Looking for a space-saving workstation that doesn’t scream “office”? This brilliant IKEA hack transforms the beloved BILLY bookcase into a fully functional fold-out secretary desk—with hidden compartments, clever tech features, and loads of personality.
Created by the team at Saustark Design in their studio in Munich’s Schwabing district, this hack earned its nickname “Schwabinger 12” because it uses exactly 12 IKEA products in one cleverly integrated build.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s how to build your own version.
IKEA Materials:
- 1x BILLY Shelf white 80 x 202 cm
- 1x Makeup Mirror FRÄCK
- 1x EXPEDIT Shelf white 79x79cm
- 1x EXPEDIT Shelfinsert with door
- 1x MOPPE Mini commode with 6 drawers
- 3x FÖRHÖJA Wall Closet 30 x 30cm
- 1x LAMPAN Lamp grey
- 1x Deco Horse
- 1x Picture Frame RIBBA white 20 x 26cm
- 1x Picture Frame RIBBA black 15 x 20cm
Then you have to buy some Items in the Hardware store:
- 1x Lamp Cover
- 3x Hinges
- 2x Angle Bars
- 4x Eyelets
- 1x Hook
- 2x Chains with 50cm length
- 4x Keyrings small
- 7x Screws with countersunk head
- 8x great Screws 5 cm length
- Power glue
What You’ll Need
This hack involves three main parts:
- The BILLY Secretary Core
- The Right Add-on Module using an EXPEDIT (now known as KALLAX) unit
- The Left Add-on Module for drawer and vertical storage
There’s also a custom iPad/mirror frame combo to complete the look.
Part 1: The BILLY Secretary Desk (Main Module)
Preparing the BILLY bookcase
Drill a hole in the top panel of the BILLY bookcase to allow the lamp cable to pass through.
Assemble the outer structure by screwing together the side and top/bottom panels.
Decorate the back panel with vinyl or furniture decal.
Nail the back panel securely to the frame.
Creating the desk
Measure seat height. Install a shelf at seating height instead of the predrilled positions, and secure it with four screws drilled in from the outside.
Stand the BILLY upright and place it against the wall.
Cut a hole in a shelf insert for the lamp cable to pass through.
Place two shelf inserts side by side to form a square desktop, then connect them with metal brackets.
Add an eyelet to the center hole of each bracket.
Attach the hinged desktop to the seat-height shelf using three hinges, each with six screws.
Measure and cut two equal-length chains. Attach a small keyring to both ends of each chain. Hang the chains on the eyelets under the desktop.
Install two more eyelets on the inner sides of the BILLY, about 48 cm below the desktop. These will support the chains.
Screw in a hook near the right-side eyelet.
On the worktop, install another eyelet that aligns with the hook to serve as a latch. Be sure the hook and eyelet are on the same height when folded.
Hook the chains into the inner side eyelets to support the fold-down desktop.
Finishing the desk
Decorate the desktop edges with masking tape or washi tape.
Feed the lamp cable through the top hole and glue the LAMPAN lamp to the underside of the upper shelf.
Attach a cable cover or junction box underneath the top panel to conceal the hole.
Fold up the writing surface and hook it shut.
Attach a leather pull handle to the outside front of the desktop with two screws.
Add one final shelf anywhere inside the BILLY for extra storage.
Custom iPad Holder and Mirror Frame
Disassemble the FRÄCK mirror and keep only the accordion-style swing arm.
Drill a small hole in the top of a RIBBA frame (30×40 cm).
Insert your desired photo or image into the frame.
Mount the frame onto the FRÄCK arm and secure with a bolt and nut.
Glue a small wood spacer block to the back of the frame to create distance from the wall.
Disassemble a second RIBBA frame (15×20 cm) into its four frame pieces.
Take one of the longer pieces and screw it horizontally beneath the larger mounted frame to form a small ledge.
Decorate the edges of the ledge with washi tape.
Mount this entire assembly to the left side of the BILLY.
Part 2: Right Add-On Module (EXPEDIT/KALLAX Shelf)
Assemble the EXPEDIT/KALLAX according to IKEA’s instructions.
Drill holes in the two rear corners underneath the shelf.
Wrap two furniture legs in washi tape and screw them into place.
Trim the legs of the IKEA Deco Horse so that its back aligns with the height of the furniture legs.
Secure the EXPEDIT to the right side of the BILLY at the base using six long screws from the inside, through the predrilled shelf holes.
Slide the trimmed Deco Horse under the front right corner of the EXPEDIT.
Assemble and install the EXPEDIT door insert.
Cover the door with washi tape for a custom look.
Part 3: Left Add-On Module (FÖRHÖJA and MOPPE Units)
Stain the MOPPE mini chest with a dark wood stain.
Attach cup-style handles to the drawers with small nails.
Assemble three FÖRHÖJA wall cabinets.
Wrap a furniture foot in washi tape and screw it into the base of one FÖRHÖJA.
Attach this FÖRHÖJA to the left side of the BILLY with three short screws, using the predrilled holes.
Place the second FÖRHÖJA cabinet on top, offset slightly so it appears to float. Screw it in place from the top.
Do the same with the third FÖRHÖJA unit.
Set the MOPPE chest on top of the stack, aligning it so the right side touches the BILLY’s inner wall.
Screw the MOPPE into the FÖRHÖJA unit below it from the left side.
Screw the MOPPE into the BILLY’s inner left panel from the inside.
And you’re done!
You now have a fold-out writing desk and vanity station hidden within a classic BILLY bookcase, complete with tech-friendly add-ons, secret compartments, and expandable storage. Whether you’re short on space or just love a clever disguise, this stylish solution works beautifully in small apartments, bedrooms, or creative studios.
Why “Schwabinger 12”?
The name is a tribute to its roots—Munich’s Schwabing district—and the fact that it uses exactly 12 different IKEA items. A fitting name for such a thoughtfully constructed, multi-purpose BILLY bookcase hack.
~ by Saustarkdesign Team