Hello everyone,
I am currently considering using Billy bookcases to create open living spaces in my apartment by dividing the area. I am particularly interested in which versions or sizes of the Billy bookcases work best for this purpose without appearing too bulky or unstable.
It is important to me that the shelves provide enough storage space while not feeling too massive or visually dividing the room too much. Which models or combinations have you used or would you recommend as room dividers? Are there specific heights, depths, or additions (doors, backing panels) for the Billy units that help emphasize their role as room dividers?
I am also curious whether narrow, tall shelves perform better or if lower, wider versions are more suitable. Stability is important, as the units will be freestanding without wall mounting.
I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
I am currently considering using Billy bookcases to create open living spaces in my apartment by dividing the area. I am particularly interested in which versions or sizes of the Billy bookcases work best for this purpose without appearing too bulky or unstable.
It is important to me that the shelves provide enough storage space while not feeling too massive or visually dividing the room too much. Which models or combinations have you used or would you recommend as room dividers? Are there specific heights, depths, or additions (doors, backing panels) for the Billy units that help emphasize their role as room dividers?
I am also curious whether narrow, tall shelves perform better or if lower, wider versions are more suitable. Stability is important, as the units will be freestanding without wall mounting.
I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
The Billy shelves with a depth of 28 cm (11 inches) are the best choice because they are narrow enough not to appear too bulky. A height of 202 cm (79.5 inches) is ideal, as it creates enough clearance from the floor while remaining stable. For stability, you should always install the included back panel.
Leote schrieb:
The Billy shelves with a depth of 28cm (11 inches) are best suited because they are narrow enough not to appear too bulky.I generally agree with that, but I would like to add that the standard depth of 28cm (11 inches) is indeed a good compromise between storage capacity and maintaining openness in the room. The 202cm (79 inches) high shelves also have the advantage of being more stable without wall fixing when properly assembled.
niron schrieb:
Are there specific heights, depths, or additions (doors, back panels) for the Billy shelves that enhance their function as room dividers?Regarding additions, it is advisable to install back panels that add accents through color or patterns to highlight the room divider effect. Doors can make the divider appear more closed and less transparent, which can be a disadvantage in some cases.
I also recommend arranging the shelves irregularly or combining open and closed elements so that the room divider looks lively and does not create an overloaded surface.
Hello niron,
your idea of using Billy shelves as a room divider sounds very practical and flexible. As you already mentioned, it is important that the shelves can stand firmly without being fixed to the wall. I would recommend placing several narrow Billy shelves (28 cm deep (11 inches)) side by side instead of using a single wide shelf. This way, you can better adjust the individual units and move them if needed.
Open shelves are also recommended to maintain an airy feel, especially if the room is not very large. If you want to prioritize stability, it is better to use 2 to 3 smaller shelves next to each other rather than one very tall one to avoid tipping.
During assembly, you can also leave out some shelves to create views through the divider, keeping the room separation effect open.
your idea of using Billy shelves as a room divider sounds very practical and flexible. As you already mentioned, it is important that the shelves can stand firmly without being fixed to the wall. I would recommend placing several narrow Billy shelves (28 cm deep (11 inches)) side by side instead of using a single wide shelf. This way, you can better adjust the individual units and move them if needed.
kieran schrieb:I can only confirm that. I myself have applied colorful photo wallpaper film to the back panel of my Billy shelf – it gives the room divider a special character.
Regarding additions, it is advisable to attach back panels that provide accents through color or patterns
Open shelves are also recommended to maintain an airy feel, especially if the room is not very large. If you want to prioritize stability, it is better to use 2 to 3 smaller shelves next to each other rather than one very tall one to avoid tipping.
During assembly, you can also leave out some shelves to create views through the divider, keeping the room separation effect open.
Actually, I think using Billy shelves as room dividers is somewhat overrated. Sure, they are inexpensive and flexible, but often they end up looking more like makeshift furniture in this role.
I would lean more toward narrow, low Billy shelves, around 106 cm (42 inches) high, so the sightline remains open. This way, you can divide the room without making it feel artificially smaller. It also looks much more modern and open.
If you really want stability, you should consider other constructions. Billy shelves are popular, but not always the best choice when it comes to dividing spaces.
kieran schrieb:That’s exactly often the problem! Room dividers should help structure the space without completely blocking it off.
Doors can make the room divider appear more closed off and less transparent,
I would lean more toward narrow, low Billy shelves, around 106 cm (42 inches) high, so the sightline remains open. This way, you can divide the room without making it feel artificially smaller. It also looks much more modern and open.
If you really want stability, you should consider other constructions. Billy shelves are popular, but not always the best choice when it comes to dividing spaces.
GALEO4 schrieb:
I would rather lean towards narrow, low Billy shelves, around 106 cm (42 inches) high, to keep the sightline open.That is a valid point, especially if the room is not very large or if you want to preserve natural daylight. Shelves with a height of 106 cm (42 inches) are easier to access and feel less obstructive.
Additionally, it should be noted that stability is better ensured with lower shelves when used freestanding. In combination with additional shelves and back panels, you can design the room divider flexibly.
If a larger separation is still desired, elements can be placed side by side to achieve different heights and thus create a deliberate structure within the space.
In conclusion, Billy shelves with a depth of 28 cm (11 inches), combined with back panels and a height between 106 and 202 cm (42 and 79 inches), depending on room size and desired effect, work well as room dividers. The choice depends on the room layout and the balance between openness and separation.
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