IKEA’s New BILLY Bookcase Desk Is Absolutely “Perfect” for Small Spaces

IKEA’s BILLY bookcase is one of the brand’s staple pieces that’s been modified, updated, and made new over and over again, to the delight of shoppers. But the latest version of the BILLY may just be the best one yet — especially for people living in small spaces. It’s a new version of the BILLY bookcase with a slide-out desk that’s even more versatile than its predecessor, and it’s going viral on TikTok right now.

“I’m telling you, this is one of the craziest finds I have found from IKEA,” TikTok user Ryan Liu said in a recent video. “If you guys live in a small space like a studio or a one-bedroom, and you need a table but also want to keep the space super clean, this is it.”

In his video, Liu compared the new version of the pull-out desk BILLY bookcase to the former model, noting that the latest desk’s wheels and design make it significantly easier to use. Plus, it keeps all the shelves accessible when the desk is pulled out.

The wheels on the pull-out section of the bookcase make it so easy to pull out the desk with a single hand. Plus, because the desk is attached to and folded behind the lower two shelves of the bookcase, those shelves remain accessible when the desk is pulled out. And the lower portion locks into place, so you don’t have to worry about the desk folding back in on itself once it’s opened.

It’s an ideal furniture piece for craft spaces, work-from-home stations, or even dining areas in small kitchens. Just note that the wheels work best on hardwood, tile, or cement floors rather than carpets.

The reviews are in, and people are loving this brand-new design. “This bookshelf/desk combination is perfect!” one IKEA reviewer wrote. “The table surface is bigger, when you put it away it sits flush with the rest of the bookcase, and the bottom shelves are still easy to reach when it’s pulled out (unlike the other BILLY desk where you would’ve had to crawl under the desk to reach the bottom shelves). Comparison aside, this bookshelf is genuinely a really good product.”

And someone else wrote, “I bought this to use as my desk, appreciating the fold-away feature, because I’m very short on space … Easy to assemble, all parts included, no problems encountered. The tabletop is sturdy and level.”

If you’re unable to get your hands on one of the new IKEA BILLY bookcase desks, you should consider this similar option from Wayfair. It’s a bit pricier than IKEA’s table at $210, but it comes in black or white and conveniently slides in once you’re finished working. 

So if you’re working with a small floor plan but need a bit of extra surface area, this new version of the iconic IKEA BILLY is going to be a lifesaver. Grab it now for just $149 on IKEA’s website, and you’ll be set!

Buy: IKEA BILLY Bookcase with Foldable Table, $149