BILLY bookcase

"When I got the assignment to design a simple, functional and smart storage for books, I couldn’t have imagined that BILLY bookcase would wind up in so many homes across the world. I remember being especially pleased with the adjustable shelves and the depth of the bookcase – perfect for books. We were also able to transport it in a flat pack - an idea I was actually first to develop. The bookcase is one of my favourites and I hope it will be around for many more years."

A veneer is a thin wooden sheet fixed on things like particleboards to add a durable surface and a natural wood look – so we enjoy the many benefits of wood without using solid wood. The most common veneer types are birch, ash, oak and beech and we’ve made a special UV lacquer that helps preserve the wood's natural structure. A benefit with a slightly thicker veneer is how you can repair and sand the surface if it’s damaged to give furniture a longer and more beautiful life.

Veneer is thin layers of wood glued on to a board, normally a particleboard. All veneer used by IKEA is lacquered. The lacquer gives a durable finish which protects the veneer against moisture and scratching, and is easy to wipe clean. Veneer can change colour over time, due to the fact that it is made from natural wood material.