Everyone Loves the BILLY Bookcase — But Designers Say These 7 IKEA Gems Are Even Better

Some people know IKEA for its Scandi style, while others might associate it with those iconic Swedish meatballs. But if you’re really in the know, then you know the Swedish retailer is practically synonymous with the BILLY bookcase. This piece is a classic; although simple in silhouette and finish, you can easily make it feel custom by adding cabinet doors, applying a fresh coat of paint or trim to fake a built-in look, or even using one as a room divider. But while many people think the BILLY is the end-all, be-all of IKEA products, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: It’s not.

If you do a little digging, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover IKEA is flush with other sensible-yet-stylish storage solutions. I asked a few designers to share their go-tos, and their picks did not disappoint. Ahead, check out these seven designer-approved IKEA staples.

When designer Erik Staalberg wanted to transform the guest bedroom of his California home into a walk-in closet, he wanted to do so on a budget. IKEA was an obvious choice for a retailer, but BILLY was not. “I chose the GURSKEN wardrobe because it comes in a really pretty, neutral taupe color unlike the harsh white, of, say, the BILLY,” Staalberg explains.  “I certainly wasn’t going to do a crazy DIY paint job.” 

Best of all? Because each wardrobe costs $129, Staalberg was able to build his dream closet for “a steal.”

Buy: GURSKEN Wardrobe with 2 Doors, $129.99

Staalberg’s “favorite storage piece” of all time at IKEA? The NISSAFORS Utility Cart. At just under $30, this pick punches far above its price point. “They can be so versatile and often can become a chic piece of furniture in the room,” the designer says. “I have used it as a pantry, bathroom caddy, and bar cart all within the last year.” 

The small frame makes it easy to fit into even the most unassuming corners, while this “delicious, vibrant” green shade adds an unexpected pop of color. Now, that’s a perfect blend of form and function. 

Buy: NISSAFORS Utility Cart, $29.99

Working with limited square footage? Alicja Dworzak of My Norfolk Nest recommends IKEA’s STÄLL Shoe Cabinets. This “huge space-saver” can hold a lot else besides just shoes, she says. Plus, STÄLL’s slim profile takes up minimal floorspace, and it’s customizable.

In her home, Dworzak added a fluted paneling to the cabinets. It’s a DIY trick she says “elevates the look without breaking the bank.” 

Buy: STÄLL Shoe Cabinets, $149.99

Home and DIY creator Jenna Kimble swears by the BRIMNES Cabinets. “I love it because you can push multiple pieces together to create the illusion of a connected sideboard,” she says. “It’s a timeless look that works in an office, playroom, or as a TV stand.” 

Kimble says this piece has become more difficult to track down as of late due to its growing popularity. She says that it definitely lives up to the hype, though, if you can manage to find one at your local store.

Buy: BRIMNES Cabinet with Doors, $99.00 

If you like the flexibility (or “hackability”) of the BILLY, consider the equally popular PAX Wardrobe System (pictured above in Rebecca Rajs’ gorgeous home). For Marcos Santa Ana of Alloi Architecture + Construction, this versatile system has a healthy mix of form and function. 

“The interior organization is efficient, which lets us focus the budget on the surfaces people see and touch,” he says. “Custom fronts, integrated lighting, and scribe rails aligned to walls and ceiling to allow [the PAX units] to dissolve into the walls.” 

Buy: PAX Wardrobe System, $445

Similarly, the AURDAL offers a surplus of storage for an extremely reasonable price. This storage system is usually installed inside the closet. 

“It keeps the room feeling organized and has all the benefits of a well-crafted modular system,” says content creator Ed Nagi. “Since you can easily add or remove shelves or drawers, the AURDAL looks (and feels) like a custom bespoke closet.”

Buy: AURDAL Wardrobe Combination, $315

Lindsay Thornton of Cornerstone Design & Build swears by IKEA’s seagrass KNIPSA baskets. There’s a reason these containers are Thornton’s go-to.

“Not only are they affordable, but they also add a natural texture and color that pair so well with neutral spaces,” the designer says. These little baskets can upgrade a “boring beige” box into a styled setup in a snap.

Buy: KNIPSA Basket, $24.99