Hello everyone, I am deciding on a new bookshelf from IKEA and am choosing between different BILLY sizes – such as the classic 80x28x202 cm (31½x11x79½ inches) version, the narrower models with only 28 cm (11 inches) depth, or the shorter shelves with a height of 106 cm (41½ inches). My main question is: based on your experience and expertise, which BILLY sizes and designs are best suited for storing books, especially regarding storage capacity, stability, and the care of the books? Since books vary in height and weight, practical advice on the dimensions would be very helpful. Do you recommend combining multiple smaller shelves or opting for one large unit? Thanks for your insights!
Interesting starting question! I find it quite remarkable how often people simply choose the classic BILLY model (80x202 cm (31.5x79.5 inches)) without really considering whether it suits their intended use.
It’s important to note that while the standard model offers a lot of space, it is not always optimal for every room or type of book. The load on tall shelving units, caused by the weight of the books and the material itself, is often underestimated and can cause warping over time. For heavy hardcover books, the narrower (28 cm (11 inches) deep) versions aren’t always stable enough, even though they may save space.
My advice: If you want truly durable organization, consider using a combination of at least two units—for example, one large and one smaller shelf that you can arrange flexibly—instead of a single "tower" shelf. This also increases stability and helps prevent sagging.
Yakup31 schrieb:
Which BILLY sizes and versions are best suited for storing books, especially regarding storage capacity, stability, and book care?
It’s important to note that while the standard model offers a lot of space, it is not always optimal for every room or type of book. The load on tall shelving units, caused by the weight of the books and the material itself, is often underestimated and can cause warping over time. For heavy hardcover books, the narrower (28 cm (11 inches) deep) versions aren’t always stable enough, even though they may save space.
My advice: If you want truly durable organization, consider using a combination of at least two units—for example, one large and one smaller shelf that you can arrange flexibly—instead of a single "tower" shelf. This also increases stability and helps prevent sagging.
Oh, the topic of bookshelves and BILLY – I’m immediately excited! :-)
I have several BILLY shelves myself, and I think the height of 202 cm (79 inches) is great because it offers a lot of storage space! Sure, as you get older or if you have cats, the top shelf might be harder to reach, but for me, it’s perfect since I can store so many books at once.
That’s true, all my shelves are well filled, and I’ve also added reinforcements between the shelves. This is especially important for the 28 cm (11 inches) depth shelves!
Regarding combinations: I have one large and one small shelf together, which looks really cool and offers flexibility. Just give it a try!
I have several BILLY shelves myself, and I think the height of 202 cm (79 inches) is great because it offers a lot of storage space! Sure, as you get older or if you have cats, the top shelf might be harder to reach, but for me, it’s perfect since I can store so many books at once.
GALEO4 schrieb:
The load capacity of tall shelves is often underestimated
That’s true, all my shelves are well filled, and I’ve also added reinforcements between the shelves. This is especially important for the 28 cm (11 inches) depth shelves!
Regarding combinations: I have one large and one small shelf together, which looks really cool and offers flexibility. Just give it a try!
To properly answer this question, we first need to clearly define the criteria: Which book sizes play the biggest role? Hardcover, softcover, reference books with special formats, or perhaps collected editions?
The standard BILLY with a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches) and depth of 28 cm (11 inches) is actually the most commonly used classic, often because of the optimal shelf depths that are sufficient for most book heights. The 28 cm (11 inches) depth prevents books from protruding at the front and protects them from dust accumulation at the back.
The 202 cm (79.5 inches) height allows for up to 6–7 shelves (assuming a standard shelf height of 32 cm (12.6 inches)), which of course depends on the book heights. For larger coffee table books and very varied formats, a more customized shelf arrangement is recommended.
Stability can be improved with additional wall fastenings and shelf supports. However, avoid the deeper versions like the 40 cm (15.7 inches) one unless you store large archives or bulky formats, as placing books back can be difficult and visibility is reduced.
What are the sizes of your books? Do you have any special formats?
The standard BILLY with a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches) and depth of 28 cm (11 inches) is actually the most commonly used classic, often because of the optimal shelf depths that are sufficient for most book heights. The 28 cm (11 inches) depth prevents books from protruding at the front and protects them from dust accumulation at the back.
The 202 cm (79.5 inches) height allows for up to 6–7 shelves (assuming a standard shelf height of 32 cm (12.6 inches)), which of course depends on the book heights. For larger coffee table books and very varied formats, a more customized shelf arrangement is recommended.
GALEO4 schrieb:
The standard model … is not optimal for every room or book type
Stability can be improved with additional wall fastenings and shelf supports. However, avoid the deeper versions like the 40 cm (15.7 inches) one unless you store large archives or bulky formats, as placing books back can be difficult and visibility is reduced.
What are the sizes of your books? Do you have any special formats?
Thanks for all the diverse contributions!
Regarding my collection: I actually have many different formats, mainly novels in the standard book size (about 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) tall), but also some larger graphic novels and several thick coffee table books measuring up to around 32 cm (13 inches) in height and with somewhat greater depth.
So it seems wise to install larger shelf compartments at least in the lower section to accommodate these coffee table books. Another important point is stability—especially considering the heavier coffee table books and hardcover editions.
This also raises the question of how to best make the shelves adjustable. Are there shelf supports that work well for varying heights without having to rebuild the entire shelving unit?
Regarding my collection: I actually have many different formats, mainly novels in the standard book size (about 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) tall), but also some larger graphic novels and several thick coffee table books measuring up to around 32 cm (13 inches) in height and with somewhat greater depth.
So it seems wise to install larger shelf compartments at least in the lower section to accommodate these coffee table books. Another important point is stability—especially considering the heavier coffee table books and hardcover editions.
Palenar schrieb:
What sizes are your books? Are there any specific formats?
This also raises the question of how to best make the shelves adjustable. Are there shelf supports that work well for varying heights without having to rebuild the entire shelving unit?
Due to the different book sizes, as described, I recommend combining the following approaches:
1. Use the classic BILLY bookcase with 80 cm (31.5 inches) width and 28 cm (11 inches) depth, as this provides enough space and suits most book formats.
2. Adjust the height of the shelves individually: IKEA BILLY shelves are usually height-adjustable in 3 cm (1.2 inches) increments, allowing for flexible layout. For larger coffee table books, creating compartments with a height of at least 35 cm (14 inches) is advisable.
3. For stability with heavy coffee table books, be sure to secure the shelves to the wall with fixings and use additional reinforcement rails if necessary.
If more flexibility is needed, there are separate taller BILLY units or suitable additional shelves with reinforced load capacity. Standard shelves hold about 30 kg (66 lbs), while strengthened models support slightly more.
Regarding the height: The 202 cm (79.5 inches) unit provides six shelf sections with about 32 cm (12.6 inches) height each, which seems ideal for your mixed collection.
1. Use the classic BILLY bookcase with 80 cm (31.5 inches) width and 28 cm (11 inches) depth, as this provides enough space and suits most book formats.
2. Adjust the height of the shelves individually: IKEA BILLY shelves are usually height-adjustable in 3 cm (1.2 inches) increments, allowing for flexible layout. For larger coffee table books, creating compartments with a height of at least 35 cm (14 inches) is advisable.
3. For stability with heavy coffee table books, be sure to secure the shelves to the wall with fixings and use additional reinforcement rails if necessary.
Yakup31 schrieb:
Wie ich die Regalbretter am besten flexibel anpassen kann?
If more flexibility is needed, there are separate taller BILLY units or suitable additional shelves with reinforced load capacity. Standard shelves hold about 30 kg (66 lbs), while strengthened models support slightly more.
Regarding the height: The 202 cm (79.5 inches) unit provides six shelf sections with about 32 cm (12.6 inches) height each, which seems ideal for your mixed collection.
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