IKEA hackers Ian and Loida Callaghan were super excited when they assembled five BILLY bookcases to create a personal library. The only problem? Along with their brand-new reading room, they got over 400 shelf holes.
A bunch of holes didn’t quite mesh with the sophisticated look they were going for, and they wondered why IKEA didn’t have the little 3mm plastic hole covers, saying, “I just can’t believe this, as they are so good at all their products!!”
You know what? We’re wondering the same thing.
IKEA does sell the VARIERA cover plates, which should fit the BILLY holes, but they’re only in white.
Not to be deterred by this small hiccup in their design plan, Ian and Loida reached out to the IKEAhackers community for a solution, and here we are with the fixes.
6 Ways to Cover Dowel Holes in the BILLY Bookcase
1. Get BILLY Bookshelf Hole Covers on Etsy
If you’re okay with spending a little more to make your BILLY hack the best it can be, check out these BILLY hole covers on ETSY. These plugs from JCSFY are by far the easiest way to fill all those pesky holes.
Hole plugs aren’t anything new, of course. You can find them in your basic home improvement store. However, these are different.
The ready-to-go covers fit securely and come in many colors that match IKEA’s finishes, such as white, birch, oak, and black. They also take only seconds to install and fit other IKEA products, such as BESTÅ, LOMMARP, and PLATSA. Pricing varies by finish, but you get roughly 120 pegs per set.
2. Fill Shelf Holes With Wood Filler
If you plan to paint your BILLY bookcase, a simple way to hide the holes is to fill them with wood filler. Use a putty knife or your finger to fill each hole, smooth it down, and let it dry. Sand it if necessary to get a nice, even finish, then paint or stain.
This method is time-consuming, for sure. But if you take your time, you can get a seamless finish that gives the BILLY an elevated look.
3. Use Drydex Spackling or Joint Compound
As with wood filler, you can use DryDex spackling, or a similar patching compound to fill the holes. Push the spackling or compound into the holes to fill them completely, smooth, let dry, then sand. After everything is level and smooth, paint.
Wood Filler, Spackling, or Caulk to Fill Shelf Holes?
If you plan to fill the shelf holes, start with wood filler. It provides a superior fill, especially in larger spaces, such as shelf holes. It’s also stainable. However, if you’re in a pinch and planning to use paint, using spackling or caulk isn’t a bad way to go.
4. Cover the Holes With Stickers
You can find wood-grain stickers online and in home improvement stores. They come in various sizes and colors and are super easy to use. You simply stick them over the holes.
Although this tip is likely one of the quickest ways to hide shelf holes in your BILLY bookcase, there are downsides. A potential drawback is that you may not get a precise match, depending on the ones you choose. Therefore, be prepared to try a few, just in case, if you want to get the finish as perfect as possible.
Another possibility is that, over time, the stickers may wear away or curl up, though this may depend heavily on their quality. Of course, this is easily remedied with another sticker, so make sure to purchase some extras.
5. Line the Inside of the Bookshelf
You’ve likely seen hackers cover the back of their BILLY bookcases to jazz it up a bit. Why not give the entire interior of your BILLY bookshelf a facelift using wallpaper, removable vinyl sheets, fabric, or contact paper? You can brighten up the bookcase and cover the holes at the same time.
6. Add Decorative Trim or Tape to the BILLY
Washi tape is a DIY superpower for adding color and decorative accents. Use craft tape, adhesive trim strips, or wood glue and thin molding to cover shelf holes.
Cut the pieces to size, and place them over the holes to create a unique element to your BILLY bookcase that makes it stand out from the crowd. This is a good pick if you want to add some pizzazz to your BILLY and prefer a quick, easy way to hide the holes.
Things to Consider When Deciding on the Best Way to Hide Shelf Dowel Pin Holes
- Style
- Color
- Flexibility
- Time
- Budget
Style and how high-end you want your BILLY to look are big factors when choosing how to hide the shelf holes. But it isn’t all about looks.
Also consider the practical side of things. Do you ever plan to need the holes again? For example, do you want to keep your options open to add or move shelves? If so, a more temporary solution is best, like hole plugs.
However, if you prefer a more permanent, custom finish, then filling the holes and painting or staining is a better option. If you prefer a method that gives your BILLY a complete makeover, then add trim or line the panels with fabric or wallpaper.
Are you willing to put in the time to painstakingly fill and smooth all the holes? Or do you prefer a quick and easy method, like stickers? Do you have wiggle room in your budget for trim or precisely-matched hole plugs, or do you want to spend as little as possible?
Your Ideas On Plugging BILLY Dowel Holes?
This article started with a plea from fellow IKEA hackers for a solution to bothersome BILLY shelf holes. How would you hide them? Would one of these methods be your top choice, or do you have another idea to offer?
If you have a BILLY hack to share, let us know! Send it our way so we can feature it on the site.