Installing Secret Bookcases
A secret bookcase is not a bookcase that no one knows about. It is actually a door that is disguised as a run-of-the-mill bookshelf. These doors can be used to hide rooms from intruders, or simply to add to the usable space in a room. Since secret bookcases are trickier to build than regular doors, due to the extra strength and clearance required, it's recommended that you purchase one and install it instead of trying to build one yourself- well, unless you're an experienced carpenter. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Secret bookcase door and hardware Screwdriver X-Acto knife Tape measure
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the area you'd like it to cover. You need to do this no matter where you plan to put your secret bookcase. You will be taking off the existing door and replacing it with the new one, so use your tape measure to map out the entire opening, not just the size of the door itself.
-
2
Order your secret bookcase. While you probably won't find one at your neighborhood Home Depot, there are several places where you can purchase one online. Two brands to check out are Woodfold (available at Uncrate.com) and Hideadoor. Note that if your space has uncommon measurements, you may have to custom-order your bookcase.
-
-
3
Remove the current door. This should be a simple process. You can take most doors off their hinges by taking out a couple of screws. Once you have removed the door from the hinges, unscrew the hinges from the wall. If you have decorative molding around your door frame, use an X-Acto knife to separate it from the door frame. Then pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. It should come off pretty easily, since it is simply nailed in. (If you don't remove the molding, the bookcase might jut out from the wall when it's in the closed position.)
-
4
Insert the secret bookcase into the space where the door used to be. It should come with custom hinges that are the correct size and shape for you to be able to open and close the door without banging the bookcase into the wall. Simply screw these hinges into the inside of your door frame, then attach the door to them with additional screws. Make sure the door opens and closes properly before you begin filling it with books. If you have any problems, call the manufacturer. You may have purchased the wrong size.
-
5
Put books on your secret bookshelf to complete the transformation. Remember that this bookcase will move, so think twice before you stock it with your fine china or the complete works of Dickens. This is especially important if you have household members who tend to slam the door.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Measure once, twice and three times to make sure you have the correct dimensions. Choose a style that matches your décor. If the bookcase looks out of place, it may arouse suspicion.
Secret bookcases are heavy! They have to be to support all those books. Don't try to carry the door by yourself.
