Fantastic value (Ikea Billy Bookcases)

Member Name: jasminesarah

Product:	Ikea Billy Bookcases
Date:	02/08/08 (305 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Dependable bookcase with loads of space

Disadvantages: Expensive delivery if you don't live near Ikea

Being short of cash, and anyway more interested in what goes on a bookcase than the actual bookcase, I try to find a bargain buy when it comes to this piece of furniture. Unfortunately in the past this has led to me buying 'too cheap' bookcases from places such as Argos (shudder). On one memorable occasion one fell on me in the middle of the night.

So, moving on - Billy meets my cheap and cheerful criteria, costing a ridiculous mere 30 quid, but it also surpasses expectations on the sturdy and good looking fronts too.

I own 2, both are the tall version (200cm I think). The first I purchased was the white one, I assembled it myself and this was pretty easy. Like all Ikea products the instructions were simple and everything was provided. Ideally a friend to hold the other end of things would be handy, but I managed ok on my own. You do need quite a lot of floor space though, this may sound obvious but mine was for a small bedroom and I struggled a bit, and ended up in the hall.

Ikea recommend that you bolt the tall versions to the wall (to avoid accidents in the early hours I suppose!) but I have found that they are very sturdy if not overloaded and have not taken this extra precaution.

I was so impressed with Billy bookcases that I bought a second, and by this time not only white and wood effect were available, but also red, green and a fab black and white flower design. I chose the last option, which has a distinctly funky 60s look about it and looks very much more expensive. There is a matching CD rack, that i have my eye on!

Billy bookcases are flat packed for easy transportation if you have a large-ish car. If like me you don't live near Ikea, delivery can be difficult. Ikea's own delivery is prohibitively expensive, I was lucky enough to find a local company who deliver in my area (80 miles from Ikea) but this was only worth while because I was ordering other items at the same time.

Summary: Excellent furniture on a budget