How to Build a Hidden Dresser

If you need more storage space for your clothing but you don't have room for another piece of furniture, consider building a hidden dresser. You can easily construct a dresser that is hidden from view inside a closet. Just follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Measure the space inside your closet and determine where the dresser will fit best. Take into account how your closet is laid out and what will make the most sense in terms of functionality. You'll be building the closet into the wall so the spot you choose must have a deep enough wall space behind it to accommodate the dresser's depth.

2. Mark the cutout area on the wall. This area should match the dimensions of the dresser you're planning to build. The bottom of the dresser should be at least three or more inches above the baseboard--because it's built into the wall it won't have any legs.

3. Cut away the drywall where your hidden dresser will be.

4. Build a sill on the edges of the cutout window. Cut pieces of 2-by-4s of the appropriate length and attach them to the cutout's edges with a nail gun.

5. Make the dresser frame by cutting wood panels for all of the sides and the back of the dresser. Assemble the pieces with wood glue and nails.

6. Use wood glue and nails to assemble the drawers of the dresser. Secure the front panels of the drawers with screws and attach drawer handles to each one.

7. Install drawer glides in the hidden dresser before putting in the drawers. The glides will go on the sides of the dresser frame, as well as both sides of each drawer. Be sure to measure carefully when installing the glides to ensure everything lines up when you insert the drawers.

8. Insert the drawers into the dresser frame, using the glides.