ᐅ Which Billy shelves are not suitable for use as room dividers?
Created on: 9 Oct 2023 18:23
J
justinne57J
justinne579 Oct 2023 18:23Hello everyone,
I’m currently considering using a Billy bookcase as a room divider in my apartment. I’ve noticed that there are different versions and sizes available. My specific question is: based on your experience or knowledge, which Billy bookcases are not suitable as room dividers, and what are the reasons against using them for this purpose? I’m thinking about factors such as stability, back panel material, depth, or the possibility of accessing storage from both sides.
It would be helpful if you could support your assessment with specific model names or dimensions, so I can better judge which bookcases might be less suitable. I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
I’m currently considering using a Billy bookcase as a room divider in my apartment. I’ve noticed that there are different versions and sizes available. My specific question is: based on your experience or knowledge, which Billy bookcases are not suitable as room dividers, and what are the reasons against using them for this purpose? I’m thinking about factors such as stability, back panel material, depth, or the possibility of accessing storage from both sides.
It would be helpful if you could support your assessment with specific model names or dimensions, so I can better judge which bookcases might be less suitable. I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
Basically, Billy shelves with thin backing panels or no backing at all are less suitable as room dividers. The main reason is the lack of stability due to the backing construction, which usually serves as bracing.
A typical example is the simple 40cm (16 inches) deep standard models with thin hardboard backing that cannot be used from both sides. These tend to wobble or deform under load.
The 20cm (8 inches) shallow versions are also less ideal because they offer little storage space and therefore provide minimal visual screening.
So, anyone looking for a stable room divider shelf should choose models with thicker backing panels or doors for access from both sides.
A typical example is the simple 40cm (16 inches) deep standard models with thin hardboard backing that cannot be used from both sides. These tend to wobble or deform under load.
The 20cm (8 inches) shallow versions are also less ideal because they offer little storage space and therefore provide minimal visual screening.
So, anyone looking for a stable room divider shelf should choose models with thicker backing panels or doors for access from both sides.
I’m adding some technical details that are crucial when using these as room dividers:
1. Back panel: Many Billy shelves have a back panel made only of thin hardboard, which is simply nailed in place. If this is missing or too thin, stability suffers greatly. Room dividers are subjected to much stronger lateral forces than shelves placed against a wall.
2. Depth: Models with a depth of 40cm (16 inches) are best suited. The 20cm (8 inches) versions are too shallow, offer little privacy, and are less stable.
3. Side panels & connection: Some Billy variations can be screwed together with connectors. However, room dividers should ideally be fixed to the floor or ceiling, as simply assembling them without additional support often results in instability.
4. Double-sided access: Some models have no back panel and are intended for use from both sides. For Billy shelves, this is rare since most are designed for wall mounting.
If the room divider is also meant to provide privacy or separate spaces, open back panels or thin materials can be problematic.
What room size and load do you have in mind? This is important for further recommendations.
1. Back panel: Many Billy shelves have a back panel made only of thin hardboard, which is simply nailed in place. If this is missing or too thin, stability suffers greatly. Room dividers are subjected to much stronger lateral forces than shelves placed against a wall.
2. Depth: Models with a depth of 40cm (16 inches) are best suited. The 20cm (8 inches) versions are too shallow, offer little privacy, and are less stable.
3. Side panels & connection: Some Billy variations can be screwed together with connectors. However, room dividers should ideally be fixed to the floor or ceiling, as simply assembling them without additional support often results in instability.
4. Double-sided access: Some models have no back panel and are intended for use from both sides. For Billy shelves, this is rare since most are designed for wall mounting.
If the room divider is also meant to provide privacy or separate spaces, open back panels or thin materials can be problematic.
What room size and load do you have in mind? This is important for further recommendations.
J
justinne5710 Oct 2023 08:42kulau schrieb:
What room size and load do you have in mind?Good question, kulau. My living room is about 25 m² (270 sq ft), and the room divider should be approximately 2 m (6.5 ft) wide to separate the dining area from the living area a bit. The load will be rather light, such as books, decorations, and occasional plants. Stability is important to me since the shelf cannot be attached to the wall. The appearance also matters a lot – it should look solid and be accessible from both sides.
Are there specific models I should avoid, or types I should specifically look for?
For your project, I would especially advise against the standard BILLY shelves with a 20 cm (8 inch) depth. These are too narrow to function as room dividers because they hardly separate the space and are too unstable without wall mounting.
Also, the models with a simple, pressed hardboard back panel, which is usually only nailed on, are not suitable for free-standing use in a room. It is essential to opt for versions with additional back panel reinforcement (e.g., glass backing or extra stabilizers).
One option is the BILLY/Oxberg model, which has a solid back panel and door option. Although more expensive, it is much better suited as a room divider.
Furthermore, it is important to check whether the shelves allow access from both sides due to their construction or if one side is blocked by the back panel – the latter significantly limits their function as a room divider.
Also, the models with a simple, pressed hardboard back panel, which is usually only nailed on, are not suitable for free-standing use in a room. It is essential to opt for versions with additional back panel reinforcement (e.g., glass backing or extra stabilizers).
One option is the BILLY/Oxberg model, which has a solid back panel and door option. Although more expensive, it is much better suited as a room divider.
Furthermore, it is important to check whether the shelves allow access from both sides due to their construction or if one side is blocked by the back panel – the latter significantly limits their function as a room divider.
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