IKEA Billy Bookcase Gets Epic Upgrade as Lighted Pantry

Ever feel like your pantry space is a bit too basic, dare I say it, boring? Or maybe you don't even have an actual pantry space, just a closet that you shove all of your canned goods or extra cereal boxes into. What if you could upgrade it without dropping major bucks on the project? TikTok creator Kawtar.Deco shows us how to do just that and, even better, it all starts with an IKEA Billy bookcase.

Kawtar begins by getting their Billy bookcases into place, putting two next to each other and then reinforcing them by screwing them together. This strategy helps makes sure that even if one side is a bit heavier, the other will be able to help carry the load, and neither should tilt forward. One clever detail they opted for is choosing the wood-finish bookcases, which cleverly skips the whole painting step and gives the setup a polished look from the get-go.

How Do You Add Lighting to Your Pantry?

The next step involves adding some LED lights to the underside of some of the shelves. These LED lights simply screw into place, but it does mean you will need somewhere to plug in. An alternative is to use battery-operated puck lights if you don't want to deal with the cords and plugs. The lights not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also make it easier to find items, especially in the evenings.

Related: No Pantry, No Problem Thanks to Effective Amazon Storage Solution

After that, Kawtar attaches Oxberg paneled doors in the same color as the bookcase, giving the pantry a more elegant look while allowing it to be closed off from the kitchen. This step is particularly useful for those who want to hide the contents of their pantry or simply prefer a cleaner kitchen appearance. To complete the look, brass pull knobs are added, which can be found online at places like Amazon or local hardware stores. These small details add a touch of sophistication and make the pantry truly unique.

Now, it's time to fill the new pantry with all your goods. Kawtar has a, quite frankly, gorgeous setup, one I am not sure I'd be able to keep looking nice for long, but it serves as great inspiration for anyone wanting to replicate their process!

Love what you're reading? Be sure to follow us on Google News and subscribe to our Newsletter to get home and gardening news right to your inbox. For a chance to be featured on DenGarden and our social channels, click here to upload your clip and share your latest project with the world.