How to Make Secret Compartments in Drawers

Measure the inside of your chosen dresser drawer. Don't estimate or round off the numbers; you need the most exact measurement you can get.

Shop your local home improvement store to find a piece of wood that visually matches the inside of your dresser drawer. Match the color and grain design as closely as possible, or use plywood and paint for a painted drawer interior.

Cut a piece of plywood the exact size of the drawer interior. Choose the best-looking side of the wood and designate it as the top half. Place the wood on a table with the top half facing down.

Glue a washer in the middle of the piece of wood. Glue washers on each corner of the wood, keeping them about 1 inch away from each edge. Glue another layer of washers on top of the first five, creating a stack of two in each spot. Keep stacking and gluing washers until the stacks are as tall as you wish your secret compartment to be. Keep the depth of the actual drawer in mind when determining this height. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Place the false bottom near you with the top half up and the washers facing down. Fill the dresser drawer with your belongings that need to be hidden. Pick up the false bottom by placing a strong magnet over each of two corners right on top of the washers. Hold the magnets and pick them up. The false bottom will rise, as the washers will be attracted to the magnets. Fit the false bottom into the drawer and slide the magnets to the side to loosen their hold. Close the drawer to complete the subterfuge.