Materials: 3 Billy bookcases, 3 Billy height extension units
Description: We started with three standard Billy bookcases (11" deep) and three height extension units from Ikea. We wanted to make a wall of bookshelves that had a built-in look to transform our room into a library.
First, we constructed the Billys according to the Ikea directions. We painted the cardboard backing light green. After assembling the bookcases and securing the height extension units, we added trim to customize the bookshelves.
We used 3 1/2" baseboard to cover the feet of the bookcases and crown molding on the top of the bookcases. We added lattice trim between bookcases to conceal where the sides of two bookcases meet. The trim was attached with a fast setting epoxy and allowed to dry overnight. The trim was painted Dove White by Valspar which is a close match the Ikea white laminate.
With that, we were able to create a wall of bookshelves which has a custom look for an inexpensive price!
See more of the built-in Billy bookcases.
~ Meredith
I love this. It looks like there'll be so much space to put books, and I do have about a ton...
ReplyDeleteYou're one of my favourite blogs about design/furniture!
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Very nicely trimmed out. Really gives it a built-in feel.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing these shelves done like this. To make it look properly built in, I would've removed the chair rail and skirtings, and butted it right up against the wall on the left. Then I would've replaced the chair rail and skirtings, and added trim at the top.
ReplyDeleteLove that green colour!
I guess I am missing the built in part. It just looks like a very large, nicely trimmed bookcase up against a wall.
ReplyDeleteYou deleted my comment? That's a bit over sensitive isn't it?
ReplyDeleteObviously the pp also feels this doesn't look 'built in', although it is gorgeous, that green is especially nice!
To make it more built in I would've removed the chair rail and skirting and put the bookcases right into the left corner. Then I would've replaces trim around them.
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DeleteWhere is everyone finding the crown moldings and trim for these? Online, everything is sold in quantities much too large for this project and we'd have to cut it at home. In home improvement stores around here, the costs of custom-cut molding would triple the cost of the bookshelf (or more!). I'd love to see someone go into more detail on this step, especially where they got the supplies and if the trim was cut for them, or if this requires having access to serious equipment, and how they finished the corners.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
It looks fine, but I feel like this has been done and done - nothing new or exciting. I like some of the other billy "built-ins" better. Also, as PP have said, this doesn't look "built in" to me.
ReplyDeleteThe reason it's done and done and done is because it's classic, and stunning. Well done. Has anyone got good pics for using billy's to do built in shelves and desks? I want to have that look, but incorporate 2 desk areas...
ReplyDeleteHi guys,
ReplyDeletethis looks great, really - but where do you get the crown moldings from? And what's the price for them (roughly)?
Thanks
So I'm currently in the process of re-decorating my room and I'm getting these shelves, there is quite a few posts up on different blogs about the transformation of these individual shelves into an entire bookcase and really want to do this in my room but I'm not sure if it will work out. Need to sharpen my DIY skills up I guess. Thank you, this post has helped me see hoe an ordinary shelf can be made to look so awesome! Might share my results on helloiammariam.com ! :)
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