How to Build a Secret Closet

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Secret doors and hidden rooms provide safety and security from theft and home invasion. You can make a secret closet by removing the closet's door and adapting a bookcase to the front instead. You will need a bookcase that has a height and width that is slightly larger than that of the closet, along with hardware supplies and tools. Expect to spend a couple of hours building your secret closet so that the final look is both unobtrusive and natural to the room.

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler

  • Toggle Holders

  • Pliers

  • Black Magic Marker

  • Electric Screwdriver

  • Two 4-Inch Piano Hinges

  • Bookcase Kit

  • Wood Screws

  • Hammer

  • Flat-Edged Screwdriver

Video of the Day

Step 1

Purchase a bookcase that is slightly larger than the dimensions of the door of the closet that will become the select closet. Put together the bookcase.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Insert the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver into the top of the hinge that is at the top of the closet door. Pull up on the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver to loosen the hinge.

Advertisement

Step 3

Pull the hinge out of the hinge frame on the closet door with the pliers. Repeat this procedure with the hinge at the bottom of the closet door.

Step 4

Pull the closet door out from the hinges attached to the door frame. Put the closet door away in a safe, hidden location.

Advertisement

Step 5

Measure down 2 feet from the upper right edge of the back of the bookcase. Put a piano hinge on the 2 foot-mark. Screw wood screws into the piano hinge with the electric screwdriver.

Step 6

Measure up 2 feet from the bottom right edge of the back of the bookcase. Screw a piano hinge at the 2-foot mark in the same manner.

Advertisement

Step 7

Place the right side of the bookcase against the right side wall of the closet. Place the two piano hinges against the wall.

Step 8

Make a mark where the screws go on the two piano hinges with the black magic marker. Move the bookcase away from the right side of the closet.

Advertisement

Step 9

Hammer a wood screw slightly into each of the marks made in the wall. Insert a toggle holder into each of the holes. Hammer the toggle holders into the holes with the hammer.

Step 10

Place the right side of the bookcase against the right side wall of the closet. Put a screw through each of the holes of the two piano hinges.

Advertisement

Step 11

Line up piano hinges with the holes made in the wall.

Step 12

Put a screw through each of the holes in the two piano hinges. Screw the screws into the holes in the wall using the electric screwdriver.

Step 13

Push the left side of the bookcase up against the wall. You can now enter and exit your secret closet at will.

Tip

You can use gallery putty on the bottom of any objects on the bookcase that might move to secure them in position.

Warning

You cannot make any modifications to the wall if you are a renter.

Advertisement

references & resources