How to Build a Secret Passage Bookcase

What cat can resist a bookcase door?

So many houses in books, stories and movies seem to have a secret passageway behind a bookcase. How many houses really have such a thing? You can build your own for either fun or convenience. While books are rather heavy and may make the bookcase harder to move, a small set of casters on the bottom can solve that problem. Create extra storage space by putting a bookcase in a doorway instead of leaving it open or installing a door.

Things You'll Need

• Bookcase
• Hinges
• Screws and nails
• Power drill and hammer
• Pencil
• Casters (optional)
• Curtain rod
• Curtain

Instructions

1. Choose a doorway or opening already in the house. You may want to put the bookcase in front of an old broom closet, or in any open doorway. Measure the opening as if you were going to put in a door.

2. Purchase or build a narrow bookcase that will fit in this opening. You may wish to purchase four casters, or wheels, to screw into the bottom of the bookcase. The casters will help you open the bookcase, but they may also give away the secret.

3. Purchase three hinges. Bookcases are heavy so look for heavy duty hinges at least a few inches long. Each hinge consists of two metal plates that move back and forth. There are holes in the plate through which to put nails or screws. Attach the hinges to the doorway and the side of the bookcase in the same way you would if you were hanging a door. Place one plate of the hinge on the side of the bookcase, and the other plate on the edge of the doorway. Move it around until you have found the perfect spot, then mark where the screws will go with a pencil. Start the screws just to make holes, then take them back out, place the hinge and attach with screws and a power drill. Do this for all three hinges, one at the top, one in the middle and one at the bottom. Check to make sure the bookcase easily opens and closes before moving on.

4. To hide the hinges, hang a curtain rod over the bookcase that reaches past the bookcase and over the wall. This can be as long or as short as you like. Hang a curtain as decoration over the wall and edge of the bookcase.

Tips & Warnings

• Books are heavy. Consider using fake books to decorate your secret passageway bookshelf.

• Do not place breakable or valuable curios in the bookcase. They may fall off when the bookcase is in motion.

References

• Woodfold.com: Bookcase Door
• Woodweb.com: Hidden Pivot Bookcase Door