The IKEA Billy bookcase and the Hemnes bookcase are two of the most popular shelving units from IKEA, but they're built for different needs and aesthetics. The Billy is a lightweight, modern bookcase made from particleboard, making it famously affordable and versatile. The Hemnes is a traditional, heavier bookcase crafted from solid wood, offering greater durability and a classic look at a higher price point.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right bookcase for your home and budget.
IKEA Billy Bookcase
The Billy bookcase is a design icon, known globally for its straightforward, functional, and incredibly affordable design. It's the ultimate chameleon of furniture, adapting effortlessly to nearly any room or style. With its simple lines and modifiable structure, millions have used it for everything from storing paperbacks in a dorm room to creating custom-looking "built-in" library walls.
- What it is: A highly popular range of bookcases made from particleboard with a foil or veneer finish.
- Key features: Fully adjustable shelves (except for the fixed central shelf), available in multiple heights and widths, ability to add glass doors, height extenders, and corner units.
- Price: Around $60 for the most popular size (31 1/2x11x79 1/2").
- Dimensions: Most common model measures 31 1/2" wide, 11" deep, and 79 1/2" tall. Narrower and shorter options are also available.
- Materials/Construction: Particleboard and fiberboard with a plastic foil veneer. Assembly is very straightforward.
- Style: Minimalist, modern, and Scandinavian. Its simplicity makes it a true blank slate.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. Highly versatile and can be customized with "hacks". Lightweight and relatively easy to move. Multiple color and size options available. Easy to assemble.
- Cons: Made from particleboard, which is less durable than solid wood. Shelves can sag over time if overloaded. Surface can be prone to scratching or chipping. Not resistant to moisture.
This bookcase is perfect for renters, students, and budget-conscious shoppers who need a simple, reliable storage solution that gets the job done without any fuss.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/billy-bookcase-white-50263862/
IKEA Hemnes Bookcase
The Hemnes series offers a more traditional and substantial alternative to IKEA’s typically modern offerings. The Hemnes bookcase is crafted from solid pine, giving it a sturdiness and handcrafted feel that you don’t find in particleboard furniture. Its classic details, like decorative top molding and groove-paneled back, provide a timeless look suited for cozier decor styles.
- What it is: A durable bookshelf crafted from sustainably-sourced solid wood.
- Key features: One fixed shelf for stability with four adjustable shelves. Decorative trim molding at the top and bottom. A slightly more commanding presence.
- Price: Starts at around $150.
- Dimensions: Typical model measures 35 3/8" wide, 14 5/8" deep, and 77 1/2" tall. It is wider and deeper than a standard Billy.
- Materials/Construction: Main parts are made of solid pine, a durable natural material that can be sanded and surface-treated as needed.
- Style: Classic, traditional, and farmhouse. It has a warm, built-to-last feel.
- Pros: Solid wood construction is incredibly durable and built to last. Resists sagging on shelves better than particleboard. Has a premium, timeless look. It can be painted or stained more easily than a laminate piece.
- Cons: Over double the price of a Billy bookcase. Much heavier and more difficult to move. Assembly can take more time. Has a larger footprint, making it less ideal for very small rooms.
The Hemnes is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting furniture piece with character that can stand up to heavy use.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-bookcase-white-stain-70358309/
Billy vs. Hemnes Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The standard Billy bookcase is noticeably slimmer and more compact. At 11 inches deep, it hugs the wall nicely and won't overwhelm a small apartment, office, or bedroom. Multiple Billy units can be lined up side-by-side to create a sleek library wall that doesn't eat up too much floor space.
The Hemnes bookcase is a more substantial piece. At nearly 15 inches deep and a few inches wider, it has a larger physical footprint and visual presence. Its scale works well in larger rooms, living rooms, and dens where it can serve as a primary piece of furniture rather than just a storage unit.
Materials & Construction
This is the most critical difference. The Billy is made from particleboard and fiberboard - tiny wood chips and fibers pressed together with resin - and finished with a thin laminate veneer. This construction makes it lightweight and extremely affordable but less structurally sound. Heavy books can cause the shelves to bow over time, and the laminate surface can't withstand moisture.
The Hemnes is constructed primarily from solid pine, a natural softwood. This makes it far more durable, stable, and resistant to sagging. The weight of the Hemnes reflects its solid construction, it feels like classic furniture. While the finish can still be scratched, the underlying wood can be sanded and repaired if needed.
Style & Versatility
With its ultra-simple, clean lines, the Billy is a style chameleon. It blends seamlessly into modern, minimalist, Scandinavian, and contemporary interiors. It’s famous for "IKEA hacks," where users customize it with paint, new hardware, or trim to create unique, built-in looks.
The Hemnes bookcase has a distinct and intentional style. Its decorative moldings and paneled details lean fully into a traditional, farmhouse, or coastal aesthetic. It isn't a blank canvas, it’s a piece with deliberate character, working best in homes that share its warm, cozy, and classic vibe.
Price & Value
From a pure cost perspective, there is no contest. The Billy bookcase offers incredible storage for a rock-bottom price, making it accessible to virtually anyone. Its value lies in its unbeatable affordability and functionality for the money spent.
The Hemnes requires a higher initial investment. Its value proposition is tied to longevity and material quality. For more than double the cost, you get a solid wood bookcase that will hold up for many years - potentially outlasting several of its particleboard counterparts.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA bookcases are excellent products, but they cater to very different priorities.
Choose the Billy bookcase if:
- You're furnishing a dorm room, a first apartment, or are on a tight budget.
- You need a low-profile storage solution for a small or narrow space.
- You want a totally neutral, modern design that won't compete with other decor.
- You enjoy DIY and want a versatile base for an "IKEA hack" or custom project.
Choose the Hemnes bookcase if:
- You prioritize durability and want furniture made from solid wood.
- Your home has a traditional, farmhouse, or coastal interior style.
- You need a sturdy place to store a large collection of heavy hardcover books.
- You are looking for a more permanent, long-term furniture investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Billy and Hemnes?
The primary difference is material and style. The Billy is a modern, minimalist bookcase made of lightweight particleboard, while the Hemnes is a traditional, larger bookcase made of much more durable solid pine.
Is the Hemnes bookcase really solid wood?
Yes, the main components of the Hemnes bookcase, including the frame and shelves, are made from solid pine. Some back panels may use fiberboard, but its core construction is wood.
Does the Billy bookcase sag?
The particleboard shelves on a Billy can sag over time, especially if overloaded with heavy items like textbooks or vinyl records. Distributing weight evenly and not overloading the middle of long shelves can help prevent this.
Can you paint an IKEA Billy bookcase?
Yes, but it requires preparation. You must lightly sand the laminate finish and use a shellac-based primer to create a surface the paint can adhere to. Simply painting directly on the shiny surface will result in peeling.
Which bookcase is easier to assemble?
The Billy bookcase is significantly easier and faster to assemble due to its simpler design and lighter components. The Hemnes requires more lifting and has a more involved construction process.
Is the Hemnes bookcase worth the extra money?
If longevity and durability are important to you, then yes. It's a solid wood piece that behaves like traditional furniture and will withstand years of use far better than particleboard. For short-term or light-use needs, the added cost might not be necessary.
Can you add doors to both Billy and Hemnes bookshelves?
Yes, IKEA sells compatible door options for both bookcase series, allowing you to create both open and concealed storage within the units.
How deep are the shelves on each model?
The Billy bookcase shelves are approximately 10 ¼" deep. The Hemnes bookcase shelves are deeper, measuring about 13 ¾" deep, which makes them better for larger coffee table books or decorative items.
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