THE IT LIST

The product: Ikea Billy bookcase

Why we love it: Every once in a while, there’s a piece of furniture that, well, pretty much everyone seems to have (or have had) in their homes.

For many, that piece is the Billy bookcase from Ikea. (According to the brand, a Billy bookcase is sold every five seconds somewhere in the world.)

The simple home furniture piece, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, has been given a bold new update by the Swedish furniture and home goods store. Just in time for spring, the Billy bookcase — now also being referred to as “William” — has been released in a sunny yellow shade.

The statement-making hue is sure to add a powerful pop of colour to any living or work space. And we’re looking forward to seeing how people dream up new uses for this bold bookcase. (Google “Billy bookcase hacks” to see some of the inventive ways shoppers have repurposed this iconic piece.) “Even with digitalization, the iconic Billy bookcase continues to be relevant today. Billy owners often post the different ways they use their bookcase, whether that’s to showcase special items or even to display a large collection of shoes,” the brand said in a news release.

In addition to the new vibrant yellow option, the retailer is releasing a new collection of shelf inserts for the shelving series, called Bottna, which includes special display shelves and even bookends in a variety of hues.

The price: From $40 The retailer: Ikea; Ikea.com