Try This IKEA BILLY Bookcase DIY To Create A Pop-Out Bar That'll Wow Your Guests

Designing a flexible entertaining space is key for hosting, especially if you don't have an expansive footprint to work with. One way to wow your friends and family is by serving up crafted cocktails and creative drinks. And, with a pop-out bar, you can take your mixology to the next level without eating up a ton of precious living space. Plus, you can tuck the bar away when you aren't hosting, and the integrated shelving means lots of valuable hidden storage.

A pullout bar sounds like an expensive, custom project. However, that doesn't have to be the case. One YouTube user, Kirsty Griffiths, is known for innovative IKEA hacks. So, the creative crafter used items from the Swedish retailer to create a pullout bar that looks like a custom-made investment. With a little imagination, these budget-friendly furniture pieces transform into an impressive statement-making piece and hosting dream.

For the bar base, Griffiths used two of IKEA's LOMMARP cabinet units attached side-by-side. This creates a wide bar with plenty of storage space behind polished-looking doors. For the top, she used another IKEA product, the EKBACKEN laminate countertop. The color she chose was a faux marble that created a high-end look at a budget-friendly price. She also added sturdy casters to the bottom of the units to make it easily movable.

To create shelving at the back of the bar, Griffiths used one of IKEA's popular bases for DIY hacks — BILLY bookcases. She mounted two units side-by-side, at just the right height on the wall for the cabinet to be tucked underneath them. She then added trim to create more polished edges and give the units a custom, built-in look. Since the base cabinets are a cream color, she had the hue color-matched and painted the BILLY shelves to match.

The finishing touches are what take this project to a whole other level. Griffiths used a graphic wallpaper to line the back of the units and replaced the particle board shelves with glass ones. Then, she used integrated LED to illuminate the shelves and provide a chic ambiance. To give the backside of the mobile bar a polished and durable finish, the DIYer covered it with a graphic wallpaper that can simply be wiped clean.

One of the biggest perks of this project is how flexible and customizable it is as you can tweak the dimensions to best fit your space. If you're working with a more narrow area, simply cut the length in half and use one LOMMARP and one BILLY in the same configuration. And, if you want a more expansive bar, tailor the project by using three of each type of unit.

The color scheme is another way to make this project your own. The two IKEA products used for the cabinets and worktop come in several colors, allowing you to mix-and-match the best combo for your space. For example, the LOMMARP comes in black and dark blue-green if you want a piece that leans more dramatic. And, the counters can be swapped with a version in an ash wood-like effect for a more rustic look, or faux concrete for an industrial vibe.

As Griffiths demonstrates, the small details come together to really create that wow effect. So, choose a wallpaper for the back of the shelves that reflects your personal style. You can use a whimsical woodland theme like Griffiths does like this monochromatic Cole & Son option from Decorator's Best. Or, for a more glam vibe, go luxe with a gold leaf-like finish like this wallpaper from Bed, Bath, & Beyond. To make the piece even more unique, swap out the cabinet hardware or source antique barware to adorn the shelves.