DIY Built-In Bookcase IKEA Hack - Home Office Built-In Bookshelves Project

Ever wanted to get that built-in bookshelves look without the crazy price tag? This DIY built-in bookcase IKEA hack was the perfect home office makeover project for my music studio.
In this video I'll walk you through the in-depth step-by-step process of how we hacked these IKEA Billy bookcases to totally transform this boxy white room. These built-ins have made a massive difference in my home office space and this is probably my favorite project I've ever done!
Let me know if you have any questions on the process in the comments! What should we DIY next? Drop a comment below with your ideas!
🔗 Here are the links to the supplies needed for this project:
SUPPLIES:
* 4,4, 15 3/4” IKEA Billy bookcases - (www.ikea.com/us/en/p/billy-bo...)
* 3, 1-in x 12-in x 8-ft Whitewood Board for the middle shelf - (rstyle.me/+72Lq-ovXk9kyDPQU_h...)
* 10, 1-in x 2-in x 8 ft poplar boards - (rstyle.me/+OP0rI99RoC1BY6aPH6...)
* 1, 9/16 in x 3 1/4 in. x 96 in Baseboard - (rstyle.me/+nlZ2onw84yUUKBFM4J...)
* Assorted wood screws
* Paintable Caulk - (rstyle.me/+js7p8BXjRi0E52MXGN...)
* Wood Filler - (rstyle.me/+js7p8BXjRi0E52MXGN...)
* Shellac-Based Primer - ( )
* Paint color of your choice (I used Benjamin Moore Hidden Falls) - (www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/p...)
* Paint Roller - (rstyle.me/+AJER-rN7Y_QI27867C...)
* Paint Pan - (rstyle.me/+9kku4UT4O6UsliLRSm...) and Liners (rstyle.me/+jfxxExlvvKeyVAx99Z...)
* Mini Paint Trays - (rstyle.me/+CDTIca9OvARe7a04ig...)
TOOLS:
* Circular Saw or Jigsaw - rstyle.me/+GJmnQhQdCJ09SaNAgb...
* Miter Saw - rstyle.me/+aZOZkptx40fsZUO4KC...
* Drill - rstyle.me/+-Y8cvbWHDjPstYSs2K...
* Tape Measure - rstyle.me/+7jXIOHyMg-Hsmo19pt...
* Nail Gun - rstyle.me/+ydXyWq_0JaQdiHGQ7a...
* Electric Sander - rstyle.me/+HGdBg-eUF6X3iDfwh4...
LINK TO MY 72" YELLOW VELVET SOFA: www.article.com/product/17816...
LINK TO NEW VERSION OF MY CEILING LIGHT (exact one is discontinued but this is very similar): rstyle.me/+XgP8G8ayhLTjmW71qd...
🔗 Here is the link to the We The Dreamers blog post with full instructions and links to all the supplies we used - wethedreamers.com/blog/diy-bu...
🎥 Check out our other DIY videos here on KZbin!
* DIY Cane Closet Doors - Bi-Fold Door Makeover - • DIY Cane Closet Doors ...
* How To Stencil A Faux Tile Patio - Back Patio Makeover - wethedreamers.com/blog/how-to...
* DIY Waterfall Butcher Block Washer & Dryer Laundry Counter - • DIY Waterfall Butcher ...
* DIY Macrame Coasters Tutorial - • DIY Macrame Coaster Vi...
✨ Check out some of our other DIY projects on the blog!
* DIY Waterfall Butcher Block Washer & Dryer Laundry Counter - wethedreamers.com/blog/2020/8...
* DIY Cane Closet Doors - wethedreamers.com/blog/diy-ca...
* DIY Built-In Bookcase IKEA Hack - wethedreamers.com/blog/diy-bu...
* How to Install DIY Floating Shelves - wethedreamers.com/blog/how-to...
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**Disclosure: We only recommend products we use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This description may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. Thanks!

[@wethedreamers]

What kinds of DIY home projects would you like to see next? Let me know and be sure to subscribe for more tutorials and home decor tips! Check out this Waterfall Butcher Block Laundry Counter I made for our washer and dryer - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6e9lniEdquVhMU , and this Pantry Door makeover project - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZLRfIBqbLqFrKs

[@RPRsChannel]

*_Now, buying IKEA and then "hacking" seems silly to me. No doubt, these end results here are fantastic, but it doesn't seem like a "hack" when people buy their Billy's for such a project; one might as well just buy planks and build the custom shelving._*

[@kyfarm]

Before I retired, I painted houses for a living. For anyone who hasn't begun a project like this, I think I could save you some time. First, do all your sanding (or use liquid sandpaper), and painting before you assemble. It's So much quicker, and after you assemble,, there will only be minor touch up. Do your best to let your project sit for a week, then place wax paper under anything you place on your shelves. It takes paint 3 or 4 weeks, and sometimes more to fully cure. The wax paper will keep your knick knacks from pulling the paint off the shelf.

[@wethedreamers]

Great suggestions, thanks for sharing!

[@aprilyoungblood7326]

It drives me crazy when I see people paint after things are installed. It's so much easier if you do it before, like you said, there's minor touch ups to do.

[@tanvi7532]

also can do it outside so less smell

[@michaelcristofano5863]

Great job! Very thorough, and the instruction were excellent. It is so nice to see a DIYer who doesn't take short cuts. So many sponsored people who do a crappy job just to show the product. It was a difficult job but looks to be worth it. You have another subscriber in me

[@wethedreamers]

thank you so much!

[@leihilton9546]

Great job, I think you should paint the entire room (including ceiling) in that beautiful paint colour you chose, it would look even more amazing!

[@wethedreamers]

I have definitely considered it! Maybe I’ll take the plunge soon :)

[@SamSmithVev0]

Very informative video. Great description and explanation

[@Sookielein]

The colors are...beautiful. Great job and also recreateable without breaking the bank.

[@mariaacosta_virgo]

Love this! I like that you explained every step and the hacks for them, like using felt feet to prevent paint from peeling and also including the tools and materials that you used along with their measurements.

[@wethedreamers]

Thanks so much! So glad it was helpful

[@patriciaanderson-if8wj]

Absolutely beautiful! Great job!

[@strawberrysocks2835]

This turned out beautifully!

[@angiemitchell7674]

Awesome job! Love the color and build in book case.

[@laurafeher8344]

I totally love the bookcase. Great instructions!!

[@bohnestiel]

Love your diy and podcast content.Keep it up!

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

Wow, love the colour!!!

[@emmagevorgyan115]

Elegant look !!!

[@willt.9654]

Girl that looks incredible

[@BanditQ]

Great transformation.

[@girlscarf]

awesome, very clear instructions!!!! thank you

[@LifeofAsabi]

beautifulllllllll - thanks so much for sharing your process!

[@GreenClassified]

Green is my favourite colour! Well done, stunning result 🙂

[@ejmakesus6]

Looks sensational 🤍

[@hebulanebula]

Excellent results 🎉 and adorable pup 🐶🐾🥰

[@samgarrett6435]

Brilliant vid! Hopefully doing something similar for my office (once I get carpets) 🤞🏼

[@L0U1SE]

Great post, nice project and gorgeous pooch

[@carolyntorres8171]

Excellent. Gorgeous color!

[@wethedreamers]

Thank you so much!

[@VTK72]

Beautiful ❤❤❤

[@debbiecooper1677]

I am so glad I found your self ,beacuse I am getting ready to get one.

[@kimswrld5321]

I love it and Ty very informative 😊😊❤❤❤❤👏👏

[@charleneblake1146]

So beautiful 🎉🎉🎉

[@SuzyTurner]

I love it! The colour is beautiful too ❤

[@wethedreamers]

Thank you! 😊

[@jjp0004]

Looks amazing! Well done

[@wethedreamers]

thanks so much!

[@littletez85]

Looks great and I love the color you chose, the couch and the lighting!

[@wethedreamers]

Thank you so much!

[@saraheschweiler4939]

Thank you bunches for sharing your built-in bookcases adventure!😀 Beautiful!🤩 Congratulations, from your newest subscriber, in Minneapolis, Minnesota!🥳 Best wishes to you & to all of your beloveds! 🙏🌿💐🌿😊💚😘🌿💐🌿🙏

[@sandieedward993]

Great Space > So Very Good

[@Theogwill]

Excellent work 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@wethedreamers]

Thanks so much!

[@sarzbeth]

Im both in love AND inspired

[@wethedreamers]

thank you! so glad you enjoyed!

[@space9866]

Production value of this video is amazing! I'm looking to do something similar so this really helps me

[@wethedreamers]

so glad it was helpful!

[@bluebellflamesx]

This is beautiful and almost perfect for my living room/office. Though I think I might skip the billy extenders in favor of having that top shelf be supported by the shelves on either side.

[@jeanvignes]

One of the very best DIY projects I have ever seen on-line. Clearly explained, reasonably priced components, excellent warnings about the typical gotchas, and not a lot of bragging. Let the work speak for itself; and it does. THANK YOU. One idea: if a section of the shelves on both sides (say the third and fourth from the bottom) were set aside for heavier, frequently-moved items (e.g. a rotating display of glass or ceramic items) it would look nice and be more durable if those shelves were "lined" with cut-to-size panels of 1/4 inch glass with sanded edges, available from pretty much any glass company. Mirrored glass might also be stunning (and display, for example, the sides and bottom of ceramics to good effect.) By keeping the glass/mirror shelves central and on both sides, they would add a kind of horizontal "stripe" that would reflect the horizontal stripe of shelves across the center-top.

[@wethedreamers]

Love that idea! That could look really cool and be a functional addition. Thanks for watching!

[@gretaeberhardt541]

What a fantastic room! You choose great colors. When using a dark paint I like to have the store tint the primer, they’ve always done it for free. I found it to be helpful.

[@wethedreamers]

That’s a great call and would have probably saved me another coat of paint!

[@gretaeberhardt541]

It does save from having to do second coat and better than that no sanding like you sometimes need between coats of paint. They typically can get it nearly the same shade, maybe not quite as deep but such a time saver.

[@expatmoose]

Thanx for this idea, I was looking for something like this but instead of the sofa mine shall have a Murphy bed with some seating area in front for guests to sit on and the bed to rest over when in use👍🏻. Colour choices are super cool too, I like

[@wethedreamers]

love the murphy bed idea!

[@idrbn3]

Brilliant that you show the steps but even better is that you list everything used/needed. I wish more creators did this 👏👏 My OCD noticed something and wondered if you'd consider swapping step 10(sanding everything) to step 1 which would be to sand down the bookcases before they were assembled. No fiddling with corners and aching forearms then 🤭 Great hack!🎉

[@wethedreamers]

Honestly this is a great call! That would definitely simplify the sanding process. Thanks for watching!

[@idrbn3]

@@wethedreamers thanks, I definitely will. I'm in the UK and already planning to use this one when I move in a few months 🙏🕉️

[@jemandjemand2362]

sand every part as the very first step, so you dont need to break arms and hands to go into the corners. and after the painting, coat it with clear varnish

[@wethedreamers]

Great tips!

[@maryiorio426]

Wowsers! 🎉🎉🎉 Gorgeous! I love it! Thank you for the excellent instructions on how you made it happen! You put love, sweat and probably a few tears into this project! (Maybe no tears, but I would have cried when things didn’t line up! Just saying.)

[@wethedreamers]

thank you so much! during the painting process I spilled an ENTIRE can of paint all over the floor, so there were certainly a good deal of tears here and there lol. So glad you enjoyed!

[@maryiorio426]

I’m so sorry about the paint spilling! That definitely would have pushed me over the edge! Still, great paint color.

[@Karina_Engr]

Great color. I went with a HD brand in the color named night watch. It’s a pretty Teal/dark Emerald color. ❤

[@wethedreamers]

Love that! Sounds like a beautiful color

[@estelle_is_here]

I was like you look like Kate Voegele from OTH heheheh so happy to see it's you and I'm looking forward to seeing more from your channel! Subscribed!!

[@wethedreamers]

lol yep that's me! Thanks so much for following along!

[@duchessrva]

Great job…looks amazing. Can you link the ceiling light?

[@wethedreamers]

ah yes sorry about that! it looks like this exact one isn't available anymore but this is their updated design which is pretty similar - rstyle.me/+XgP8G8ayhLTjmW71qdwMxA

[@Citroen_2cv]

Gorgeous. I've morphed Billys into a few things myself -- yours look spectacular. Question! Your wall sconces have what looks like a metal rod concealing the cord, and I've always looked for something like that. Did they come with your sconces or did you somehow cut up aluminum tubing to get that clean covered look? Dying to know, I have rooms full of lights I need to do this to. Hate cords, am scared to hardwire (old house)

[@BodaciousBeverly]

I have two similar entertainment centers, one that I've had for at least 20 years, and the other that I bought for $15 off Marketplace. I have used them as display storage for items I used to sell. However, I'm considered moving one to a craft/guest room to store my bonds of craft supplies, and the other near the front door as a landing station for coats, boots, bags, and things like water bottles, gloves, sunglasses, etc., that we normally want near the door on our way to work or as we arrive home. Both seem to have the perfect sizes of drawers and shelves to suit my purposes for such. I would love to see your ideas on repurposing old but sturdy centers like this.

[@wethedreamers]

this is a great idea for a project, thank you!

[@nathalie2k]

Beautiful room!!! Do you mind telling us where the wall sconces are from please?

[@wethedreamers]

thank you! They're by Jonathan Adler and I got them from Lamps Plus, but it doesn't look like he makes this style anymore. I hate when they do that! These are sort of similar (though hardwired) - rstyle.me/+t6EITSQwOc9u4Na1JIhgvw , rstyle.me/+Wq2KmHjNcpsIZLvI0AyxYA , rstyle.me/+pHpDrmsUUGoQFYZAqf1cxw , rstyle.me/+OEnbhQKMPyiUzOpZJP3frA , rstyle.me/+zsIxDTRTbkkfPRoDg_PBdA , rstyle.me/+ByP96KIko06l3_EKi-1vag , and this is kind of a cool plug-in option with a somewhat similar feel rstyle.me/+M9rued8RZ-hiX6p5SgkgBQ

[@GilliMarieMoody]

Awesome. Have you considered protecting the paint with with varnish? Just a question! Or, using some pretty drawer liner on most fog the surfaces. Just a question(!). It’s still really gorg’.

[@wethedreamers]

I hadn't thought of that but it's a great idea to try! Thanks for watching!

[@loriwall618]

What color did you use? It's gorgeous!

[@wethedreamers]

thank you! It's called Hidden Falls by Benjamin Moore

[@vaeaeae]

Very beautiful! Can you link the ceiling light?

[@vaeaeae]

Nevermind, found a comment of yours :) thank you!

[@wethedreamers]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Fightwithb]

Very good idea to make home beautiful also love your dog what is the name of your dog ?

[@wethedreamers]

Thank you! Her name is Nola 🐾

[@soulcov1177]

nice work - i looked but don't see which benjamin moore product you used. advance? aura? regal select?

[@wethedreamers]

I believe it was regal select!

[@daandy4899]

A tip I've learned from other projects, if you would like to have almost perfect paint job, you have to sand it after the first coat, to make the next coat really smooth. I can see some imperfection at your paint job. The reason why e.g. furniture flippers have most of the time pretty much perfect result on their products, even they just use a paint brush insteand of a paint roller or paint gun.

[@wethedreamers]

sanding after the first coat could very well be helpful, and this is definitely not a perfect paint job. My technique was rolling the paint on with a mini roller, then going over it with a brush to get the smoother brush stroke look. thanks for watching!

[@bluebellflamesx]

What did you do with the electrical outlets? Just one in the centre?

[@wethedreamers]

yeah we just have one on that wall, and it's actually outside of the wall instead of embedded in it. I just left it silver put the couch in front of it because I knew it would always be covered up.

[@aprilyoungblood7326]

Was there a reason you couldn't use a Billy across the top? Were they not wide enough or long enough? I've been thinking about doing the same thing but I wanted to put one across the top.

[@wethedreamers]

Exactly right- the Billy options offered by IKEA didn’t fit in that opening between the pairs. Also, we realized that building the middle portion ourselves would be relatively simple and that we could match the thickness of the Billy shelves, so it felt like the easiest option. The Billy also has a thicker bottom base to it, so it would have been asymmetrical when turned sideways. Thanks for watching, hope that helps!

[@pansepot1490]

Open bookshelves aka “dust catchers”. 😅 Just kidding, great project, great execution.

[@wethedreamers]

Thank you! Open shelves are definitely somewhat high maintenance on the dust front lol but worth it

[@neosapienz7885]

I thought I was the only ones call those overhead lights “boob” lights. Lol

[@wethedreamers]

Lol nope as far as I’m concerned that’s their official name 😂

[@hazel1960]

Fill the holes first before putting it up simple

[@expatmoose]

Sand and paint backer boards first too,

[@wethedreamers]

You could definitely do this! I was indecisive about where I wanted the shelves to live permanently, so I waited, but a more organized person could probably make that decision earlier in the game

[@wethedreamers]

Definitely could work too, although the backer board slides in from the top and I was worried the paint would get damaged during the slide-in install process, which is why I held off

[@maddscientist3170]

IMO I would sand EVERYTHING prior to assembly, then you just sand the holes with filler in them & the chalk areas

[@wethedreamers]

This is definitely a great call and something I hadn’t thought of! Guess I was just eager to build those things asap 😂

[@Station9.75]

Have your dad and your husband help you out? Looks like they did it all for you more like.

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

no she made those super helpful drawings and narrated the video! 😂

[@carolyngemmell4388]

I long for the day America get inline with the rest of the world and learns metric, I can’t listen to all this inches talk….it’s been almost 50 yrs in Aus, it’s been gone for several generations.

[@wethedreamers]

this is very true, I'm not sure why we still use this system lol

[@Baby_Locs]

Great work! This is my dream office space. @wethedreamers what was the approximate cost? I know wood prices vary by region. However I love this look so much. I want to make sure I budget appropriately before hand. Thanks you for your help.

[@wethedreamers]

Thank you! The pricing for wood can definitely vary, but the bookcases themselves are $74 each. After getting 4 of those and all of the other materials in the description (minus the power tools) you’d probably be around roughly $550 give or take. Hope this helps!

[@Baby_Locs]

@@wethedreamers that’s fantastic! This is very helpful. I cannot wait to complete this project.