What is the Billy bookcase index?
In 2009 Bloomberg instigated a "Billy bookcase index", as an alternative to the Big Mac index, to compare relative price levels in different countries around the world. From 2011 to 2014 Billy was available as a 40 cm deep variant alongside the standard 28 cm deep versions.
What are the dimensions of the book shelves?
The shelves are available in several colours and finishes and a width of 40 or 80 cm. The bookshelves can be coupled and optional doors can be added.
How are the shelves of the bookcases placed?
The shelves are placed on metal support, the holes in the side walls have a distance of 32 mm. The shelves are available in several colours and finishes and a width of 40 or 80 cm. The bookshelves can be coupled and optional doors can be added. The bookcases are sold in flat-pack form, to be assembled by the purchaser.
How many IKEA bookcases have been sold worldwide?
It was developed in 1979 by the Swedish designer Gillis Lundgren and IKEA have sold over 60 million units of the bookcases worldwide. Its popularity and global spread has led to its use as a barometer of relative worldwide price levels.

How wide is the Ikea Billy bookcase?
BILLY Bookcase, white, 78 3/4x11x93 1/4 "
Did IKEA discontinue Billy bookcases?
IKEA relaunches its icon BILLY with new timeless colours and sustainability improvements – making it more circular. In July 2022, IKEA will launch the new and more circular BILLY bookcase dressed in beautiful wood expressions.
Why is the White Billy bookcase cheaper?
The third reason that Ikea products like the Billy bookcase are so inexpensive is that they are made of cheap materials compared to handmade furniture. Instead of being made of strong wood, the Billy bookcase is made of particle board, a cheap alternative to pure wood made from wood chips and resin.
Do Billy bookcases have to attached to wall?
The Billy Bookcase is not specifically designed to be wall-mounted. We can see the product sitting on the floor against the wall in all marketing and instruction materials. Consequently, the only standard wall connection with the Billy Bookcase is two small brackets that attach the top of the shelving unit to the wall.
What can I use instead of a Billy bookcase?
Top products in this article:ClosetMaid decorative five-shelf unit, $199. ... Furinno Jaya Simply Home five-shelf bookcase, $98. ... Atlantic Oskar five-shelf bookcase, $99 (reduced from $160) ... Furinno Pasir three-tier open shelf bookcase, $32. ... Furinno Jaya Simply Home five-shelf bookcase, $98.More items...•
How long do BILLY bookcases last?
Billy bookcases can last as long as 20 years. However, you can only expect a long life out of them if you treat them gently and do not let them get wet. The easier the life of your Billy bookcase, the longer you can expect it to last.
Is hemnes better than BILLY?
HEMNES is similar to BILLY in dimensions (both are just shy of three feet wide and about six-and-a-half feet tall), but the extra three inches of depth on the shelves makes a world of difference for storing art and children's books. But what really sets HEMNES apart is the quality of materials.
How do you stabilize a BILLY bookcase?
To correct and strengthen your BILLY, all you need is a few more nails (consider using double the nails as suggested in the original instructions) and some wood glue. Place the flimsy backing piece back on your bookcase as directed, but use more nails hammered more closely together.
How often is a BILLY bookcase sold?
every five secondsIt is estimated that every five seconds, one BILLY bookcase is sold somewhere in the world. Pretty impressive considering we launched BILLY in 1979.
How do you anchor a BILLY bookcase to the wall?
7:3813:56IKEA BILLY Bookcase assembly, joining BILLY Bookcase and wall ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can push it slightly out because the side panels are sticking out from the back fewMoreBut you can push it slightly out because the side panels are sticking out from the back few centimeters. Especially if you have skirting board you can push it bit outer.
How long does it take to build a BILLY bookcase?
With only 12 steps (13 if you're mounting it to your wall), it's much less intimidating and much more intuitive than other IKEA items. It took me about 1 hour to build, and when I was done, I had something that looked a lot more expensive than $50. If I built this and didn't hate everything, than you surely can to!
Can you use BILLY bookcase without back?
The downside of not using backing is it makes the bookcases much less stable, but we are adding plenty of trim and wood facing so these are still solid as a rock. I wouldn't recommend using an IKEA billy bookcase without the back unless you are planning to reinforce the bookcase somehow.
How often does IKEA restock BILLY bookcase?
Every 5 – 7 days. When it comes to large furniture items like desks, bookshelves, couches, beds, etc., IKEA restocks these items about once a week.
When did BILLY bookcase change?
The new BILLY will launch in Asian Pacific markets in July 2022, and in other markets starting January 2024.
Why is IKEA out of stock?
"The impact from the corona pandemic results in backlogs in production with suppliers and challenges in the world wide transportation capacity overseas. Because of this, there is currently some delay in the supply of certain products. This can influence the availability of products in the (online) stores.
How do I find old IKEA products?
Craigslist. Craigslist is a treasure trove of discontinued items, offering everything from IKEA cabinet doors to shelf brackets and whatever else you can think of, really. You can also find bigger pieces like sectional sofas and TV stands.
Who makes Billy bookcases?
Billy (stylised as BILLY) is a bookcase sold by the Swedish furniture company IKEA. It was developed in 1979 by the Swedish designer Gillis Lundgren and IKEA have sold over 60 million units of the bookcases worldwide. Its popularity and global spread has led ...
Where are Billy bookshelves made?
Billy is manufactured for IKEA by Gyllensvaans Möbler at their factory in Kattilstorp, Sweden. In 2009, 130,000 bookshelves were produced each week.
Why did Lundgren design a bookcase?
Lundgren also believed that the bookcase was an item of furniture that consumers may later wish to add additional capacity to as their collections expanded, and wanted to ensure his design was "at tractive and timeless" so that the design would remain on sale and didn't fall out of fashion.
What is Bloomberg bookcase index?
In 2009 Bloomberg instigated a "Billy bookcase index", as an alternative to the Big Mac index, to compare relative price levels in different countries around the world.
When did IKEA start making bookcases?
The bookcase's first inclusion in the IKEA Catalogue was in the 1979 edition. Initially the bookcases were 90cm wide, but this was revised to 80cm in 1988 following complaints from customers that the shelves bent under the weight of the books and the item didn't fit on IKEA transport pallets.
Who designed the IKEA bookcase?
The bookcase was designed in 1979 by Gillis Lundgren, IKEA's fourth employee. His initial sketches for the bookcase were done on the back of a napkin. When designing the product, emphasis was given to functionality and flexibility recognising that different homes had different requirements and space availability.
What are shelves made of?
The shelf parts are made of plastic-coated or veneered particle board. The edges are covered with plastic strips. The shelves are placed on metal support, the holes in the side walls have a distance of 32 mm. The shelves are available in several colours and finishes and a width of 40 or 80 cm.
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Product Description
It is estimated that every five seconds, one BILLY bookcase is sold somewhere in the world. Pretty impressive considering Ikea launched BILLY in 1979. It’s the booklovers choice that never goes out of style.
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What is an IKEA Billy Bookcase?
For those that don’t know, the Billy bookcase is one of IKEA’s most iconic pieces of furniture.
How to upcycle a Billy bookcase?
You can use wallpaper paste as an adhesive or double-sided tape. Simply cut the wallpaper to size, fix it in place, and re-install the shelves. This will give your Billy bookcase a new look using free wallpaper samples or leftover wallpaper from other projects.
How many Billy bookcases have IKEA sold?
This is a very versatile bookcase that comes in a series of colors and is incredibly affordable. IKEA has sold in excess of 60 million Billy bookcases around the world, making it one of their best-selling products of all time. The Billy bookcase is sturdy and reliable, making it the international gold standard for flat-pack bookcases on a budget.
How to avoid brush strokes on bookcase?
If you want to avoid brush strokes showing up on your bookcase, you should use a small roller to cover the majority of it. Use a brush only for corners and areas that are difficult to reach with a roller.
Can you paint Billy bookcases?
If you want to upcycle your Billy bookcase, painting it is a great option. This can give your bookcase a whole new look, is an easy project to achieve, and results in a stylish piece of furniture on a small budget.
Best IKEA Billy bookcase hacks for a cheap and chic transformation
Planning a DIY project but need a little inspiration? These designer-worthy IKEA Billy bookcase hacks are all the incentive you'll need to get started...
1. Fashion a stylish display cabinet
If proof were needed that the Billy bookcase is a versatile piece that you can elevate to a super-chic piece of furniture, then this it. Jen Rothbury, of @crack_the_shutters, created a beautiful display cabinet with her IKEA Billy bookcase hack for a fabulous hallway idea.
2. Create an incredible library wall
If you're blessed with ample space, creating a library wall is a decadent living room idea.
3. Transform Ikea Billy bookcases into a sleek and stylish mudroom
Steph @henrikjunehome turned being left with a garage-load of IKEA Billy bookcases into a fortuitous event.
4. Make built-in shelves with two IKEA Billy bookcases
With metallic wallpaper and lighting - and some creative styling - the Billy bookcase can be taken from basic and bland to a thing of beauty, as can be seen with this innovative living room storage idea.
6. Add contemporary wall units around your fireplace
For a modern, sleek storage idea, take a basic IKEA Billy bookcase and elevate it with new handles and modern black paint.
7. Craft beautiful built-in alcove shelving
Fitted alcove shelving can be very expensive but, with an IKEA Billy bookcase hack, it's affordable as well as stylish.
