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?
Super interesting discussion here! 😃
I’ve been using a Billy as a room divider for six months and can only say: it’s brilliant! It gives me so much flexibility and looks really stylish when well stocked.
And when it comes to acoustics: I think it provides a kind of "acoustic separation" by breaking up the space. However, you shouldn’t expect complete soundproofing.
From me, a definite thumbs up!
I’ve been using a Billy as a room divider for six months and can only say: it’s brilliant! It gives me so much flexibility and looks really stylish when well stocked.
dusujan schrieb:– yes, that’s true. But with the right angle brackets, I fixed it so securely. No more wobbling, definitely worth the investment! 😊
It can get a bit wobbly
And when it comes to acoustics: I think it provides a kind of "acoustic separation" by breaking up the space. However, you shouldn’t expect complete soundproofing.
From me, a definite thumbs up!
Guys, I have to say, I love Billy as a room divider! 😊
You do notice the "see-through effect," but hey, it’s actually pretty cool to have a bit of openness.
Regarding stability: My advice, based on a lot of experience (literally dancing around), is to place the shelf on carpet or carpet tiles. This acts like a shock absorber and improves stability.
If you cover the back with attractive materials (maybe a thin plywood panel in a matching color), it can enhance the look and visually separate the space even more.
You do notice the "see-through effect," but hey, it’s actually pretty cool to have a bit of openness.
Regarding stability: My advice, based on a lot of experience (literally dancing around), is to place the shelf on carpet or carpet tiles. This acts like a shock absorber and improves stability.
If you cover the back with attractive materials (maybe a thin plywood panel in a matching color), it can enhance the look and visually separate the space even more.
I'll just chime in briefly.
I consider Billy suitable as a room divider only if you accept its limited stability and secure the shelf accordingly.
Storage space is limited, and it also collects dust. Acoustically, it only provides diffusion without other changes.
For anything beyond that, I recommend other systems.
I consider Billy suitable as a room divider only if you accept its limited stability and secure the shelf accordingly.
Storage space is limited, and it also collects dust. Acoustically, it only provides diffusion without other changes.
For anything beyond that, I recommend other systems.
barge schrieb:
The Billy shelf works really well as a room divider, but it always looks a bit like an open displayHaha, exactly that! You get a completely unobstructed view of the 'insides' – plus, it’s a challenge to make the back look reasonably tidy when it’s visible.
You really have to think about how to present it – maybe design the back panel on both sides, or cover the surfaces with a laminate or similar finish? Do you have any tips?
Is this something you can do yourself, or do professionals usually recommend more specialized solutions?
dusujan schrieb:
Is it possible to do this yourself, or do professionals generally recommend professional solutions?That’s a good question!
Personally, I have covered back panels with self-adhesive film – it works surprisingly well and, depending on the pattern, can look very stylish. However, you should make sure the surface is clean, smooth, and free of grease.
Alternatively, you can attach thin MDF boards and then paint or wallpaper them. This way, the Billy shelf practically becomes a real eye-catcher.
Professional solutions are, of course, more durable, but they cost significantly more and are not as flexible as DIY methods.
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