Can You Add Drawers to Billy Bookcase?

Are you looking to maximize the storage potential of your Billy bookcase from IKEA? You're in luck! While the Billy doesn't come with built-in drawers, it's designed to accommodate them seamlessly. Let's explore how you can add drawers to your Billy bookcase, transforming it into a versatile storage solution.

Before we dive in, ensure your Billy bookcase is the right model for this hack. The standard Billy bookcase has adjustable shelves, making it perfect for this project. If you have a fixed-shelf Billy, you might need to adapt the process slightly.

Choosing the Right Drawer Unit

The first step is selecting the right drawer unit. IKEA offers several drawer options that fit perfectly into the Billy bookcase. The most popular choices are the Alex and Bestå drawer units.

Both options come in various sizes, so measure your Billy bookcase to ensure a perfect fit. The Alex drawers are deeper, providing more storage space, while the Bestå drawers are shallower but offer more drawer options.

Alex Drawer Unit

The Alex drawer unit is a favorite among hackers due to its depth and sleek design. It's available in 3, 4, and 5-drawer configurations, with each drawer measuring 14.75" W x 11.75" D x 3.5" H.

To accommodate an Alex drawer unit, you'll need to remove one or more shelves from your Billy bookcase. The Alex unit is 11.75" deep, so ensure your bookcase is at least this deep to allow for proper installation.

Bestå Drawer Unit

The Bestå drawer unit is shallower but offers more drawer configurations. It's available in 2, 3, 4, and 5-drawer options, with each drawer measuring 14.75" W x 7.5" D x 3.5" H.

The Bestå unit is more versatile as it can fit into Billy bookcases with less depth. However, keep in mind that the shallower drawers may not accommodate larger items.

Installing the Drawer Unit

Once you've chosen your drawer unit, it's time to install it. The process is straightforward and doesn't require any special tools. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. **Measure and Plan**: Measure the height and depth of your chosen drawer unit. Mark these measurements on the inside of your Billy bookcase where you want the drawer unit to go.

2. **Remove Shelves**: Using a screwdriver, remove the shelves from your Billy bookcase that correspond to your marked measurements.

3. **Install the Drawer Unit**: Place the drawer unit into the space you've created. The unit should fit snugly between the existing shelves.

4. **Secure the Drawer Unit**: Use the included hardware to secure the drawer unit to the sides of the Billy bookcase. This will prevent the unit from wobbling or moving around.

5. **Test the Drawers**: Gently pull out each drawer to ensure they open and close smoothly. If the drawers are too tight, you may need to sand down the sides of the drawer unit or the inside of the bookcase.

Congratulations! You've successfully added drawers to your Billy bookcase. Now you can enjoy the added storage space and the stylish look of your hacked furniture.

Don't forget to share your creation on social media using the hashtag #BillyBookcaseHack. We'd love to see how you've transformed your IKEA furniture!