ᐅ Which Billy shelves are ideal for an office?

Created on: 27 Jul 2023 08:37
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benedikt32
Hello everyone,

I would like to optimize my office setup using Billy bookcases from IKEA and am wondering which version of the Billy bookcase is best suited for office use. I am mainly considering factors such as stability, storage space for binders, the potential usefulness of glass doors, and how flexible the shelves are when adjusting the shelves' positions. Additionally, I am interested if anyone has experience combining Billy bookcases with additional elements (e.g., doors, inserts, or topper units) that make the office even more functional.

Which Billy bookcases would you recommend for an office focused primarily on efficient use of space and a professional appearance? Are there models that work particularly well for storing large amounts of binders, or are certain widths and heights better suited than others?

Thank you in advance for your tips and feedback!
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dijan
27 Jul 2023 11:45
Kinbu schrieb:
Be careful with tall shelves without wall mounting – they can become unstable quickly.

Exactly! And to reduce the slight fear of them tipping over, it’s best to screw them to the wall or secure them with a small angle bracket. The IKEA instructions also show this.

My shelves have been standing securely like this for years, and I have lots of folders in them. Sometimes additional thin metal braces under the shelves help if there is a lot of weight. 🙂
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benedikt32
27 Jul 2023 12:22
SUBEN60 schrieb:
The shelves can be adjusted in height in increments of about 3.3 cm (1.3 inches), which offers a certain degree of flexibility.

That’s exactly the information I needed, thanks!

I’m also curious if anyone has experience with the different depths of the Billy bookcases. IKEA offers a standard depth of 28 cm (11 inches), but there are also deeper versions at about 40 cm (16 inches). Is the deeper version worthwhile for file folders, or does it just take up too much space?

And one more question: What about the less common heights of the Billy bookcases? I’ve seen shelves at 106 cm (42 inches), 202 cm (79 inches), and 237 cm (93 inches) tall. For a small office with average ceiling height, is 237 cm (93 inches) too tall or more of an advantage?
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gesar32
27 Jul 2023 13:05
The standard depth of 28 cm (11 inches) is ideal for filing folders, as a DIN A4 folder measures just over 25 cm (10 inches) in depth. Shelves with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches) provide more storage space but can result in unused space behind the folders, which can significantly reduce accessibility and visibility.

Regarding heights: Shelves that are 237 cm (93 inches) tall are better suited for very high rooms and only offer advantages in an office if you regularly use the upper areas and have a step ladder or stool available.

In general, for an office with a standard ceiling height, I would recommend shelves that are 202 cm (79 inches) tall. They offer a good balance between storage capacity and ease of access.
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LUISABEL
27 Jul 2023 13:47
Additional information: The Billy shelves can easily be combined with different doors – besides glass doors, there are also solid doors available in white or wood finish, which create a neat and professional appearance.

Another tip: When choosing the height and width, it is important to consider the available space in the office – 80cm (31.5 inches) width is common but takes up considerably more floor space. For narrower rooms, the 40cm (16 inches) wide versions are recommended and can be combined modularly to cover multiple units.

The fact that the shelves are adjustable significantly increases flexibility depending on the size of binders.
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TEOZAR
27 Jul 2023 14:22
In addition to the previous posts: Basically, all Billy bookcases are suitable for office use, provided a few basic points are considered:

1. The shelves must be securely fixed to the wall – especially for taller models from 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) upwards.
2. The standard depth of 28 cm (11 inches) is perfect for filing folders. Shelves with a depth of 40 cm (16 inches) can be used when more storage space for larger items is needed.
3. When considering height, think about how often the upper shelves will be used and whether ladders or step stools are available.
4. Glass doors are visually appealing and protect against dust, which can enhance the overall look of the workspace.

For those who value aesthetics, it is also possible to add topper shelves or drawer inserts to increase functionality even further.
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Lukesan
27 Jul 2023 14:46
80cm (32 inches) wide Billy with 28cm (11 inches) depth, glass doors optional. Mount to the wall. The 202cm (79 inches) high version fits well in an office, providing enough storage without needing a ladder.