Just to update this thread, I got a Billy last week. I decided to get the 15 3/4" wide version rather than the 30" wide version because I eventually want to have more modular options (such as having two of these in a corner in an "|_" shape), in addition, I want to be sure the shelves don't sag. With the shorter shelf width, these are sure to not sag or bend at all. Eventually, I might do glass shelves and possibly even put in my own light at the top. Overall, a great unit. Much better than a typical shelving unit selling for about the same at Home Depot or other places. The finish is definitely a lot better.

Buy the Billy Bookcases and two extra shelves per bookcase. That makes for the perfect spacing distance between DVD shelves. See pic.

For those that have the Billy bookcases as well as the extensions...

Do you have to build in the extensions the first time you build the bookcase, or can the extensions be added in later?

Ikea has the bookcases online so I can go ahead and order them but I can't find the extensions. I'll have to wait until I have access to a car to go all the way out to the Ikea to pick up the extensions.

Which extensions are you talking about? The extra shelves? If so, the only shelves built into the unit when you put it together is the middle shelf (obviously aside from the top and bottom of the thing); the rest of the shelves are completely adjustable.

I read somewhere in the "Show us your HT" thread that there's an extension that adds an extra shelf ontop. So for dvds, I believe, you can buy two extra shelves and have a normal 8 shelves or buy the extension and get an extra 9th shelf.

But the extension is only something that can be purchased at the store.

Actually, here's the extension online but only for the half-width unit...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30094605

They also sell the extra shelves online, but again only for the half-width unit.

Are you talking about the L insert adapter? In the past (haven't been in a while), they used to sell a L unit that you place onto the shelf that allows it to be raised so that you can have double the space on one shelf. Kind of a back row and a front row. If I recall, this may have been specific to cds, but it could works for dvds as well...?

However, I think adding two additional shelves looks to be the better option based on the pictures I've seen.

I just ordered extra shelves for a birch colored 30" wide unit. It looks like they don't make extra shelves for the wide beech and medium brown units.

I think the extension could be added at any time. I bought it when I bought my first Billy, but took it back. That's been almost 4 years ago - I can't remember what I didn't like about it...

(the extension simply goes on top of the bookcase)

thanks. i'll go ahead and order the shelves and maybe pick up the extensions later.

and finkpish... i just noticed on that page that i can select which width i want. i can't believe i didn't see that earlier.

thanks for all the help and info.

Does anyone know if IKEA or anyone else makes a shallower bookshelf than the Billy? I'd like to set up shelves in my hallway, but the standard 11" depth would make things very crowded and is really a waste of space for DVD storage anyway. I'm looking through their online catalog, but I may be here for a looong while.

Thanks.

I use the Atlantic - Model: 38435065
I have 6. Bought them at Best Buy!

Thanks! That looks like just what I need.

I use the Atlantic - Oskar 1080/504 Media Storage

It holds up good and it's cheap. No wasted space in the sense that they are specifically made for DVDs so there is no extra depth.

I have the Billy bookcases plus the extra shelves and extensions, giving 9 shelves.
Each shelf can hold 50 single-width DVDs. DVDs can be put on the shelves two-deep without hanging over the front edge. So my shelf holds 900 DVDs. But they no longer sell the Red-Brown color.

Keep in mind if you want to add doors, but still have the "extra" two shelves for DVD's it takes some modding. I did mine (No pics handy) but because the door hinges occupy space that the shelf needs it can be tricky...

How do you guys keep the shelves from sagging?

flip them every so often.

I've tried that (I don't have these shelves, but rather another kind... definitely going to look into these though) and they just go from bowing one direction to another. They seem to bow and sag pretty quickly. Maybe I just have cheap shelves or something.

I would never go two-deep with my DVDs on a shelf though, so maybe I would attach a small horizontal 2x2 or 1x2 underneath the back edge of each shelf to provide extra support. My worry is that it would still bow towards the front, and then that piece of wood would prevent flipping. Hmmm.

I've yet to see glass sag.

I only do two-deep DVDs on the shorter-width Billy's. The wider Billy I have, I leave it be and it hasn't bowed hardly at all.

I second this question. The standard billy's are too deep for digital media but are great for books. I know other companies make them but the prices at ikea are hard to beat.

Good to know that this eleven year old thread still has relevant information.
Went out to Ikea yesterday and bought a Billy bookshelf with two extra shelves and now I can display my entire DVD collection.

Thank you

You can also google “IKEA hacks” and there’s some great ideas on how to modify their furniture for media storage.