How to make over and style an IKEA Billy Bookcase using fabric and cardboard.
I have not one, but two IKEA Billy bookcases that need to be transformed so they coordinate with the new color scheme I am doing my studioffice in. They are 20 years old –a true testament that they are indeed a classic IKEA item that you can use by itself or in many combinations. IKEA makes glass doors, solid doors, lights, and extenders so that you can customize this classic bookshelf in many different ways.
I customize mine by using fabric covered cardboard inserts that can be easily changed almost instantly giving them a brand new look. You can do this bookcase makeover on any bookshelf, cabinet, or china closet to add a permanent or temporary change.
I moved everything out of the one on the right so I could begin to change the fabric.
Before
The 18 year old fabric is going bye-bye. I used it in the decorating book I wrote. One of the projects was to show how easy it was to change the bookcases for the seasons. This fabric was used for the summer look. It, too is a classic and still looks good even after all these years.
I used cardboard from large appliance boxes to make the fabric covered inserts. Once the shelves were set, I measured the width and height above each shelf and cut the cardboard to size. I marked the back of each piece of cardboard with – top middle, bottom, etc. If I have to remove them, I won’t have to guess where they go when I put them back on.
During
I removed the old fabric and added the new fabric which is actually a flat sheet.
You may remember how I used the fitted sheet as a window treatment in this post – In An Instant No-Sew Window Treatment.
I cut white fabric to the same size to use as a liner for the sheet which is slightly transparent. Without the liner – the brown cardboard would make the white – look off white. When I made these backdrops the dollar store didn’t sell white foam board. I have lots of white fabric and instead of buying and cutting all new boards it was easier to just make a white fabric liner. The color of the cardboard only matters with thin see-through fabrics.
Cut the fabric about 5 inches longer and wider than the size of the cardboard so you can wrap the excess to the back and secure with packing tape. It is as easy as wrapping a gift box.
Once the fabric is secured onto the cardboard – place into the shelf. As you can see I had a little help.
I didn’t worry about matching the pattern, since I know there will be stuff on each shelf to hide anything that is not lined up.
After
Fabric, like paint is the easiest and most inexpensive way to transform just about anything. My Billy has a brand new look and it only took about an hour of my time. Now I have to do its buddy on the other side of the room.
IKEA used to sell lights for Billy. I have one on each of mine. They add the perfect mood light at night. This is a view from the side – from the front you hardly notice it. I checked the IKEA website, but I couldn’t find the lights.
They are just one more way that you can customize a Billy bookshelf or any bookshelf you may have.
Donna says
Thanks for your last post. I actually have that on my arm.
I’ve had a small white dot for years.
Last year I noticed my are tanned very strandge. It was blotchy tan and pinkish.
Now I know. Thank you so much for that post.
God Bless
Diane Henkler says
Hi Donna – Happy to know that my post has helped you. I hope it does not spread over time. XO
Walker says
I’m absolutely loving your clever ideas on your blog, making me want to do lots of interior changes. Do you have a makeover for slip covers to cover sofas & armchairs please, I’m in U.K. & haven’t seen any here. Love your house.
Thanks, Sylvia x
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Sylvia – I have a lot of decorating posts about slipcovers. Here are links to a few that I think may help or inspire you:
https://inmyownstyle.com/how-to-make-a-pottery-barn-style-slipcover-from-a-quilt.html
-hhttps://inmyownstyle.com/why-i-love-living-with-white-slipcovers.html
–https://inmyownstyle.com/ottoman-slipcover-with-pom-pom-trim.html
–https://inmyownstyle.com/easy-indoor-and-outdoor-chair-cushion-covers-to-make.html
Heather says
This post just made my night. I have a tall black bookshelf in the living room that I do not want to paint, but that needs something. I was going to wallpaper the back panels, but this idea seems a lot easier and less expensive. Cannot wait to try it :) .
Tara Elmegreen says
I agree! I was all set to decoupage….this is great! Easier to put paper on cardboard!!!
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Tina Harms says
Great idea. I was getting ready to modge podge my daughters bookshelf but like this idea better because it is easy to change out.
Elizabeth says
Oh my goodness! this is genius! I’m about to buy Billy bookcases myself (decorating home office YAY!) and I was under the assumption I had to cover the whole back, but this is way more awesome! Great work!
Laura Franklin says
Yes, I have done this a lot. You can also use wall paper or scrapbook paper on smaller things like wall shelf’s so your nick nacks pop
Donna Lee says
I will be following your blog, just a few things I’ve seen just loving the easy tricks of changing. My shelves will get a make over with the backs after Christmas. Thanks
Jennie says
Great idea, thanks for taking the time to put this together and in a way that us not so handy people can follow. I love working with sheets, so much fabric and patterns. I once did a bedroom wall with them and it turned out great.
Kayla says
This is such a great idea to spruce up any bookshelf, and very inexpensive!! LOVE IT! :)
Priscilla says
What a great transformation! Where did you get your graphic sheets?
Thanks!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Priscilla – I don’t think I answered your question yet – sorry for the delay. I found the sheets at Ross. Not sure if you have them in your area. It is like TJ Maxx or Marshalls
Priscilla says
Thanks so much for getting back to me on the sheets. You are very creative!
Conniek20 says
I’m so glad you published this, Diane. I had seen it long ago (longer than I am willing to admit) but had completely forgotten about it. I am about to purchase the Billy bookcases to redo my office so the timing is perfect. Now I can add a little “oomph” easily.
Audrey @ Primera Interiors says
Great! Diane, that’s an easy and creative idea. :) You know what bookcase makeover has always been a problem for me. I will surely implement it soon. Thanks for sharing such amazing idea. :)
Nicole says
Awesome idea! I have been wanting to update my Billy bookcases but didn’t want to do anything permanent. Thanks for sharing!
Rocco says
Where did you get the BILLY-Light? I can’t find it on their website.
Michelleocm says
What a brilliant idea!
Jenna, SAS Interiors says
This is a great idea Diane and something that I’ve had in mind to do for a while! I hope to get around to it very soon. Looks beautiful.
xo Jenna
Judy says
The cardboard is genius. I will be doing this for sure. I have wanted to add fabric to the back of our bookshelves, but didn’t want to adhere it directly. Thanks for the inspiration.
Brandi says
I really enjoy reading your blog! I just started mine and would love for you to stop by!
http://www.flairbybrandi.blogspot.com
Brandi
Holly Lefevre says
These look great! I need some Billy bookcases and I need to do this to them!
Mrs. Handyverger says
What a fantastic makeover, Diane! :) I love seeing that you have kitty-helpers, too! I can’t get through a single project without mine assisting or supervising. (And I can’t manage to take more than a few photos without one getting involved, too!)
Denise says
Gorgeous! I don’t know why someone as talented as you doesn’t have her own magazine, her own show or her own something! You are talented, talented, TALENTED!
Cutting cardboard inserts is genius and I will be blatantly copying this idea!
pam clark says
thanks so much for the inspiration! I’ve wanted to put fabric or paper in the back of my shelves, but didn’t want to make it permanent… such a clever solution!!!!
Diane says
Hi Pam – I have covered the cardboard with both gift wrap and wallpaper in my china cabinet. So many options and they all work equally well.
Kristal says
So awesome!! I’ve been thinking about getting some of these bookcases….and I think now I may be sold!!
laurie says
GREAT idea, Diane!! So easy and cheap! :)
xoxo laurie
Melissa, The Happier Homemaker says
Love it! That sheet pattern is perfection! Great minds think alike ;)
window innovations says
That looks so good!! I have an old book case I was going to throw away but I might revive it now! I love the black line design in the back! I think I have a project for the weekend now :)
Carrie @ The Internet Made Me Do It says
Well, you’ve now just given me an afternoon project, as we also have one, but the big hulk of bookshelf is hidden away in a bedroom, but its desperately needed in the family room. Thank you for saving my family room from one more eye sore! Great post!
Vanessa says
Hi, Diane
I just love what you did with the bookshelf. I am going to do this to my Billy bookcase. Have a great weekend.
Vanessa
A Lived in Home says
What a gorgeous shelf! The fabric makes it so beautiful!
Mandy Mo. says
Oh my goodness, cardboard inserts, what a fabulous idea! I’ll definitely be trying this out for myself. I love your blog, you never cease to amaze!
Shelley @ Calypso In The Country says
So pretty! Whenever I see a great makeover on those Billy bookcases, I want to run out and buy one! Gotta love Ikea!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I love this project, Diane! Probably because I did it the same exact way as you when I did my kitchen cabinet that has glass doors, when we moved into our new place. All I had available {that wasn’t packed up} was cardboard boxes and shipping tape! I also love this project because it is easily removable and you could change it out for holidays or just when you grow tired of the fabric you’ve used. Nice update for your bookcases. I think the new pattern is a classic, too.
Johanna says
Diane, very nice work! Everything than can be modified/changed/varied are my favourites, since I do tend to change my mind quite often. I especially love the fabric choise. Sadly, I have not found any similarto buy from here Finland or from Ebay in Europe.
Laura @Ms Smartie Pants says
They look great! I did the same thing to my niece’s baby nursery but we bought black and white wrapping paper on sale after Christmas cover them backs. I love the piece between to 2 shelves, so pretty!
Sarah says
There are some ugly book cases here on the base that could use this simple touch up. I have some Afghan scarves I bought at the bazaar I can use for this. You know, I bet with some hot glue and interfacing you could make these reversable. Great job, thank you for the idea!
Alicia S says
By the way, I love your blog. I lurk and don’t leave comments…shame on me, but I love your post with the fitted sheet window treatments! Definitely going to do that as well!
Alicia S says
What a wonderful and easy idea! I don’t have a Billy but I have a lovely bookcase that I adore and I’m definitely going to dress her up like you did with Billy! Can’t wait to go look at fabrics. I’m redoing my bedroom in Teal and Brown or Blue and Brown, depending on which bed set I can find in my price range.
Lynne says
Really nice IDEA . . . IKEA GAL!
Mandy M says
Omg, what a clever and easy way to make a change. It’s so easy, I can’t begin to tell you why I wouldn’t have thought if it myself. Thanks for sharing, I just may have to use this idea some day.
Ginger says
That is beautiful, what a great idea!