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Forget your college roommate’s ugly Christmas sweater party and your neighbor’s New Year’s brunch: The only event worthy of your calendar this season is taking place at your local Ikea. For everyone who didn’t quite get everything on their wish list, the Swedish retailer will be hosting a post-holiday winter sale, running from December 26 to January 6, 2019. We hate to ask you to cancel your plans, but trust us—the eggnog can wait.
While the company has yet to release full details about the in-store discounts that will be available to all shoppers, Ikea family members have been promised three epic deals, one of which includes the retailer’s most iconic piece: the Billy bookcase.
Up there next to Tarva, Pax, and Lack, the Billy series has made a name for itself as storage essential since its launch in 1979. According to Ikea’s product description, it’s estimated that one Billy bookcase is sold somewhere in the world every five seconds. If that isn’t enough reason to jump on the Billy bandwagon, what is?
Along with Strandom chairs and Alex desks (both of which will range up to 30 percent off), bibliophiles and book lovers alike can snag Ikea’s beloved Billy bookcase in birch wood for up to 25 perfect off. Considering the shelving unit in each of its four sizes typically sells for $69, the bonus $20 family members will save can be put toward a new read instead.
From afar, the Billy bookcase might look like a standard shelf, but the streamlined structure is more versatile than you’d think. Here are a few fresh ways to hack your bookcase in the New Year.
Wallpaper it
Your favorite reads deserve a dreamy backdrop. Instead of getting messy with a can of paint, pick a wall covering you’ve been dying to test out and line the interior with a print or pop of color that speaks to you.
Frame it
Give the piece a more traditional feel by adding molding to the frame’s outer edges. Tip: If you’re planning on snagging two or more bookcases, this is a great way to connect them. Designer Claire Brody has a full tutorial dedicated to this elevated hack.
Enclose it
Have more decorative dishware than you do books? Transform your shelving unit into the china cabinet of your dreams by installing a pair of glass doors. Psst: Ikea sells a glass door set for this very reason.
While it’s still unclear what deals Ikea will be rolling out at each of its individual locations after the holidays, it looks like storage-friendly staples and home office furniture will be the theme for the New Year. What better way to welcome your most organized 2019 self than with this cult favorite?
See more Ikea inspiration:
The Unlikely Inspiration Behind Ikea’s Latest Collection