Hello everyone, I have a specific question regarding the adaptation of Billy shelves to different room sizes. I have often noticed that the standard dimensions of Billy shelves don’t always fit well in every room, especially in very narrow corridors or rooms with very high ceilings.
Specifically, I’m interested in what options are available to modify or configure Billy shelves so that they can be optimally integrated into small, medium, or very large rooms without compromising storage capacity or appearance.
Are there, for example, special adjustments for the width, depth, or height? Can additional components help ensure the best use of space?
I look forward to your experiences and tips!
Specifically, I’m interested in what options are available to modify or configure Billy shelves so that they can be optimally integrated into small, medium, or very large rooms without compromising storage capacity or appearance.
Are there, for example, special adjustments for the width, depth, or height? Can additional components help ensure the best use of space?
I look forward to your experiences and tips!
J
JEREMIAH3810 Sep 2019 19:25I would like to add an emotional aspect to this topic. I also wanted to make the most out of my rather small rooms and was a bit concerned about choosing unsuitable furniture.
What helped me with the Billy shelves was to combine them creatively: tall shelves as well as narrow shelves used as room dividers. This way, the space doesn’t feel overcrowded, yet there is still plenty of storage.
Sometimes, connecting shelves higher up on the wall can also help – it creates a sense of clarity and order.
What helped me with the Billy shelves was to combine them creatively: tall shelves as well as narrow shelves used as room dividers. This way, the space doesn’t feel overcrowded, yet there is still plenty of storage.
Sometimes, connecting shelves higher up on the wall can also help – it creates a sense of clarity and order.
For precise adjustment of Billy shelves to different room sizes, I recommend the following approach:
1. Measure the available space, including ceiling height and any surrounding doors or radiators.
2. Choose the appropriate shelf height (106 cm (42 inches), 202 cm (80 inches), or 237 cm (93 inches)).
3. Consider the depth: 28 cm (11 inches) for narrow hallways, 37 cm (15 inches) for more storage space.
4. Use extension units—such as top shelves—to make better use of the height.
5. Take load capacity into account: for taller shelves, wall mounting should be installed.
Additionally, note that widths of 40 cm (16 inches), 80 cm (31 inches), and 60 cm (24 inches) are not easily adjustable, and shortening the side panels is not recommended, as it compromises stability.
1. Measure the available space, including ceiling height and any surrounding doors or radiators.
2. Choose the appropriate shelf height (106 cm (42 inches), 202 cm (80 inches), or 237 cm (93 inches)).
3. Consider the depth: 28 cm (11 inches) for narrow hallways, 37 cm (15 inches) for more storage space.
4. Use extension units—such as top shelves—to make better use of the height.
5. Take load capacity into account: for taller shelves, wall mounting should be installed.
Additionally, note that widths of 40 cm (16 inches), 80 cm (31 inches), and 60 cm (24 inches) are not easily adjustable, and shortening the side panels is not recommended, as it compromises stability.
This question is very important because many users want to use the shelves in rooms of different sizes.
I would like to add one aspect to KLONA’s comments: the color and the design of the back panel should be adapted to the room. Light colors and back panels with mirrors or light patterns make small rooms appear larger.
In addition, combining different heights and depths of Billy shelves is advantageous for optimal use of space in rooms with varying depths.
Regarding storage, using custom-made shelf parts below or above the Billy shelves can also be useful to make use of available niches.
I would like to add one aspect to KLONA’s comments: the color and the design of the back panel should be adapted to the room. Light colors and back panels with mirrors or light patterns make small rooms appear larger.
In addition, combining different heights and depths of Billy shelves is advantageous for optimal use of space in rooms with varying depths.
Regarding storage, using custom-made shelf parts below or above the Billy shelves can also be useful to make use of available niches.
flogau0 schrieb:
In my case, the ceiling height is just over 250 cm (8 ft 2 in), and the narrowest spot in the room is only 85 cm (33 inches) wide.This helps to further analyze the options. With a ceiling height of 250 cm (8 ft 2 in), I would avoid placing shelves that leave only about 13 cm (5 inches) of space below the ceiling. Instead, top units that create a visually continuous line are recommended.
With a width of 85 cm (33 inches) available, a shelf depth of 37 cm (15 inches) is probably too large — you could place several 40 cm (16 inches) wide Billy shelves side by side if you need more width.
It is usually also advisable to leave a small gap between the shelf and the wall to prevent the unit from pressing directly against radiators or door frames.
What kind of use do you have planned? Books, decoration, or a mix? This can influence the ideal shelf depth.
To make it easier to customize your Billy shelving unit, I recommend using IKEA accessory parts, such as extra shelves or add-on units.
Unfortunately, shelf depths cannot be shortened, so use narrower versions or multiple units instead.
The optional wall mounting is also advisable for taller shelving units.
Unfortunately, shelf depths cannot be shortened, so use narrower versions or multiple units instead.
The optional wall mounting is also advisable for taller shelving units.
Thank you for the detailed answers!
I will probably go with a mix of 40 cm (16 inches) width and 28 cm (11 inches) depth. The shelves will be quite tall, 202 cm (80 inches) plus an additional top module.
The main purpose is for books and some decorations, but I need to pay attention to the depth for the books so they don’t stick out.
Wall mounting seems sensible, especially since the shelves are very tall.
What would you recommend for storage in the lower section? Closed doors or open shelves?
I will probably go with a mix of 40 cm (16 inches) width and 28 cm (11 inches) depth. The shelves will be quite tall, 202 cm (80 inches) plus an additional top module.
The main purpose is for books and some decorations, but I need to pay attention to the depth for the books so they don’t stick out.
Wall mounting seems sensible, especially since the shelves are very tall.
What would you recommend for storage in the lower section? Closed doors or open shelves?
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