How I Used IKEA Billy Bookcases to Create an Affordable Built-In Solution for My Home Office | DIY IKEA Built-Ins
- Barbara Monell
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
I was determined to create a stylish and functional home office with tons of storage. After exploring the idea of custom-built bookshelves and getting quotes that were way out of my budget, I decided to take matters into my own hands. With a little help from my husband, we turned affordable IKEA Billy bookcases and Havsta cabinets into the built-ins of my dreams!
Why IKEA?
When I looked into custom-built options, the prices were crazy! After a bit of research, I found that IKEA Billy bookcases and Havsta cabinets were not only affordable, but also the perfect foundation for a built-in system.
Planning the Project
Before jumping in, I did my homework. I searched Pinterest for home office built-ins to find the perfect design that would incorporate both storage (which I can never have enough of) and elegance. Once I had my inspo, I measured the wall where I planned to install the built-ins. (My wall measured 131 1/4" wide by 112" high. Between the wall and window I had just under 14" to work with).
After that, it was off to IKEA! I picked up four Havsta Cabinets and two Billy Bookcases, which would be the core of the project. The total came out to $994.71.
Adjustments Along the Way
The Billy Bookcases on top of the cabinet were slightly too tall for my ceiling height, so we had to trim about 2.5 inches off the bookcases. It was pretty easy to do, all you need is a circular saw to cut it down. If you want to avoid cutting the bookshelves, you can opt for the shorter Billy Bookcase.
The Challenge: Finding Time
The hardest part of this project was finding enough time to finish it! Between our day jobs and life in general, we only had the weekends to work on it. What we thought would take a few weekends ended up taking about two and a half months. If you're considering this project, just be prepared for how long it could take—it might surprise you!
Tools and Materials
We didn’t need anything too fancy to get the job done. A cheap nail gun and circular saw were the most important tools we used. We also added a beadboard panel from Home Depot in between the bookcases for some texture, and MDF sheets to frame out the top and sides, giving it that finished, built-in look. These simple touches made a huge difference in the final result.
The Result
After two and a half months of hard work (and a lot of weekends spent in the garage), the built-ins turned out better than I could have imagined! Not only do they look amazing, but they also turned my cluttered, chaotic workspace into a much more organized and professional setup. No more working at the kitchen table—everything has a place, from my printer to office supplies.
My Tips for You
If you’re thinking about taking on a similar project, here’s my advice:
Be prepared for the time commitment. What seemed like a weekend project stretched out over a couple of months.
Don’t rush. Take your time with measurements and assembling to ensure everything fits perfectly.
Get the right tools. A nail gun and circular saw will make your life much easier, trust me!
Final Thoughts
These DIY IKEA built-ins have completely transformed my home office. Not only do they add elegance and function, but they also provide the storage I desperately needed. It was a bit of work, but in the end, it was totally worth it. I’m so happy with how it turned out and would recommend this project to anyone looking to add built-ins to their space on a budget.