IKEA Is Quietly Changing Its Beloved BILLY Bookcase — Here’s What That Means

If there’s a single item in IKEA’s catalog that encapsulates the brand, it’s likely the BILLY bookcase. This budget-friendly shelf has long been a staple of first apartments, but it’s versatile enough to work in any home that needs to balance classic style with fit-it-all-in needs. BILLY has also been a favorite of DIYers looking to customize their home storage. As long as the word “hack” has been in rotation, BILLY has been a mainstay. 

So when IKEA announces changes to the BILLY bookcase, it’s a Big Deal. The last time the retailer made tweaks to the iconic bookcase was in 2023, when IKEA announced that the BILLY would be swapping its wood veneer sides for paper foil. At that point, the edge banding was done in plastic, but as of 2025 that’s changing too. Now the edge banding will be done in paper foil just like the sides, which will eliminate the plastic component. Here’s everything you need to know about the new BILLY bookcases.

“We are reducing plastic consumption from the product by changing the edge band to paper foil,” says Paulann Bellino, living room storage HFB leader at IKEA. “Along with the changing of the edge band, we also improved the back panel assembly.”

Now you won’t need a hammer to nail the back in place. Instead, snap fittings will allow you to pop the back in place without any tools. The change, Bellino notes, makes it easy to both assemble and disassemble, so it’s even better for renters who aren’t in their forever homes and will need to move their furniture later.

Bellino notes that the shift shouldn’t take away from what the BILLY bookcase represents — these are small improvements, not major changes. In fact, you shouldn’t notice much of a difference. “It’s made with high-quality paper foil that has wood texture and color stability over time,” Bellino says. “Plus, the paper foil used in the products is renewable and sourced from responsibly managed forests.”

The shift to paper foil on the edge and sides, as well as snap fittings for assembly, are already in stock for purchase online. Most stores currently have them as well, including those that offer pickup.

The changes to the BILLY bookcase shouldn’t deter you from any hacks you have in mind. “The BILLY is still easy to personalize with different expressions, doors, boxes, lighting, and adjustable shelves,” she says.

This bookcase has been around for 40 years, and hopefully it still has a long way to go.

BUY: BILLY Bookcase, $69