10 Living Room Billy Bookcase Ideas: Creative Ways to Style and Maximize Your Billy Bookcase in the Living Room

Over more than a decade working in interior design, I’ve seen trends come and go, but the IKEA Billy bookcase remains a staple — especially in small living rooms. In my philosophy, small spaces spark big creativity, and the Billy is a perfect canvas for that. In this article, I’ll share 10 practical and stylish living room Billy bookcase ideas, based on both my own projects and expert insights.

1. Minimalist White Styling

My Take: I once designed a compact city apartment where the all-white Billy blended perfectly into the wall, making the space feel bigger and calmer. It was like giving the books their own gallery space.

Pros: Keeps the room airy and light, a trick recommended by the American Society of Interior Designers for small spaces. Perfect for Scandinavian-inspired layouts and reflects natural light beautifully.

Cons: Fingerprints and dust can be more visible on white finishes; you might find yourself cleaning a bit more often.

Tip: Use matte white paint on the wall behind the shelf to make it ‘disappear’ visually.

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2. Adding Glass Doors for a Sleek Look

My Take: In a modern loft project, I upgraded Billy shelves with glass doors. Not only did it make the living room feel more curated, but it kept my client's collectibles dust-free.

Pros: Creates a streamlined look, especially for modern interiors; protects books and décor from dust. Works beautifully with glass elements that make a room feel more open.

Cons: Extra cost for the doors and regular glass cleaning needed to maintain the pristine look.

Cost Factor: IKEA’s glass doors for Billy are budget-friendly compared to custom cabinetry.

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3. Built-In Billy Wall

My Take: I transformed three Billy units into a floor-to-ceiling built-in wall in a family living room. It provided enormous storage and became a feature wall with integrated lighting.

Pros: Maximizes vertical space; gives a custom-built feel for a fraction of the cost; great for displaying both books and personal décor.

Cons: Requires precise measuring and possible trimming or filler panels; not ideal for renters who can’t make structural modifications.

Tip: Add crown molding to fully integrate into the architecture.

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4. Two-Tone Contrast

My Take: For a client who loved bold accents, I painted the interior backing of the Billy in a deep teal while keeping the exterior white. It brought depth and personality without overwhelming the living space.

Pros: Adds visual interest without consuming physical space; can tie together accent colors in the room.

Cons: Repainting if tastes change can be time-consuming; certain dark tones may darken the room if lighting is poor.

Tip: Experiment with removable wallpaper for a no-commitment option.

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5. Integrated Workspace

My Take: In a small condo, I turned part of the Billy into a compact desk area by removing lower shelves and adding a custom wood top. It became a stylish home office within the living room.

Pros: Ideal for work-from-home setups; maximizes function without extra furniture; can be paired with L-shaped layouts that free up more surface space.

Cons: Limited desk depth; you may need to store larger office items elsewhere.

Tip: Keep a cohesive style so the workspace feels integrated with the living area.

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6. Displaying Art and Collectibles

My Take: A client’s art books inspired us to add picture lighting atop a Billy for dramatic evening displays, turning the shelves into an art installation.

Pros: Elevates the cultural feel of the space; lighting draws attention to special pieces; can double as mood lighting.

Cons: Extra wiring may be needed; light can cause fading for some delicate items over time.

Tip: Use LED lighting to minimize UV damage and heat.

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7. Combining Closed and Open Storage

My Take: I love mixing Billy’s open shelves with lower closed cabinets to hide clutter while showcasing favorites. This works brilliantly in family homes where toys or electronics need storage.

Pros: Balances display with practicality; hides visual clutter; improves daily living flow.

Cons: Slightly reduces open shelf space; matching finishes perfectly can be a challenge with IKEA add-ons.

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8. Styling with Plants

My Take: In one airy boho project, I added trailing pothos vines and small succulents to Billy shelves. The greenery softened the structure and added life to the room.

Pros: Adds nature’s texture and color; can improve air quality; complements natural light setups.

Cons: Needs regular plant care; some species may leave water stains or soil spills.

Tip: Use waterproof liners under plant pots.

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9. Low Billy as a Media Console

My Take: For a minimalist couple, I used a low Billy unit under the TV, creating sleek storage without overwhelming the wall. Perfect for soundbar placement and hiding wires.

Pros: Keeps the space visually light; affordable alternative to custom consoles; can be adapted to various living room styles.

Cons: Limited vertical storage; may need reinforcement for heavier electronics.

Tip: Keep only essential media décor to maintain minimalism.

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10. Statement Color Billy

My Take: In my own home, I painted a Billy in a warm terracotta shade, creating a focal point in an otherwise neutral living room. Friends always comment on it.

Pros: Adds personality and warmth; an inexpensive way to transform both the bookcase and the whole corner of the room; works well with wood textures that bring a cozy atmosphere.

Cons: Bold colors can be tricky to pair with existing furniture; may require repainting if styles change.

Tip: Test the color with a small panel before committing to the entire unit.

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Summary

A small living room doesn’t limit your design — it challenges you to think smarter. The Billy bookcase’s flexibility proves that clever styling can deliver both beauty and function. As the National Association of Realtors notes, built-in or built-in-look storage can increase perceived home value. Which of these living room Billy bookcase ideas are you most excited to try?

FAQ

1. What is the best color for a Billy bookcase in the living room?

Lighter tones like white or soft grey work best for small spaces to keep the room open and airy. Darker colors can make a bold statement but may need more light.

2. Can a Billy bookcase be used as a room divider?

Yes, especially in open-plan spaces. Be sure to secure it for stability and style both sides for a finished look.

3. How do I make my Billy bookcase look built-in?

Add crown molding, baseboards, and fill any gaps with trim. Painting it the same color as the wall also helps.

4. Is it safe to put a TV on a Billy bookcase?

Only if the unit is low and sturdy. For heavier electronics, reinforce the shelves or opt for a purpose-built media unit.

5. What’s the easiest IKEA hack for Billy in the living room?

Adding glass doors is one of the simplest upgrades, providing both style and dust protection.

6. Can I paint my Billy bookcase?

Absolutely. Use a good primer like Zinsser to ensure the paint adheres to IKEA’s laminate surface.

7. How do I style a Billy bookcase for a cozy feel?

Incorporate wood textures, warm lighting, and layered décor items. You can see examples in our kitchen layouts with warm tones.

8. Are Billy bookcases durable?

When assembled correctly and not overloaded, they can last for years. IKEA also offers replacement parts, which adds to their longevity.