IKEA's latest version of the Billy bookcase now comes with a foldable table, and it's ideal for small spaces

IKEA Billy Bookcase desk — (Image credit: IKEA)

Jump to:

So many uses

There are few home brands more iconic than IKEA, and of all IKEA's many products, the Billy bookcase might be the most loved. It's a storage staple that almost all of us have owned in our own homes before, and its classic design is ideal for stowing away everything from books to toys. So it's no wonder that IKEA continues to improve its Billy line, and the latest addition to the collection is a real winner.

This new Billy bookcase with foldable table retails for $170, which is significantly more expensive than the regular $79 bookcase, but it's also got a much more complex design. It's fitted with a tabletop surface that you can pull out and use as a desk, while the lower shelves act as legs to support it. It's also fitted with wheels to allow you to smoothly extend and retract the table surface for easy access.

So many uses

The new Billy bookcase comes with a foldable table that rolls in and out of place for easy storage between uses, and I can think of so many advantages of a desk-bookshelf hybrid such as this.

The new Billy bookcase comes with a foldable table that rolls in and out of place for easy storage between uses, and I can think of so many advantages of a desk-bookshelf hybrid such as this. The first thing that comes to mind is a craft station. As someone who loves to sew, paint and puzzle, I often take over my kitchen table with my latest hobby, but being able to pull out an additional surface from my bookshelf is a much smarter option. Plus, I can simply roll it back into place when I'm done.

This bookshelf would also work well for those who occasionally need to work from home, but don't want to invest in one of the best desks as a permanent addition to their space.

The thing I like the most about this foldable table is that you don't lost any bookcase storage. You'll still be able to fill shelves with books, crafting supplies or paperwork, and you won't have to remove any of this to extend and retract its table.

My one complaint? I wish it came in more colors. The Billy bookcase I have at home is in a faux wood finish, and I'd love to be able to slow this new iteration alongside it. At present, it only seems to be available in white, but hopefully IKEA will release more colorways soon. If it does, I'll update this story to let you know.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

More from Tom's Guide

Millie is the Managing Editor of Homes at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.

When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.