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Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, they’re larger than life

In our bedroom, we wanted a good amount of open storage with built-in floor to ceiling bookshelves. But on a budget! So we turned to the IKEA BILLY.

The project was completed with all the work done on weekends over a period of 4 months.

IKEA items used:
  • 4 x BILLY Bookcase 31 1/2x11x41 3/4″
  • 3 x BILLY Bookcase 31 1/2x11x79 1/2″
Other materials and tools:
  • 2×4 lumber
  • Metal wall fasteners
  • 1/2″ pine boards
  • Wood filler
  • Wallpaper
  • Nail gun
  • Miter saw
  • Paint

Floor to ceiling bookshelves hack instructions:

First things first, I designed the layout in Adobe Illustrator.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

Then, I built boxes (frames) out of 2x4s on the floor as a base for the bookcases to sit on and allow HVAC flow from the floor register below the bookcase. I used a miter saw and a nail gun.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

Related: A BILLY library like no other

First, I attached the boxes to the floor and wall with right angle metal fasteners.

Then, I attached larger BILLY Bookcases to 2×4 boxes on the floor and to wall.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

Next, after completing and securing the lower bookcases, I ran 2x4s across the top of the larger bookcases as a platform for the smaller, top bookcases.

As before, I attached the top bookcases to the 2x4s and to the wall.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

Related: No doubt about it. BILLY is made for built-in bookshelves

With the BILLY bookcases all secured to the frames and walls, it was now time to dress it up and give it the built-in look.

I used 1/2” pine boards for trim covering the front surfaces of the bookcases and to provide a continuous, seamless look.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

After that I primed and painted the book cases and shelves.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

I filled rear channel and extra shelf dowel holes with wood filler.

The last step was to wallpaper the rear wall of the bookcases.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

And finally, it’s done.

Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, it's larger than life

We’re taking our time to fill up the many, many shelves.

~ by Bernard S.

The post Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves, they’re larger than life appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

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