Having moved house at the end of last year, one of the tasks I’ve recently completed is the reconfiguration of our book storage system. Previously we had bookcases of various sizes and hues scattered around the house, wherever there was a spare wall. In the new place we’ve really only got one room with walls suitable – so it’s become a library and entertainment area (for the family) and study (for me). And a lounge for the family pets…
To make this happen we’ve invested in a Billy shelving system from IKEA. Good things about the system: capacity to work in a modular fashion, attach shelves to walls and each other, and the capacity to fit them right against the wall (space allowed for skirting boards). There’s special shelves for CDs and DVDs, as well as the options of doors and glass shelves.
Some lessons learnt in the process of assembling fifteen units:
1. It’s worth it to get large loads delivered.
2. Allow plenty of time and space for assembly.
3. Get help with moving the flatpack boxes around (to avoid putting your back out and damaging walls)
4. Think carefully about what faces to the top, the bottom, back and front. Check before tacking the back on.
5. IKEA are generally very good about exchanging and returning goods.