Ideas for a Hidden Doorway

An Old Classic

• They're in scary movies, murder mysteries and comedy shows. A doorway hidden behind a bookcase is a literary and cultural classic device. While a hidden bookcase door may seem cliche, it can be very effective in hiding a room next door or a closet full of valuables. Purchase plans to build your own or hire a contractor to create a natural-looking bookcase to hide your secret space.

Oval Office Method

• Take a tip from the president's house and hide a flat door with wallpaper. Cover the walls and door with a strong print or vertical stripe. Match up the print so that it meets perfectly at the space between the door and the wall. While this doorway isn't completely hidden, it's subtle enough to be overlooked by many casual observers.

Arts and Crafts

• Create a bold display while hiding a doorway by turning a large quilt or tapestry into a wall hanging. Stitch a sleeve on the back of the textile artwork and hang a drapery rod above the door opening, covering the doorway and extending on both sides. Place the wall hanging so that it reaches the floor. Voila! Your closet or room entrance is completely hidden.

Outdoor Camouflage

• Turn an outdoor space into a hideaway by growing your camouflage. Plant fast-growing vines such as morning glory and sweet pea on the roof or at the top of the wall. As the vines grow they will trail down over the doorway. You'll have a living cover to your room entrance that you can simply slide aside when you want to enter your private space.