IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack!

Cost breakdown
IKEA Billy Bookcases (4) – $196
Wood – $269
Paint + primer – $95
Paint supplies – $37
Appliqués – $26
Knobs (pack of 8) – $11
Inset hinges – $48
Total cost: $682

Materials
4 – billy bookcases from Ikea
Paint & paint supplies
Primer
Paint of choice (I used Lemon Leaves by Magnolia Home)
Angled paint brush
4” foam rollers (specifically for cabinets and doors)
Blue painters tape
Tarp
Paint stir sticks

Step 1: Remove the baseboards and trim then measure your space.

Step 2: Build the base for the bookshelves. I used 2 – 2 x 4 x 12’ for the outside base and 12 – 2 x 4 x 8” planks for the crossbars. I secured the base using 3” exterior deck screws. I also secured the base to the back wall using the same 3” deck screws. I personally like using deck screws as they are easy to work with and I’ve never had to deal with the screws stripping.

Tip: I cut the planks to 8” because the outside base pieces were 1 1/2” each which made the frame 11” total in width. That is the same width as the bookshelves.

Note, there are a couple of height options. Make sure to get the bookcases that fit your space/look you are going for. Our ceilings are 8’ so we purchased the 79 1/2” ones. That left 16 1/2”, which was plenty of room to add arches.

Step 4: Add the backboard insert (that came with the bookshelf) or add your own. Then secure the bookcases to the wall. I used 2 – 2 x 3 x 6’ on each end to create the 3” gap and cut 1” pieces for the center. I had to custom cut the 1” pieces using 1 x 3” scrap wood I had on hand since 1” really means 3/4” when using nominal wood.

Tip: Make sure to cut out the outlet holes on the backboards before securing the bookcases to the wall. We had two outlets. I used my jigsaw to cut the holes.

If you don’t plan to paint the bookcases or fill in the holes then you can completely skip the next step.

Step 5: Determine where you want to put the shelves permanently then fill in the remaining holes. I used light weight spackling paste and a putty knife to fill the holes.

After the spackling was dry, I used my orbital sander and 120 grit sandpaper to sand all the bookcases. Sanding the bookcases before priming + painting is critical when using these bookshelves. They are crazy inexpensive because they are made out of particle board with a laminate casing. That means no sanding and priming will result in the paint easily scratching and ultimately peeling off. After sanding everything, I wiped the bookcases clean with a damp lint free cloth.

Step 6: Make the arch template. I had to make two templates since the 2 arches on the ends had wider outer frames. Actually, I made 5 total. See below.

Tip: I used the cardboard boxes the bookcases came in to create a template. I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted them to look like. After cutting 4 different styles I ultimately went with the classic arch.

I cut the cardboard to the size I needed the actual arch. I tied twine to a pencil, found the bottom center of the cardboard, held my finger down on the twine, traced the arch, then used a box cutter to cut out the arch.

There are also tools out there designed to give you the perfect arch. I chose to do it the hard way. 😅

Step 7: Cut the arches out using a jigsaw. I used a new wood blade with 12 TPI.

I cut the 4 x 8’ birch plywood sheet into 4 sections with my circular saw first. Then used the arch template to trace onto each of the 4 pieces.

Note: You should wear safety goggles to prevent debris getting in your eyes.

Step 8: Secure a 2 x 4 to the ceiling directly above the bookcases using 3” exterior deck screws. The 2 x 4 is what you will secure the arches to. You’ll want to use a level to make sure the 2 x 4 is flush with the bookcases.

Step 9: Sand the arches using an orbital sander and 220 grit sandpaper. If the area where you cut the arches is a little rough, use 80 grit sandpaper to level it out then 220 to give it a smooth finish.

Step 11: Cut the frame pieces.

Step 10: Secure the arches to the 2 x 4 and bookcases using a brad nailer with 2” finishing nails.

I cut the bottom frame piece first to use as a guide for the vertical trim.

I sanded it with 220 grit sandpaper, then secure it before measuring and cutting the remaining frame pieces. I used 1 – 1 x 8 x 12’. There was a small gap at the bottom, so I used 1” half moon trim to hide it. I secured the bottom frame piece where it was level with the bottom shelf of the bookcases for a smooth transition.

I then cut the remaining frame pieces. I had to custom cut the 2 outer frame pieces to 3 3/4” wide using 1 – 1 x 10 x 8’. I used my circular saw.

I used decorative trim I found at Lowe’s for the ends.

This is what the bookcases looked like after adding all the trim.

If you are adding cabinet doors you’ll need to cut 1 x 2” pieces to size to secure along the lip of the bottom shelf. Because the shelf sits a little more inside the bookcase I had to use paint stir sticks to ensure the 1 x 2” trim pieces sit flush with the rest of the frame. If you do not plan to add doors, you can skip this step.

Step 12: Sand all the frame pieces with 120 grit then 220 grit sandpaper for that ultra smooth finish.

I secured the frame to the shelves and base using my brad nailer and 2” finishing nails.

Step 13: Add wood filler to all cracks, crevices, and nail holes. Allow the wood filler to dry then sand with 220 grit sandpaper.

Step 14: Use caulk to seal the space between the ceiling and frame as well as any visible gaps.

Step 15: Prime everything and allow the primer to dry overnight. I cannot stress this step enough.

Step 16: Paint the bookcases. I applied two coats of paint total. Allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. I went with Lemon Leaves by Magnolia Home in Eggshell finish.

Tip: Lightly sand in between paint coats with a handheld 220 grit sand block for that ultra smooth finish.

Step 17: (Optional) Prime, paint, and secure the wood appliqués to the bookcases where desired. To secure them you’ll need wood glue and then a brad nailer with 1” finishing nails. I used THESE appliqués above the arches and THESE appliqués on the center frame pieces.

Step 18: Style your new shelves!

After waiting for 2+ months we finally got an electrician here to install THIS overhead light. Isn’t it a dream?

I filled the shelves with things that I love. Old and new books, candles with character, a portrait of a horse, an original painting of flowers, a photo of my dad, Linnea candles, plants, and moody vases.

For those wondering, I built the desk. Tutorial coming soon!

For video content and BTS on this project visit my Instagram @acarriedaffairdesigns I saved all my stories to my story highlights titled “Office built-ins”

For the tutorial on the DIY shaker style cabinet doors click HERE.

I linked some of the items I used to style the shelves below + the chair.

And that’s a wrap! For those that have been asking for this tutorial, I am sorry it took me 5 months. Hopefully you find this inspiring to create a space that you love. For more DIY follow me on Instagram @acarriedaffairdesigns

Until next time friends. Xo