Custom Billy Bookcase Library – Restalrig, Edinburgh

Tucked between Meadowbank and Leith Links, Restalrig is a historic pocket of Edinburgh that’s quietly gaining attention. Known for its old village charm, proximity to the city centre, and improving transport links, it’s an area where character homes meet modern living. With Lochend Park nearby and the soon-to-open tramline within reach, Restalrig is a smart spot for homeowners looking to blend affordability with convenience.

Our client—living just a short walk from Restalrig Road South—had a vision for a more refined, functional living space. They wanted to transform a simple corner into something striking yet practical. Enter the IKEA Billy bookcase, reimagined. What began as flat-pack units became a fully custom-built library feature, tailored to the room’s proportions and finished with premium decorative detailing.

We recently helped a client in Restalrig turn a simple room into a stylish home library using IKEA Billy Bookcases as the base. With the help of a joiner who integrated them with MDF across three walls, we were brought in to elevate the look with a professional, custom-painted finish.

The Challenge
The Billy Bookcases have a tough enamel coating, which makes paint adhesion tricky without proper prep. Add to that the scale of the job—40 shelves, all needing to be painted—and we knew this would require a smart, efficient approach.

Our Process

Two-Location Workflow
To minimise disruption, we removed all 40 shelves and painted them offsite in our workshop. While one team member worked onsite on the bookcase frames, another handled the shelves—cutting down the time spent in the client’s home significantly.

Specialist Preparation & Paint

Sanded all surfaces thoroughly for proper primer adhesion
Filled any screw holes or imperfections
Applied Benjamin Moore Stix Primer—ideal for tough surfaces like Billy bookcases
Finished with Benjamin Moore Scuff-X Eggshell in Farrow & Ball’s Middleton Pink and Cola

The Colour Scheme
Inspired by the client’s favourite dessert, we used a soft pink and deep brown palette. Middleton Pink brought a light, playful touch, while Cola added depth and richness—perfect for a cosy, characterful reading room.

The Final Touch
Reinstalling the 40 shelves (which hadn’t been labelled during removal) was its own mini challenge. But with careful checking, we ensured every shelf found its correct spot.

The Result
The finished library now feels completely bespoke—full of warmth and personality. It’s a perfect example of how everyday furniture can be transformed with expert prep, a thoughtful palette, and quality materials.

Thinking about a built-in library or a furniture makeover? Let’s make it one of a kind.