ᐅ Which Billy models are suitable for both an office and a living room?

Hello everyone, I am currently considering which of the IKEA Billy bookcases would be best suited for both an office and a living room. It is important to me that they don’t look too much like an office setup, so rather neutral and homely, but at the same time functional enough to store binders and office supplies. Can you recommend any models or share your experiences with Billy variants that work well for dual purposes? I was thinking of the standard 80 x 28 cm (31.5 x 11 inches) shelves but am uncertain about the depth, color, and possible top cabinets. Thanks in advance for any tips!

Billy Standard in white fits well anywhere. Accessories like doors make it feel more homely. A depth of 28cm (11 inches) is sufficient for an office, while 40cm (16 inches) is too bulky for a living room.

Choosing the right Billy model depends heavily on the intended use and the room’s atmosphere. For a living room, I would lean towards the narrower options (typically 80x28cm (31.5x11 inches)) in white or birch Grevstad. The color scheme is important to create a cozy ambiance and to avoid it looking too much like an office shelf. For an office setting, a greater depth (40cm (16 inches)) is better because binders fit more easily there.

If you want to combine both requirements, there are some tricks: for example, use the standard size 80x28cm (31.5x11 inches) and add drawer inserts or boxes to keep things organized. Equip the shelving unit with glass doors or wood or paper fronts to make it feel more homely and less “office-like.”

Extension units like Billy-Oxberg offer additional storage space but shouldn’t be too tall, as this can quickly make the living room feel cluttered.

I’m curious about how much storage space you expect to need and whether your priority is more on appearance or functionality?

Efficiency and aesthetics are key factors in the choice. The Billy 80x28 cm (31.5x11 inches) model in white offers the best compromise for both office environments and living rooms. Optional doors can be added to make the shelf more neutral. The 40 cm (16 inches) deep version is more practical for office supplies but appears visually bulkier.

A combination of open shelves and closed units is recommended to maintain organization while still creating a homely feel.

Thanks in advance for the feedback so far, especially the tips regarding the depths and color options—they’ve been very helpful.

@pauPierce: The storage space should be medium to large; I’m planning about 4 to 5 shelves stacked vertically, for books, folders, and boxes respectively. The focus is roughly 60% for office use and 40% for the living room. Visually, I don’t want it to look too sterile, so I’m aiming for something away from the classic office style. Cozy but without any ornamental elements, more modern and minimalist.

If anyone has further experience with the newer Billy series, such as the Billy Oxberg or combinations with Besta units, I would appreciate your insights.

To combine office and living space effectively, I recommend using the classic Billy bookshelf measuring 80cm x 28cm (31½ inches x 11 inches) with doors that enhance the look while also providing dust protection.

Fitigu schrieb:
A combination of open shelves and closed elements is recommended

That’s exactly right. Additionally, adding lighting inside the shelves can create a warm atmosphere. The narrow shelves keep the room feeling light and avoid a bulky appearance.