I’m going to just put it out there right from the start: I am jealous of this BILLY book nook hack. It looks so amazing, and oh, so cozy! I would snuggle up with my favorite book and never want to leave.
I’m scoping out areas in my home that I can convert, such as an extra closet. Then I realized I don’t have a closet to spare. But if you don’t already have a dedicated reading nook or a closet to convert, that doesn’t mean this hack from Laura Deller @houseprojectuk is off the table.
The curtains open up plenty of possibilities. You could use bookshelves with a rod between to create an alcove, then build out the book nook. So keep an open mind as you see how this hack came to be, and who knows, you might just be ready to give it a go!
What You’ll Need
- 6 BILLY Bookcases
- 1 BESTÅ TV Unit
- Structural timber
- 18mm MDF
- Reeded panels (@panelsbysofia)
- Trim
- Caulk
- Fine surface wood filler
- No More Nails
- Primer
- Paint
- Decorators Varnish
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Sander
- 120-grit sanding pads
- Spray fabric adhesive
- Masking tape/Painter’s tape
- Cabinet bolts
- Rechargeable lights
- Foam cushion (@gbfoam)
- Fabric or duvet cover
How to Make a Cozy BILLY Reading Nook
1. Color Drench the Space
Laura painted the walls, ceiling, and trim all one soothing color before beginning her install. Subdued shades maintain a cozy vibe, which is perfect for a warm, inviting reading nook.
2. Build the Frame
Use the structural timber to create a frame for the BILLY bookcases and lift them off the ground. The frame should extend across the entire length of the nook, because you’ll also put the bench seat on it later.
Laura does mention that you don’t technically need to do the frame if you’re trying to simplify the hack. (But it does make it look really good when you can trim everything out at the end.)
3. Install the Bookcases
Assemble the BILLY bookcases according to IKEA’s instructions, and position them as needed. Laura had a bit of a challenge in her space: a pesky bulkhead. She had to cut out a section of the back of the bookcase to fit around the obstacle.
You might have something similar, or wonky walls, but that’s all part of DIY. Laura recommends placing a line of masking tape where you need to cut to avoid splintering, then she used a circular saw. Once all the shelves are in place, attach them securely with cabinet bolts.
Box in the bookshelves on the sides, up to the ceiling, using 18mm MDF. Use more structural timber to create an upper frame to attach the MDF to. Laura had her MDF cut to size at the hardware store to make it easier for transport.
4. Add Trim and Panels
Laura used some extra reeded MDF panels as inserts in the back of some of the shelves to up the design factor. It really adds to the custom look. Trim out the top and the gaps.
5. Prep and Paint
Time to paint! Fill all of the little shelf holes with wood filler and let it set for 24 hours. Sand everything, shelves and all, and vacuum and wipe clean to remove all the dust.
Prime everything, Laura used Valspar’s Difficult Surfaces primer, advising to work it into the corners, then blend it all out with a foam roller. Once the primer dries, apply two coats of paint, then follow up with two coats of Decorators Varnish.
6. DIY the Bench Seat
Laura found an IKEA BESTÅ TV unit on Facebook Marketplace. She positioned it in front of the bookcases and gap, boxing it in with MDF to create a custom-built-in bench. Trim out along the bottom of the entire piece. Finally, paint the entire thing the same color as the shelves.
7. Make the Cushion
If you don’t like to sew, this is for you because Laura created a no-sew cushion. She custom-ordered the foam, then made the cover out of a cute, striped duvet cover.
8. Add Lights and Finishing Touches to Your Cozy Reading Nook
A couple of cute wall sconces and some artwork are the perfect finishing touches. You can hardwire the lights if you have the skills, or grab some rechargeable ones off of Amazon, as Laura did.
Admittedly, Instagram reels make things look so simple, don’t they? But Laura encourages anyone interested in pursuing the project to ask questions. She even wrote a book (Nailed It! The Essential Guide to Do It Yourself) to help people reach their DIY dreams.
So, don’t you think this mini library is perfect for a relaxing getaway with your favorite books? There are so many fantastic BILLY libraries and reading nook hacks to choose from! Which one do you think you’ll try?