The IKEA Benno and Gnedby are slim, vertical shelving units designed for media storage, but the core difference is availability: Benno is the discontinued original model, while the Gnedby is its direct modern replacement. The Gnedby is dimensionally identical to its predecessor and available new in current IKEA finishes, whereas the Benno can only be found secondhand, often in older or discontinued colors like birch veneer.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide whether to hunt for a used Benno or purchase a new Gnedby shelving unit.
About the Discontinued IKEA Benno
The IKEA Benno was a wildly popular, narrow shelving unit that became a staple in homes for decades, primarily praised for its incredible storage capacity for CDs, DVDs, and paperback books. It's a slim tower designed to fit into tight spaces, often used alongside the wider Billy bookcase system. Though discontinued, the Benno remains highly sought-after on secondhand marketplaces by those looking to match existing furniture or who prefer its classic, albeit now-vintage, color options.
- What it is: A discontinued, tall, and narrow media storage tower.
- Key features: Extremely slim 20cm (approx. 7 7/8") width, shallow 17cm (approx. 6 3/4”) depth, and tall 202cm (approx. 79 1/2”) height. Typically came with 10 adjustable shelves.
- Price: Varies significantly on the secondhand market ($10 - $50), depending on condition and location.
- Dimensions: 20cm W x 17cm D x 202cm H.
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard with a foil finish or wood veneer.
- Style: Minimalist and functional, designed to integrate seamlessly with other IKEA furniture lines like the Billy bookcase.
- Pros: A well-tested and beloved design. Available secondhand in discontinued colors (like birch or medium brown) to match older furniture. Can often be found for very cheap or even free. Dimensions are identical to the newer Gnedby.
- Cons: Can only be bought used, so condition will vary. Finding specific colors can be difficult. No warranty or return policy. May show signs of wear, tear, or discoloration.
The Benno is the right choice for someone trying to perfectly match an older IKEA furniture set in a discontinued finish or for the die-hard bargain hunter who doesn't mind a pre-owned item.
IKEA Gnedby Shelving Unit
The Gnedby is IKEA’s current incarnation of the classic media tower, effectively serving as the replacement for the Benno. It maintains the exact same dimensions and core purpose: to provide high-capacity storage for media collections and other small items in a very small footprint. Available brand new from IKEA, it comes in the company's current core color palette, ensuring a perfect match with other new furniture you might purchase.
- What it is: The modern, currently-sold version of the narrow CD/DVD and media shelving tower.
- Key features: Identical dimensions to the Benno at 20cm W x 17cm D x 202cm H. Available brand new with all hardware included. Comes with adjustable shelves to customize storage space.
- Price: Around $59.99 for a new unit.
- Dimensions: 20cm W x 17cm D x 202cm H (7 7/8" x 6 3/4" x 79 1/2").
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard, with either a paper foil or plastic edging.
- Style: Simple and practical Scandinavian design. Available in current standard IKEA colors like white, black-brown, and oak effect.
- Pros: Readily available for purchase new from IKEA. Comes in perfect condition with a return policy. Matches current IKEA color schemes perfectly. Guaranteed to have all assembly hardware.
- Cons: Not available in older, discontinued IKEA finishes like birch or medium brown. Costs more than a typical secondhand Benno. Less variety in available finishes compared to the Benno's historical run.
The Gnedby is ideal for anyone who needs a narrow storage solution now, prefers buying new, and wants it to match other recently purchased IKEA furniture.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/gnedby-shelving-unit-white-40277143/
Benno vs. Gnedby Comparison
Design & Dimensions
When it comes to the core design, the IKEA Benno and Gnedby are practically twins. Both units stand 202cm tall, 20cm wide, and 17cm deep. This hyper-specific size is what made them so useful for tucking into corners, flanking a TV stand, or extending a Billy bookcase setup without taking up much floor space. Adjustable shelves are a key feature of both, allowing customization for CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, or paperback books.
Functionally, there is no difference in their size or scale. Shelves designed for Gnedby will fit the Benno, and vice versa. The comparison isn't about which is bigger or better designed - it's about which finish and condition you can get.
Materials & Durability
Both the Benno and Gnedby are constructed from IKEA's standard material for this price point: particleboard with either a paper foil finish or a slightly more durable veneer in older models. A new Gnedby unit will be crisp, flawless, and structurally sound right out of the box. Its durability is predictable and backed by IKEA.
A secondhand Benno's durability depends entirely on its past life. You should carefully inspect it for bowing shelves, peeling finish, water damage at the base, and stability. While many old Benno units are perfectly solid, buying used always carries the risk of inheriting damage that may affect its long-term use.
Price & Availability
This is the most significant point of difference. A brand new Gnedby shelf unit costs approximately $59.99 from IKEA. It's in stock, comes with all the parts, and has a clear price tag.
The IKEA Benno is a wild card. It's only available on secondhand markets like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. You might find one for as little as $10 or even for free, but it could require serious searching and transport coordination. The price is dictated by the seller, its condition, and local demand. The main reason to pursue a Benno is not the potential savings, but to acquire a finish no longer produced.
Finishes & Style
Your choice will likely come down to matching your existing decor. The Gnedby is available in IKEA’s current primary colors: white, black-brown, and an oak effect. These are perfect for creating a cohesive look with any new Billy or other IKEA storage you buy today.
The Benno, over its long life, was produced in numerous finishes - most notably a birch veneer that matched a hugely popular Billy bookcase finish for years. It was also available in medium brown, different wood effects, and other colors that have since been retired. If your living room is filled with IKEA furniture from a decade ago, hunting down a matching Benno might be your only option for a seamless look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both shelving units offer the exact same excellent storage solution, so your decision rests entirely on your personal situation.
Choose the IKEA Benno (secondhand) if:
- You are trying to match older IKEA furniture in a discontinued finish like birch or medium brown.
- You have found a well-maintained one for a very low price and don't mind buying used.
- Aesthetics are your priority, and you need a very specific color from the past.
- You can thoroughly inspect the item for damage before buying.
Choose the IKEA Gnedby (new) if:
- You want a brand new product that is in perfect condition and comes with a return policy.
- You need a white, black-brown, or other current IKEA finish to match your decor.
- Convenience is a priority - you prefer an easy purchase over searching secondhand listings.
- You want to ensure you have all the original hardware and assembly instructions without any fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Benno and Gnedby?
The main difference is that Benno is the discontinued name for the media tower, while Gnedby is the current, in-production name. They share the same dimensions and function, but Gnedby is purchased new from IKEA in current colors, and Benno is sourced secondhand in older, often discontinued colors.
Are the dimensions of Benno and Gnedby the same?
Yes, they are identical: 202cm tall, 20cm wide, and 17cm deep. This makes them functionally interchangeable. You can even use shelves from one model in the other.
Can you mix IKEA Benno and Gnedby units?
Absolutely. Since they have the same size and design, you can place them side-by-side. The only notable difference would be the finished surface, especially if comparing an older wood veneer Benno to a new Gnedby with a paper foil finish.
Why did IKEA get rid of the Benno?
IKEA often streamlines its product ranges, and rebranding Benno as Gnedby was likely part of a broader strategy to simplify its catalog. Furniture names are occasionally updated even when the product itself remains largely unchanged.
What can you store in a Gnedby/Benno besides CDs?
These shelves are perfect for anything small. Popular uses include DVD/Blu-ray cases, paperback books, video game collections (for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.), collectibles and small figurines, or craft supplies like paint bottles or thread spools.
How many CDs or DVDs can a Gnedby hold?
A single Gnedby unit can hold approximately 180 CDs or 88 DVDs/Blu-rays. Your exact capacity will vary based on jewel case thickness and how you arrange the shelves.
Where is the best place to find a used IKEA Benno?
Try online peer-to-peer marketplaces. Facebook Marketplace is often the best and most active platform for this kind of furniture, followed by Craigslist, OfferUp, and sometimes eBay (for local pickup).
Do I need to anchor a Gnedby or Benno to the wall?
Yes. Due to their tall and narrow shape, IKEA strongly recommends anchoring them to the wall to prevent tipping, especially in homes with children or pets. Both new and used units should come with or have provisions for tip-over restraints.
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