ᐅ How can I secure Billy shelves in rental apartments without drilling into the walls?
Created on: 16 Nov 2017 18:07
D
Dijapo
Hello everyone, I have a question and hope to benefit from your experience: How can I securely fix my Ikea Billy bookcases in a rental apartment without drilling into the walls? Since I don’t want to leave holes in the walls, traditional wall plugs and screws are not an option for me. Of course, I want to install the bookcases firmly and safely, as they are quite tall and fully loaded, so that nothing can tip over. Does anyone have tips on how to secure Billy bookcases without drilling? Maybe solutions with tension systems, special stability methods, or other clever ideas? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
laureo schrieb:
One option would be to secure the shelves firmly using wall plugs between the floor and ceiling, so-called tension rods for ceilings. That sounds interesting. Does anyone know where to get these ceiling tension rods and whether they are expensive? I would also like to know exactly how the installation works.
kulau schrieb:
Important: The ceiling height should not be too high, otherwise stability decreases My ceiling height is 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in). Is that enough for such a system, or is it already borderline?
K
KarTristan17 Nov 2017 09:032.60 meters (8 ft 6 in) is well suited for a ceiling tension system. Many of these systems are designed for standard ceiling heights ranging from 2.40 to 2.80 meters (7 ft 10 in to 9 ft 2 in). It is important to measure the room height accurately on site. These tension rods often feature a twisting mechanism that allows them to be securely installed without the need for drilling. Complete sets are available from specialized retailers or directly from Ikea. On Amazon and Schildere specialized stores, you can also find models with an integrated shelf safety bracket.
One more tip from personal experience: Pay attention to the material quality when buying tension rods for ceilings! Cheap models can shift easily under pressure or start squeaking, which gets annoying over time. I bought stainless steel ones – they are sturdy, durable, and hold very securely. Also, if you load the shelves properly (heavy items at the bottom, lighter ones on top), nothing will slip. By the way, placing a piece of rubber pad between the rod and floor/ceiling provides extra grip and prevents scratches. 🙂
R
Rashadmeo17 Nov 2017 10:41This is really great, what you’re writing here! 🙂 Another idea: Have you ever tried shelves on casters with brakes? This works without drilling into the wall and is very flexible. They are a bit more expensive than standard shelves like Billy, but you can move them anytime, and they stay stable when the brakes are engaged. Just a thought as an alternative in case ceiling tension rods are not an option.
Hello Dijapo, I would like to add that when renting, it is always important to follow the landlord’s guidelines. Some landlords accept tension systems that do not leave marks, while others do not. Therefore, I also recommend, besides the solution itself, having written approval from the landlord. Regarding stability: the weight of the items and the height of the shelves affect safety. It is also possible to use additional reinforcement with aluminum plates clamped between the shelf and the back panel. These increase stability and help distribute the load more effectively. I hope this helps you!
Dijapo schrieb:
Does anyone know where to get ceiling tension rods like these and whether they are expensive? I’m also interested in how exactly the installation works.You can find ceiling tension rods at hardware stores, furniture accessory shops, or online (e.g., Amazon, eBay). Prices start at around 20–30 euros per rod (about $22–33), but it’s advisable to buy a set to ensure stability. Installation is fairly simple: measure the ceiling height precisely, adjust the rod to the correct length, and secure it firmly between floor and ceiling by twisting. Then attach the Billy shelf to the tension rod using clamps or mounting brackets. This prevents the shelf from tipping or falling over.
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