ᐅ Which BILLY models are better suited for office use?

I am planning to buy new Billy shelves for our office and wanted to ask the community: Which BILLY models are better suited for office use? I am particularly interested in which versions have proven to be best in terms of stability, storage capacity, and organization of office supplies. Are there differences between the various sizes or designs that are especially important in a professional setting? I look forward to your experiences and opinions.

For office use, I primarily recommend the classic BILLY shelves with dimensions of 80x28x202 cm (31½x11x79½ inches) or 80x30x202 cm (31½x12x79½ inches), mainly due to their optimal balance of storage space and stability. The wider models with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches) do offer more room but are more expensive and require more floor space, which is rarely ideal in smaller offices. It is also important to secure the shelves to the wall to prevent tipping, especially when storing heavier binders. The version with glass doors can be useful if you want protection against dust or to keep things organized, but it also has a somewhat more formal appearance. Additional shelves can be added to customize the use as needed.

Lorukeo schrieb:
The wider models with 40cm (16 inches) depth do offer more space, but they are more expensive

That’s a good point! Our department switched to the wider model a few months ago because we needed to store a lot of files. However, we noticed that the deeper shelves really make the room feel more cramped, and accessing the folders at the back isn’t as easy. For me personally, it would have been sufficient to go with the standard depth and have more shelving units placed side by side. Another thing I found interesting is that the glass doors really help everything look tidier, but it also makes the space feel a bit less cozy. Especially when the office is used for long periods, that can become stressful over time.

In addition to stability and size, the load capacity should also be considered when choosing the model – this is often underestimated in public offices. The BILLY shelves typically support a load of up to 30 kg (66 lbs) per shelf for professional use. For offices with many heavy binders or materials, I recommend opting for the sturdy version with reinforced shelves, even though it is somewhat more expensive. The easy assembly and modular expansion options are advantageous if space requirements change. It is also worth mentioning the material: melamine-coated surfaces are easy to maintain and resistant to scratches and stains, which is important in everyday office use.

I would like to add that choosing the right BILLY model largely depends on its intended use. If the shelf is mainly used for storing binders, the standard sizes of 80x28x106 cm (31.5x11x41.7 inches) or 80x28x202 cm (31.5x11x79.5 inches) offer the best balance between height and accessibility. For offices with many small items or books, models with glass doors or drawers can be helpful to keep things organized. A tip: the adjustable shelves can be customized, which is a great advantage when storage needs change frequently. Additionally, I recommend always securing the shelves to the wall during installation to prevent accidents, especially in busy offices with a lot of movement or drafts.

The standard BILLY 80x28x202 is practical. Glass doors are optional but usually not necessary. Simply attach it to the wall; that is sufficient.