SJ. Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Does such a thing exist? I am in desperate need of some bookshelves. DH hates that over time our shelves have bowed due to the weight of the books. I am looking online at Ikea, does anyone know if their shelves will bow over time? Any other suggestions? Thanks! SJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Our Ikea expedit shelves have held up and are holding up well. I like having all of the little cubbies so there isn't a huge long row of books to keep propped up with bookends. I store manipulatives and other materials on mine in addition to books. I think since they don't have a huge span without support maybe they don't bow as easily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergreen State Sue Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Billy Bookcases! I have 8 of them - 2 corner units in my school room and two in my kitchen for a pantry. I have the birch colors in the school room and white in the kitchen. Very sturdy, easy to put together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Got power tools? Really they are the easiest things ever: http://ana-white.com/search?keys=bookshelves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 This forum has ruined me. You do mean bookshelves. :lol: No suggestions, but avoid any which use particle board type "wood" for the shelves. There may be exceptions, but generally they will sag over time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Check consignment stores. You can get excellent quality, like new ones for a fraction of the price of new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We have the Billy bookcases. They haven't bowed. They have broken off when dd used them as a ladder. But that probably shouldn't count. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugalmama Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 If you can find a school auction {like this} near you, I'd recommend going that route. I got mine there, and they are WONDERFUL. 6.5 ft tall, super heavy duty. Plus I got them for a fraction of the cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ailaena Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 (edited) The only Ikea shelf I have that is sagging is the one where I jammed in some books on top of the books and the extra pressure is causing a slight sag. Not even my cheapo Kilby bookcases that are double-lined (and occasionally double stacked) with paperbacks are sagging. All of my bookcases are at least 5 years old. The sturdiest bookcases I own were intended to be an open media stand kind of thing and they were a discontinued item in the reject area. They have two exceptionally sturdy shelves that fit even oversized textbook-sized books and a 6" tall center shelf that holds random items. They even have the potential to be stackable. Best $20 I ever spent. My point is that sometimes, a bookshelf doesnt have to actually say "bookshelf" for it to be an awesome bookshelf! Edited February 12, 2012 by Ailaena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Billy Bookcases! I agree! My daughters each have a Billy Bookcase from IKEA in their bedrooms, each completely full of hard bound books. The shelves haven't sagged and the bookcases are over a year old. I plan on getting two of these bookcases for my living room next time I'm near an IKEA. They are only $49.99 - such a steal! Here's the link for the Billy Bookcase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We have had some of our Leksvik bookshelves from IKEA for almost 10 years with no bowing (and I seriously overload them). DD also has a Hemnes bookshelf and an Expedit unit with no sagging at all after a few years. I dream of doing a whole room library-style in Billy book cases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I have four different styles of bookcases that are made out of particleboard and a couple small ones made from wood. I think the ones from Ikea have held up much better than the others. I have two skinny Billy shelves. The bowing is minimal. My shelves are stuffed. Do not buy bookshelves from mass merchandisers (Target, Walmart type stores), if you have Ikea has an alternative. If you can find wood furniture, esp stuff for institutions like a library or school, don't think twice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Got power tools? Really they are the easiest things ever: http://ana-white.com/search?keys=bookshelves :iagree: I was going to say if it's in any way possible, it is so great to build them in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k2bdeutmeyer Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Got power tools? Really they are the easiest things ever: http://ana-white.com/search?keys=bookshelves Oh my goodness!!! I'm so in love with this site! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 In a parallel universe, I build my own furniture. Seriously, it's my dream to do stuff like this but only relatives who live far away are handy like that and I feel I can never learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We have the IKEA Ivar system - we have heavily loaded bookshelves in all rooms. We are very satisfied.They do not bow and have held up for twenty years, including an overseas move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-M- Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 (edited) Many of the walls of the "forever home" are lined in Billy bookcases from Our Lady of IKEA. The above is an example of how it turned out. Edited February 12, 2012 by Mental multivitamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blossom'sGirl Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 DH and I made some from a sheet of plywood. I designed them to be deep and high enough to comfortably hold binders. I painted them a creamy white and top coated them with a water based polyurethane. They are super stable and rugged. Even though dh has a table saw, I would have the lumber store cut them next time for ease. Even without a lot of tools, you could have the store cut all your pieces and assemble with a power drill. I have a Kreg jig now, so my next bookshelves will be really cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We have some of the Home bookcases from Target. They've stood up well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-M- Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I wanted to add that those pictured include the risers or extensions that are available in the Billy collection. Elsewhere, we have also incorporated several of the narrow tall shelves. Here is another Billy inspiration: Decorating with Books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakim Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I know that I'm just one more in a chorus of "Billys", but I've gotta say it: Our Billy bookshelves (and our count is now 7) have been stuffed with books since 1992, have moved all over with the military, and not one of them is bowed. (Waving at Regentrude - our Billys have parallel lives). Other lines of bookshelves from IKEA that we've tried have bowed, though. And I like expedits, but we have more problems with breakage where the pegs go in with those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 We are Billy users as well. Of the lower cost, not solid wood book shelves they have held up very well. We load them down so they get a real work out. One warning-don't put potted plants on them. The water will cause warping. We bought a used set where one had this problem as it was clearly plant induced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 We have had some of our Leksvik bookshelves from IKEA for almost 10 years with no bowing (and I seriously overload them). Here, too. The Leksvik bookcases are solid pine and have held up very well to lots of book weight over years and years. Here's a link to something in that series... http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90119274/ but I don't think they carry the bookcases any more. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 We had some built by a guy off craigslist. Oak bookcases - heavy but sturdy. Reasonable price and fast, high quality service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I agree! My daughters each have a Billy Bookcase from IKEA in their bedrooms, each completely full of hard bound books. The shelves haven't sagged and the bookcases are over a year old. I plan on getting two of these bookcases for my living room next time I'm near an IKEA. They are only $49.99 - such a steal! Here's the link for the Billy Bookcase. We have two of these in our living room. They look really nice, no bowing at all. I concur with the pp who said not to use them as a ladder, though... We have Billy's in the schoolroom and they have held up really well for 6 years....actually the bookshelves are our only IKEA furniture with which I have been 100% satisfied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto3boys Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I'm hopping on the Billy Bookcase bandwagon! I love ours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Here, too. The Leksvik bookcases are solid pine and have held up very well to lots of book weight over years and years. Here's a link to something in that series... http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90119274/ but I don't think they carry the bookcases any more. :sad: It's a bummer to me too! I actually have the piece you linked. It's our art cabinet. All our homeschool furniture is Leksvik. I have three regular bookcases, three bookcases with cabinet bottoms, a china cabinet (holds our tea sets for poetry teas and crafts/handiwork stuff), the little buffet you linked and the bigger buffet that's on the same page, the armoire (to store my Desk Apprentice, laminator, etc. Oh, and (seriously!?) and I have the desk in my bedroom. :lol: To say I like the line is an understatement, I guess. :tongue_smilie: I was so irritated when they discontinued it. I thought it would be a line that would be produced indefinitely. On the bright side, no more would fit in any schoolroom I ever have anyway. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) It's a bummer to me too! I actually have the piece you linked. It's our art cabinet. All our homeschool furniture is Leksvik. I have three regular bookcases, three bookcases with cabinet bottoms, a china cabinet (holds our tea sets for poetry teas and crafts/handiwork stuff), the little buffet you linked and the bigger buffet that's on the same page, the armoire (to store my Desk Apprentice, laminator, etc. Oh, and (seriously!?) and I have the desk in my bedroom. :lol: To say I like the line is an understatement, I guess. :tongue_smilie: I was so irritated when they discontinued it. I thought it would be a line that would be produced indefinitely. On the bright side, no more would fit in any schoolroom I ever have anyway. :D Kristina, you are so funny! I guess you DO like the Leksvik series. :lol: I like it too. If I had had more money to purchase furniture, I would have gotten more. We have the nesting side table/bench/stepstool trio and two of the bookcases. The table trio is the most flexible piece of furniture we have. The bench/footstool can be a small child's desk and chair. The table/bench can be a larger child's desk and chair. The table has served in many rooms over the years. The footstool was once a potted plant stand, too. Love that trio! Edited February 13, 2012 by zaichiki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Kristina, you are so funny! I guess you DO like the Leksvik series. :lol: I like it too. If I had had more money to purchase furniture, I would have gotten more. We have the nesting side table/bench/stepstool trio and two of the bookcases. The table trio is the most flexible piece of furniture we have. The bench/footstool can be a small child's desk and chair. The table/bench can be a larger child's desk and chair. The table has served in many rooms over the years. The footstool was once a potted plant stand, too. Love that trio! Oh, I never saw the trio of tables! I will pine for it forevermore. :nopity: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HejKatt Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 We have the Billy bookcases which are at most 3 years old and though they are sturdy, a couple of shelves have slight curving/bowing. Then again, one of them has 2 complete sets of Childcraft and a reproduction of Webster's Dictionary, from 1828. The other has 37 volumes from the American Junior Heritage Library/Horizon Caravel. Hmm, maybe I shouldn't follow the Dewey Decimal System so literally when I organize. OK, maybe I shouldn't collect so many books but I was hoping to find sympathy here, of all places. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetandSimple Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Yep--- our Ikea "Billys" are holding up really well. Another "Billy" feature that I really like is that we chose 1/2 glass (on top) and 1/2 panel (on bottom) doors for them. You can keep the more orderly books on the top where they can be seen and still look nice while hiding the messier homeschool stuff on the bottom shelves. Very practical! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMWB Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Years ago, you gave me the best definition of our 22-Billy library: Thick Wallpaper. :0) Oh, to have a house that 22-Billy's would fit in . . . we have three and love them. A good 7 years and no bowing at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) We have had some of our Leksvik bookshelves from IKEA for almost 10 years with no bowing (and I seriously overload them). DD also has a Hemnes bookshelf and an Expedit unit with no sagging at all after a few years. I dream of doing a whole room library-style in Billy book cases. My sister has these and loves them. I just looked them up on Ikea and they don'y have them anymore. I'm looking for wood... Oh, I just found this bookcase that looks similar, Vallvik http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80193655/ Edited February 13, 2012 by LNC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Oh, I just found this bookcase that looks similar, Vallvikhttp://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80193655/ Great find! It looks the SAME... except the finish. Why do that DO that? :glare: I happen to be looking for a new dresser for ds... but I *can't* put that dark color in his room. :( Everything else is lighter finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Another vote for the Billy! Ours have been going strong for over a 11 years and 4 moves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Don't buy the shelves at target or walmart -- they will bow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 We bought our first set of Billy bookcases 12 years ago when we lived in Germany. We moved them to another city in Germany, to NC, to Hawaii and back to NC. I tend to put heavy reference books like dictionaries on the bottom. There is only one shelf (out of the 8 Billy bookcases in my house, many double-stacked with paperbacks) that is bowing a little, and it is packed with textbooks. I guess I should move those to a bottom row? I also have a few Expedit shelves. None of those shelves bow, but I don't think they'd be practical for paperbacks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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