Building a Custom Bookshelf: IKEA Billy Hack vs Lerberg Shelves

In the realm of storage solutions, bookshelves stand as timeless essentials in almost every home. No room is complete without a place to proudly display novels, cookbooks, photo albums or an assortment of knick-knacks. IKEA, a global leader in affordable, stylish furniture, has been a go-to source for bookshelf solutions, with the likes of Billy Bookcase and Lerberg Shelf unit among its popular options. Today, we’re diving deep into these two shelving units, discussing their specs, materials, and how to potentially hack them for customised storage solutions.

IKEA Billy: Description, Materials and Customisation

IKEA’s Billy Bookcase is a beloved classic when it comes to storage solutions. This widely popular bookcase comes in a variety of sizes and colors, making it a flexible option that can fit into and uplift any room’s decor.

Description and Materials

The Billy Bookcase is a sturdy and robust unit that comes in various heights and widths. The shelves are adjustable so you can customise your storage as needed. The primary material used is particleboard, a reconstituted wood product known for its strength and durability. The back panel is made from fibreboard, providing a solid base for your books and knick-knacks.

The Billy bookcase is available in several finishes, including birch veneer, black-brown, and white. Each finish is coated with a clear acrylic lacquer that provides a smooth, resilient surface that’s easy to keep clean.

The Billy Hack

The popularity of the Billy Bookcase has spawned a wave of creative hacks that allow you to personalise this IKEA staple. These customisation options range from adding doors, applying new finishes, or even combining multiple Billy units to create a larger shelving solution.

One popular hack is transforming the Billy into a built-in bookcase. This involves integrating the bookcase with a wall in your room, creating a seamless wall-to-wall storage unit that maximises space and adds a custom, high-end look to your room.

The Lerberg: Description, Materials, and Customisation

The Lerberg shelf unit provides a minimalist alternative to the traditional bookcase. Its unique design and open shelving concept make it a stylish addition to modern spaces.

Description and Materials

The Lerberg is a wall shelf featuring an asymmetrical design with shelves at varying heights. It is made from steel, making it a durable and long-lasting option. The unit comes in a dark grey finish, adding a sleek, contemporary feel to your room.

The Lerberg’s open shelving unit design allows for easy access to your books and allows you to show off your collection from all angles. It is also designed to be used either free-standing or wall-mounted, providing flexibility in its placement.

The Lerberg Hack

While the Lerberg may not be as widely known as the Billy, it has its own range of customisation options. One common hack is to combine two Lerberg units side by side, creating a larger shelving unit. You can also paint the shelves to match your room’s colour scheme, or add wooden shelves for a rustic touch.

Another option is to use the Lerberg as a secondary storage option in your kitchen. Its open shelving design is perfect for displaying your cookware and dishes, while the steel materials are easy to clean and maintain.

In Summary: Billy vs Lerberg

Both the Billy and the Lerberg are solid options when it comes to storage solutions. The Billy, with its classic design and robust materials, offers a versatile and practical unit that can be easily customised to suit your storage needs. The Lerberg, on the other hand, offers a sleek and modern design with its open shelving concept and steel materials.

Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal style, your room’s decor, and your storage needs. Whether you choose the Billy or the Lerberg, remember that both units can be hacked for a custom look that adds a unique touch to your room. No matter which you choose, you’re not only buying a bookcase or shelving unit, you’re buying a piece of IKEA — a brand known for its affordable, quality, and functional furniture.

Now that you’re well acquainted with these units, it’s time to start planning your next IKEA hack! Happy building!

 

FAQ

 

What are the main differences between IKEA Billy bookshelves and Lerberg shelves?

The primary difference between the IKEA Billy bookshelf and Lerberg shelves lies in their design and construction. Billy bookshelves are traditional, enclosed units with adjustable shelves, available in various sizes and colors, and are known for their versatility and sturdiness. On the other hand, Lerberg shelves feature a minimalist, open frame design made of metal, providing a modern and airy look, but with fixed shelving and less customization options compared to Billy bookshelves.

Can I adjust the shelving height on IKEA Billy bookshelves and Lerberg shelves?

On IKEA Billy bookshelves, you can adjust the shelf heights to accommodate books and items of different sizes, making it a flexible storage solution. The shelves can be moved to pre-drilled holes to change the spacing as needed. However, the Lerberg shelves have fixed shelving heights, which means the distance between each shelf cannot be adjusted. This may limit the height of items that can be stored on a Lerberg shelf.

What is involved in customizing an IKEA Billy bookshelf?

Customizing an IKEA Billy bookshelf can involve a variety of modifications such as painting, adding doors, installing lighting, applying decorative backing, or combining multiple units to create a larger shelving system. These customizations can enhance the appearance and functionality of the Billy bookshelf to better suit personal tastes and specific interior design themes.

How do I ensure stability when building a custom bookshelf using IKEA products?

Ensuring stability when building a custom bookshelf with IKEA products involves following the assembly instructions carefully, using the provided wall anchoring kit to secure the unit to the wall, and evenly distributing weight across the shelves. For additional support, especially when combining multiple units or adding height, it’s advisable to reinforce the structure with brackets or additional hardware as needed.

Is it possible to combine Billy bookshelves and Lerberg shelves in a custom bookshelf project?

While Billy bookshelves and Lerberg shelves have distinct designs, it is possible to combine them in a custom bookshelf project for a unique look or to fulfill specific storage requirements. For instance, Lerberg frames could be used as side supports for a row of Billy units, or Billy shelves could be placed atop Lerberg frames for a mixed-material aesthetic. However, such a combination may require creative DIY skills and additional hardware to ensure a cohesive and stable structure.