IKEA HACK: DIY Billy Bookcase Built-In Library Wall

Today is the tutorial for my biggest IKEA hack ever: building my own library wall using IKEA Billy Bookcases! I was inspired by @themakerista on Instagram's gorgeous library wall. This project was so big, I had to call in reinforcements: my amazing handy dad whom you've seen in some of my other videos and my talented DIY content creator friend Krystle from @PerkinsOnParkway flew all the way out to Ohio from Dallas, TX to help me complete this project. It was our first time meeting in person, and I just absolutely adore her! Make sure you subscribe to her channel! Don't forget to subscribe to my channel as well and follow me on my other platforms!
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c o n t a c t:
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Product links and cost transparency below:
S U P P L I E S:
(4) 93 1.4” Tall IKEA Billy Bookcases: $476.00
www.ikea.com/us/en/p/billy-bo...
1 Qt. Zinsser BIN Shellac Based Primer: $23.48
rstyle.me/+-NMSVYPV3LG7Mw3vo_...
Sherwin Williams Emerald Enamel Trim Paint: $153.28
www.sherwin-williams.com/home...
(11) 2x6x8 Pine Wood Boards: $49.80
rstyle.me/+YRTwGC4289vC9ehOug...
(9) 2x4x8 Pine Wood Boards: $22.96
rstyle.me/+BRc67CfMdknaeQeTRM...
(7) 1x8x8 Primed Boards: $82.40
www.menards.com/main/building...
(5) 1x6x8 Primed Boards: $57.40
www.menards.com/main/building...
(2) 1x3x8 Primed Boards: $15.96
www.menards.com/main/building...
(8) 1x2x8 Primed Boards: $31.68
www.menards.com/main/building...
(4) 1/2” MDF 4ft x 8ft Panels: $183.76
rstyle.me/+O9UZujPiQfEvU-Dv1J...
(2) 1x4x8 Pine Select Boards: $24.66
rstyle.me/+92SBJKkCQ9-XIb_kZO...
(1) 16ft 5 1/4” Primed Baseboard: $25.96
www.menards.com/main/doors-wi...
12 Ft Sliding Library Ladder Kit: $793.57
rstyle.me/+i2UzfxpH4cn48MadKC...
(2) Dentil Crown Moulding: $102.42
rstyle.me/+w-w0mWE9j4zz3W7CyZ...
(4) Tubes Alex Dap Caulk: $14.33
rstyle.me/+xHslHOSDZcslKMae0k...
Dap DryDex Plastic Wood Filler: $6.98
rstyle.me/+1Z3MSdSDeNlEk3CVzv...
(1) Box 3” Wood Decking Screws: $33.97
rstyle.me/+kVEK9WgQ0crjLJ4XKz...
Total Cost: $2098.61
T O O L S:
Dewalt 20v 18g Cordless Brad Nailer
www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCN680D...
Dealt Atomic Brushless Circular Saw
rstyle.me/+pfYTfHgNZzd2488X4y...
Ryobi 12” Compound Miter Saw
rstyle.me/+xXmnvyPNIR0RV-raZL...
Dewalt Impact Driver
rstyle.me/+oiipTHft6Mf37aqwIU...
Rubber Mallet
rstyle.me/+jJxCKJerYbek8It81c...
6 ft level
rstyle.me/+AyWzOxqNsfi77HPfBC...
Hammer
rstyle.me/+FPqCMrSUAPA0XbQ0lz...
Sanding Block
rstyle.me/+_WxcplIqFr5dYXg_iH...
Countersink Bit Set
rstyle.me/+M4ijG3nuSMCysIpb2H...

[@jamesbernsen3516]

Tip, when you put your backing board on, set it on reversed first, then mark your shelf, then flip it, and you've got a good guide to put your nails in.

[@wookiefart2000]

I have to say, I NEVER comment on these, but this was not only a great project, but well and charmingly explained. And it gave me some dad goals with my daughter. Nice job.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Oh this warms my heart! Thank you so very much

[@Macallion]

How has it never occurred to me to colour match a Farrow & Ball paint? Genius.

[@PeonyandHoney]

it's my fav life hack honestly

[@barbiedoll6071]

This is a stunning Billy Bookcase hack! The crown molding and library ladder add to the charm and sophistication of the project. You and the "crew" really out did yourselves. Thanks for detailing it for all of us would be Billy Bookcase hackers!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Aww thank you

[@adrianagarza7114]

your dad is amazing! so glad you treasure him, he is awesome.

[@PeonyandHoney]

He really is the best

[@sarajohnson2474]

You pretty mcuh built an entire bookshelf around the Billy bookcases. Do you mind explaining why you even used them?

[@jesusloveseveryone888]

This is absolutely gorgeous! 💝 I think it was smart to incorporate the Billy bookshelves and further customize it. This looks like a library you see in manors and rich grand-daddy caves. I’ve been eyeing the Billy bookcases to customize, and now you’ve inspired me. It’s so awesome seeing women build affordable, yet expensive looking custom DIY projects. Good work!

[@nathanmoy7448]

Wow!! and even with the sliding ladder installed! This is so beautiful! great job and your dad is so awesome to fly all the way over to help you with this, go DAD!

[@Cygnus-X1]

This is amazing - totally want to recreate this whole thing for my new basement bar back, complete with sliding ladder to reach those expensive top shelf bottles lol ... thanks so much for detailing and sharing this out for everyone!

[@rachelchanel7941]

This is gorgeous! You literally get to be Belle from Beauty & The Beast, and I’m freaking jealous! I like how the paint gives the room a dark academia feel. This now needs to be a legit reading room with a wingback chair and everything!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Omg best compliment ever! Will be adding decor and furniture to the space soon!!!

[@kimberlysreads]

STUNNING..I need to do this when my husband and I buy a house!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Yassss gal

[@rndmlogin]

Wow! That project turned out really really well. Thanks for the in depth walk through. I have been wanting to do something like this in my den for a bit now. Thanks for the inspiration !

[@KarnivorousKeyz]

This is absolutely gorgeous and everything I've been looking for. I recently purchased my own home and wanted floor to ceiling sheling for my office. This video made it such a reality for me! Congratulations to the whole family! 🎉❤

[@PeonyandHoney]

Aww thank you!!!! Congrats on your new home!

[@Italiaikea]

kzbin.infoYkv7m6oA4g4?feature=share

[@carrieh922]

Wow! That instantly makes your home look soooooooo rich! I love it so much. I need to use this for inspo for my living or dining room. Great job!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Awww thank you babe! I'm telling ya its the Railings paint color by Farrow and Ball its so rich

[@mariamorieko7008]

i have to say this is by far the best Billy Bookcase install i have ever seen. the supports you installed were sooo on point..love the look

[@PeonyandHoney]

Aww thanks you so much! That means a lot! We really tried to make it super structurally sound to last for years to come

[@thelouiebrand]

Old dudes are always so proud lol I love this.

[@audreybowles6357]

What a beautiful vintage bookcase you have built here Peony and Honey. Just amazing work and results.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Aww thank you

[@iceWaterProductions1]

Wow I’m so glad I discovered your channel. I have a huge library room in my house with four Billy book cases as well as 8 Kallax record shelf’s that I’ve been going crazy to figure out building a base so it’s not just on the floor. This has me understanding how to strengthen and get both of them up higher. Thanks so much y’all rock.I’m talking about expanding because I also need shelves for close to 1000 dvds, 1500 records and now even one more Billy totaling 5.

[@andreahilske7172]

This Transformation is wonderful!!! Beast to Beauty 🎉 Thank you so much, this was the Inspiration I need 😊 Big Merci from France 🤗

[@SoledadSolary]

Great job Bart! Love your dedication. Excellent results.

[@nitatee]

lol omg I love your dad. not only for all he did but he's hilarious for putting on the waist trainer/belt Idk if that was for support or a joke but it made me laugh so thank you, & amazing work

[@PeonyandHoney]

It’s his back brace lmaooooo

[@francesweinfurt7271]

This project was amazing, I have all Ikea furniture and of course the billy bookcases, thanks for this great idea. I was amazed and now need to embellish mine. 😍

[@PeonyandHoney]

yessss do it! I know there are many who don't like IKEA furniture, but it's accessible to many people price-wise, so I really love to do hacks when I can to show what's possible with their pieces

[@dlamarca]

Nice work! I’m one of “those” dads too so I appreciate this project even more.

[@TheDarrenH30]

You did an amazing job! This looks fantastic and is really inspiring. Great job and kudos to all of you!

[@heatherwalton9501]

Looks really good. You did a great job. I love seeing what people can do with these basic pieces of flat packed furniture.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Yesss it’s amazing what you can create with their basic framing!!! Thanks for the kind words

[@Alchemizingg]

My dad also, is my go-to contractor/supervisor/tool rental. What would we do without them?!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Gotta love dads!!!

[@lullabyandtales904]

Lucky you.

[@PeonyandHoney]

@@lullabyandtales904 very blessed for sure

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

You are SO fortunate to have him girl!!

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

GREAT JOB one and ALL! It’s BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@MegaGinki]

Love love love the library! And thank you for teaching us how to do it 🥰

[@tankgrrl07]

This is soooo well timed. We’ve had the bookcases sat waiting to be started for a couple of months as we are doing a fitted bookcase and no word of a lie we’re going to paint them railings to match our staircase 😂

[@PeonyandHoney]

Omg it was kismet! Railings is such a bomb color too! Good luck with your project!

[@svenjar-s3601]

Totally loving it!! Great job! I'm hoping to make one in a couple weeks but using the window door options.

[@Linda211]

Great job, Erika (and team)! It's beautiful! ❤

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you Linda

[@benjiL04]

I admire people who can visualize projects like this so much, I could build it but I'd never be able to come up with the plan myself

[@jenniferaustin4630]

Funny I’m just the opposite I can dream it up but I can’t build it

[@shannono8397]

great inspiration...omg love the space it creates! I would fill every space with books, so pretty! love the ladder too!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thanks so much babe - i thought i had a lot of books but omg i need more. Lol

[@ronmarin9407]

Excellent work and very creative design!!. The color you selected really pops and brings the room to life. Great video and showing all the steps which is really helpful and inspirational!!...bravo and thanks for sharing!!!👏

[@igorbantea3776]

Its amazing. You change my mind about cheap looking Ikea furniture!!!!

[@aubreylenyard5758]

ABSOLUTELY Fabulous!!! Beautiful finish!

[@jamessummers5936]

Oh this looks AMAZING. I've been brainstorming and thinking of ways to create a bookshelf situation with a rolling ladder (because my gf has a ton of books and I just like the look of a case with a rolling ladder) and this will definitely give me some ideas.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Yesssss do it!!! Highly recommend the ladder kit i bought! It was pretty straightforward

[@m.annaalleman1361]

That is one exquisite library Thank you for sharing I especially like the color you chose. I am planning on doing a home theater with cabinets underneath for storage space. And to hide the surround sound.

[@katherinelandreth2191]

This looks amazing! I do wonder though how much benefit do you think you get from using the Billy bookcases? With this much additional material and customization being done it seems like at some point it would be easier and not cost much more to just build the shelves too. I don't know if this particular project is at *that* point, and maybe I'm wrong about the cost since lumber is pretty pricy. Just curious how this project stacks up with materials, customization concerns, and cost looking at using Billy bookcases vs just making custom built ins from scratch.

[@dennisstoddard2008]

My thoughts, exactly.

[@audioexpedition]

Exactly. But then they wouldn't rack up the views from people searching "Ikea Hack".

[@TedGodwin]

And why would you bother replacing the backing panels? The bracing and mounting make it sturdy enough, why not just paint the wall behind?

[@diybuildandlife207]

I agree

[@Dawghome]

I was thinking same, esp when she HAD to bring two extra peops....👎😏

[@patriciahall2223]

Wow such an incredible job , great content absolutely love what you have made very classy ....thank you 🇨🇦

[@jacquelinemcmillan2793]

Watching in uk this is absolutely stunning so well made. Im starting built in bookcases for my living room billy bookcase ones with glass doors on top panels on bottom and putting some pole wrap on them all black with gold hardwear. However ive never picked up a drill or any tool before but i like a challenge 😂

[@tohrurikku]

I am so going to do something like this once I have a place I can settle down for the long term. It looks awesome.

[@empressche333]

Beautiful! And I love the rolling ladder!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you so much

[@Snowflake_Maja]

I love the finished look! Well done❤

[@melisbaz]

Honestly, you made this look so accessible. I've had plans for a library wall but was paralyzed on where to begin. I feel like I could totally do this!

[@PeonyandHoney]

You definitely could do this babe

[@kozmaz87]

I wonder that this much extra material, customization and woodworking you could have just built the bookcases too, there is very little that ikea shelf is doing lol :D

[@ms.penguin6252]

I am grateful your dad taught you so you could teach all of us girlies who grew up with gypsy fathers.

[@wendyeskelin8765]

Wow this turned out amazing ! Time consuming for sure, but soooo worth it in the end !!!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you so much Wendy

[@janecantrell7155]

Gorgeous!

[@alexistremblay9502]

Doing this project right now and loving this video. Very useful. Thank you!

[@felixreali7101]

This is by far the best Ikea hack I've come across! I'm gonna copy your hack to the letter! Thank you so much for this; it really takes all the stress out of it for us 😉

[@PeonyandHoney]

aww thank you so much! good luck!!!!

[@panamericaco]

That turned out absolutely perfect!

[@melissam4763]

You guys did an amazing job! When I do this for my house I think that I am going to install library lights at the top of each book case. Hopefully I can find a tutorial as in depth as this one!

[@BrookeBullmasterStewart]

I was thinking the same thing. Definitely going to add some puck lights and modify shelf heights so that you have some taller “display” shelves

[@SomeDaysYoureBarbra]

Bravo - it looks fantastic. I love builtins!

[@livvehult8119]

Love live love the break down of costs. Aaaand the build off course.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Price transparency is super important to me! Thanks for noticing gal

[@livvehult8119]

@@PeonyandHoney To me too!

[@lauraquigley6403]

Love everything you do! Great job!🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@PeonyandHoney]

Aww thanks Laura

[@christianemden7637]

It is a beautiful result, now i want a ladder for my billy library as well

[@princessnjj]

It looks really good. I would have just painted the wholes that way you can always adjust the shelving over time. Pretty cool idea

[@ashleyjones7519]

This is amazing. I'm going to send this to my husband and FIL like this is what I want 😂

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Great job! I'm having a chuckle at the happy family vibes between you guys as you carry out the project. My sis, dad and me would be at thermo nuclear level by 15 minutes in!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Hahaha my dad and i didn’t bicker until we were nearly done when we were both overtired lol

[@PeonyandHoney]

Hahaha my dad and i didn’t bicker until we were nearly done when we were both overtired lol

[@juliettelynne5861]

Mmmmmm…..Me love bookcases! Good job 🥰

[@catherine-bray]

I wanna do EXACTLY this! Thanks for sharing!

[@pjh1776]

Awesome, I loved the Tim, the tool man reference.

[@DavidOwenCreates]

Wow Erika! It looks amazing! I would totally recreate this ❤ it’s perfection!! IKEA should be sponsoring you lol 😂

[@PeonyandHoney]

Aww thanks!!!

[@Italiaikea]

kzbin.infoYkv7m6oA4g4?feature=share

[@weovercome]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@PeonyandHoney]

thanks hun

[@aut0bahn]

Wow. Really cool. Nice jin

[@richman117]

Dad was like "Show that level" lol Awesome dad

[@PeonyandHoney]

Hahaha yep

[@Remodelaholic]

Amazing project nice work. We love Ikea hacks!

[@shandamorgan8920]

Gorgeous...absolutely love it!

[@PeonyandHoney]

awww thank you

[@ckurz4812]

WOW! Gorgeous ❤

[@stephaniegonzales761]

Dad's are the best! Hope you made him a steak dinner 🍽

[@PeonyandHoney]

He ate dang good while he was here haha

[@amandatempleman1160]

Incredible! I want to see the video of it after it's stylized!!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thanks babe! That’s coming next week!

[@sa.de.sm.5864]

I just love that lamp!!!!

[@ejmakesus6]

Looks AMAZING 🤍

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you so so much

[@taraperkins2950]

OBSESSED!!

[@user-uh6oq5bd8k]

This looks amazing!

[@lindseym6534]

WOW!!!! It looks absolutely beautiful

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@terrychancellor4593]

These look great!! Maybe this is what I need to do in my library room, current bookshelves look wimpy compared to these!! LOL!!

[@PeonyandHoney]

Omg yes beef em up a bit

[@BarakTheWonderer]

Looks wonderful! Great job. :)

[@Kaodusanya]

This doesn't really an Ikea hack you literally just built builtins. Looks awesome!

[@kirav2536]

Thank ladies for an inspiration.

[@musicartculture]

Omg this looks stunning 🤩🤩🤩 wow! I really want to do this but I have got no one to help me and a strict budget so cannot buy the service…. Really have to learn how to do this myself

[@cb4j]

Well done. Don't give IKEA any credit. They did about 2% of the work here. Congrats on your new space.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Haha thank you so much

[@stevencruz9336]

Looks great. A few things I would have done differently but everyone has an opinion. I would be proud to have this in my home.

[@mrs.murphy2611]

❤❤❤❤ahhhh Do you do the home inspo for other people's homes🥰 goals!!

[@PeonyandHoney]

I don’t do e design currently but might in the near future! I’ll let y’all know!!!

[@glendabaker4901]

This is amazing! Nicely done ✅ Custom would cost so much more. I have IKEA in mind for a credenza. I haven’t found any I like, and the cost is always outrageous! You have given me great ideas.

[@lynndunning1545]

Outstanding!

[@gertrudesmergenderge3590]

Love love love this!!!!❤❤

[@CM_STILL_PLAYING]

So good!

[@tbrown4129]

Gorgeous, love it.

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thanks so much

[@kimberleymansfield1099]

This is STUNNING!

[@ludwigbroker7826]

Very great custom bookcase

[@bethk4619]

I just priced semi custom cabinetry for a 15ft wall that would be similar to your project (with cabinet doors on bottom part), and it was 10k!!! I am going to price out this, but with sweat equity, i am sure it will be much more affordable! Thanks for the video...

[@PeonyandHoney]

Oh definitely will be less! Mine cost under $3k

[@jimgardner5129]

​@@PeonyandHoney Don't forget the price of the sandwiches I hope you made for your dad. :)

[@glamamia451]

Woooow, you guys did an amazing job 😊😊😊

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you so much!!!

[@mygrandparentschair9191]

So goood! I love the trim up top!

[@PeonyandHoney]

thanks lady

[@periseanbaltimore2037]

yall did a great job, love the color

[@PeonyandHoney]

Thank you so much

[@wimchen]

this is the best Ikea billy project I ever seen

[@PeonyandHoney]

Omg thank you

[@STEAL-BOOKTALK]

It’s very cool! I will try to make it for my home too. Thx a lot!!!

[@NievesValledor]

Love this billy hack! I am creating my own at home and I am struggling to find the ladder rail. Where did you find it? Thanks a lot!

[@robertbridgen2950]

Amazing absolutely gorgeous

[@TH-eb5ro]

Beautiful. All I could think about was the hiding places in the supports. I wonder if they would be able to hold two high as I live in a modern loft.

[@jimgardner5129]

You're envisioning stacking the IKEA bookshelves two high? So, like 12' high of storage? Sure you could do that! The supports this team installed would easily hold it all together, safely. Just make sure the supports are affixed to the walls' studs. You could even flip the top cabinets upside down so you wouldn't have to stare at the plinths / toe kicks at eye level. The plinths could be hidden behind molding at the top. You'd still have to apply some type of trim where the top and bottom cabinets meet, across from left to right. I think that could look fabulous. I'm actually a little jealous at the thought of it. :)

[@paulk.5521]

Great job!🎉