Can You Use An IKEA BILLY Bookcase For Stylish Patio Storage, Or Is It A DIY To Skip?

IKEA is well-known for its low-priced, simple furniture, and of all the brand's offerings, the BILLY bookcase is without a doubt one of the most popular. It's no surprise why — this simple bookshelf can fit in to a wide array of different styles, provides a ton of flexible storage space, and can save you money. According to IKEA's website, this bookcase is so popular that they estimate one is sold about every five seconds across the world. It's clear that it's an incredibly common choice for indoor storage, whether it's used for its original intention as a bookshelf, to create a closet storage solution, or as a spot to display decor, but is it a good option for outdoor storage? That depends.

The BILLY bookcase, like much of IKEA's furniture, is made of a particleboard base with paper foil covering. This makes it much less expensive than a hardwood option, but it also means that it's not quite as durable. Exposing a particleboard furniture piece to high levels of humidity, changes in weather, and direct sunlight could be a recipe for warping and damage. With that being said, however, there are a few special situations where a BILLY bookcase could be used outdoors. With some additional DIY work, you could even transform the piece into a storage space that's fit for your needs, both functionally and stylistically.

There are plenty of DIY projects that you can complete with the BILLY bookshelf as a base, but if you're looking for a complete transformation, consider turning your shelf into concealed outdoor storage. Add some wheels to the bottom of the shelf, place it with the front to the wall, and add some wood framing pieces to the side facing outwards to make it look more intentional. This way, you can use the shelves in the bookcase as storage space without all of your items sitting out on display.

If you're just looking for a simple way to decorate your patio, however, you can always use the bookcase as-is. IKEA carries a wide range of different items in its BILLY series, from the simple narrow BILLY bookcase for $39.00 to a massive corner BILLY bookcase for $374.00. With so many options for sizes and layouts, you're sure to find something to fit your specific needs, but it's important to remember that particleboard items are not ideal for outdoor use. If you're just looking for a temporary, low-cost solution, are working with a covered area that doesn't see a lot of moisture, or are dead set on upcycling a BILLY bookcase you already own, feel free to try it out. Otherwise, it's probably best to consider another option.