Discover what the Billy bookcase system is and how it turned our townhouse living room into a space that works and feels wonderful!
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When I first published this post years ago, we had just moved into our townhouse and were figuring out how to set up the space. We debated long and hard about whether to spend the money on a set of Billy bookcases.
Eight years later, I can say without a doubt that they were the best money we spent furnishing this space! Since this post went up, we have finished an entire wall of Billy bookcases – adding moulding to IKEA Billy bookcases so they look like fancy custom built-ins.
You may still enjoy seeing our little place soon after we moved in, and the thinking we did as we carefully planned out the living room.
Here’s the original post:
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One of the biggest challenges of downsizing is storage space. There were moments during unpacking when I felt completely overwhelmed and discouraged.
Where in the world was I going to put all. the. things?
Ever since we first toured the townhouse, I had been mulling over the big wall in the living room where the TV sits.
The entryway closet forms a bit of an alcove there, and I kept wondering about installing some sort of floor-to-ceiling shelving in that spot.
I had plenty of ideas, but my budget put a damper on most of them…
I was feeling pretty discouraged before taking a little shopping trip to IKEA.
Walking into their showroom was a turning point for me.
Bless IKEA’s sweet Swedish heart.
It is genius when it comes to small-space storage. Not only is it incredibly practical, it’s pretty, too!
That’s where I met Billy…
and fell in love.
Billy is a bookcase, and the answer to my storage woes.
What is the Billy bookcase system?
The Billy bookcase system has many components that can be mixed and matched to suit your needs. It comes in a tall version:
It also comes in a short version.
Doors are sold separately and fit each model, if you choose to add them.
Some doors have glass, and some are solid. They come in a variety of colors, and the price is so reasonable!
You can build out a Billy bookcase system one piece at a time.
We had a great idea, but discovered the tall Billys simply wouldn’t fit in our car.
So instead, we came home with two short Billys and 4 doors.
I know this is going to sound dramatic, but honestly, they completely changed my outlook on life ~ and made me realize this little townhouse can feel like home!
(Before)
(After…with the Billys!:)):
Not only was I finally able to finish unpacking since I had a place for everything, but they also solved our lighting dilemma!
Placing lamps in front of mirrors bounces light around the room and makes it feel so much brighter and cheerier.
Hmm…These just might not be the last Billys you see in this house…
{Just so you know, IKEA did not compensate me in any way, shape, or form for promoting their amazing, life-changing Billy bookcases. I am simply thrilled to have discovered them…and to have learned I can assemble them all by myself!}
More Posts on Billy Bookcases:
- You can see our entire Billy bookcase system here, along with our simple Billy bookcase trim
- These tricks helped me use the Billy bookcase organizer as a place to hide office supplies in my living room.
- Easy tips for styling a farmhouse bookcase (it’s the Billy bookcase!;))
