extra intermediate shelves.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to go for the deeper option – for example, Billy often comes in 40cm (16 inches) depth.
Friedrich schrieb:
My tip: First try using boxes or stacks of books that represent the dimensions of your itemsThat sounds like a very practical suggestion, thanks! I could actually try a kind of mockup in the room before assembling the fixed shelving unit.
However, I would still like to know if anyone has specific advice regarding measurement methods beyond just using a tape measure—such as tricks with specialized measuring tools or digital apps to check if the depth is sufficient. Maybe there are some smart techniques?
Digital methods are of course possible but usually oversized for this purpose. However, a laser measuring device can be very helpful when precise interior dimensions are needed. It also allows for accurate measurement of the depth in an assembled shelf without interfering with extensive installation work.
If you don’t have a laser device, a good metal tape measure will suffice. Measuring clamps as a holding aid are also practical to keep the tape measure fixed against the back wall. It is important to measure all the way to the very back to capture the full depth.
And if you plan to measure other deep furniture on the go, investing in such a device is definitely worthwhile.
If you don’t have a laser device, a good metal tape measure will suffice. Measuring clamps as a holding aid are also practical to keep the tape measure fixed against the back wall. It is important to measure all the way to the very back to capture the full depth.
And if you plan to measure other deep furniture on the go, investing in such a device is definitely worthwhile.
andre3 schrieb:
A laser distance measurer is also useful for accurately determining the depth of an assembled shelfI agree with that. Especially when measuring interior spaces, a good laser distance measurer allows for very precise and quick work.
A practical tip: Before measuring, check whether the shelf board is slightly sagging or tilted. This could affect the accuracy of the measurement. Proper alignment and angle are crucial when measuring.
Hey everyone! 🙂
I think it’s okay to approach the topic of "shelf depth" with a bit of fun. 🙂
If you’re like me, you use the original box the Billy shelf came in as a practical measuring tool. Just pack your thickest books or folders into the box the way you want them on the shelf. Then measure the box carefully, especially the depth. This saves you the hassle of fiddling with a ruler and so on.
Then hold the box up “floating” in the room as a test against the wall — this way you can see right away if the depth looks right to you. Billy is great, but sometimes we just want to give those large folders a little more “room to breathe” ;-)
Sounds simple, but it works perfectly — and it can even be a bit of fun! 😄
I think it’s okay to approach the topic of "shelf depth" with a bit of fun. 🙂
If you’re like me, you use the original box the Billy shelf came in as a practical measuring tool. Just pack your thickest books or folders into the box the way you want them on the shelf. Then measure the box carefully, especially the depth. This saves you the hassle of fiddling with a ruler and so on.
Then hold the box up “floating” in the room as a test against the wall — this way you can see right away if the depth looks right to you. Billy is great, but sometimes we just want to give those large folders a little more “room to breathe” ;-)
Sounds simple, but it works perfectly — and it can even be a bit of fun! 😄
I agree with Taraon on this! Especially the so-called "cardboard trick" is really practical. I often add a small foam roll or some cotton wool to simulate the necessary clearance for pulling the item out.
People often underestimate how important that little bit of forward space is! Otherwise, it gets annoying later when you have to practically force the objects out 🙂
So: depth plus an additional 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) for “grab space” – that’s my rule of thumb.
People often underestimate how important that little bit of forward space is! Otherwise, it gets annoying later when you have to practically force the objects out 🙂
So: depth plus an additional 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) for “grab space” – that’s my rule of thumb.
Similar topics