Building Our Loft Library Wall with IKEA Bookshelves

We changed the entire way our loft looked in just a few hours and I still can’t get over it!

Bookshelves | Rug | Similar Table | Stackable Chairs

When we moved in, we didn’t really have anything to fill this space so it was primarily used as a wrestling arena. Which, to be fair, the kids found very functional. If you ask them, a wall of bookshelves is definitely a downgrade from body-slamming your siblings.

But I’ve had visions for this space since we moved in. A place where kids could come to read, craft, play games, do school, hang out with friends, and exist without needing to shuffle things around for dinner or school.

This bookshelf wall was step one and once it went up, the room came to life. I felt I could hear is say, “ohhh. This is what I’m for.”

Bookshelves | Rug | Similar Table | Stackable Chairs | Ceiling Fan

Creating the Bookshelf Wall

We’ve done a custom bookshelf wall before in a previous house. It was beautiful and I miss it so much. But I needed this project to be a bit quicker. Knowing that I’m about to do a custom bookshelf project in the game room downstairs this year, I really needed an easy win with the Loft.

Enter the IKEA Billy bookshelves. (these are the exact ones we used)

Last year we shared a full breakdown of the best and worst IKEA bookshelf options for board games, if you want to check that post out, you can here. For projects like this, the Billy is a fail-safe choice. They’re affordable, consistent, easy to expand, and incredibly flexible for family spaces. We have them all over our home.

Once the shelves were up, everything suddenly had a home. No more library book piles on the floor and I had plenty of space to get out my favorite “pretty” games to display and all the homeschool supplies I’ve been keeping in the garage.

Bookshelves | Rug | Similar Table | Stackable Chairs | Ceiling Fan

And the best part?

It didn’t require a total room overhaul. All we added was the bookshelves, everything else we shopped from our home! This was a single, contained project that made the entire space feel finished enough to enjoy—even though we’re absolutely not done yet. I have so many fun plans for this space!

Even still, now the loft is a place we all want to hang out!

A Few Small Things That Made This Easier

Flat outlet extenders: We used flat plug extenders so the shelves could sit flush while still using the outlets they cover. Absolute must. I’ve used these a few places around the house (behind bookshelves, beds, credenzas etc) they’re fantastic.

A right angle screw driver. This was so helpful for getting my hand between the ceiling and the top of the bookshelf to tighten the wall anchor once they were in place.