How to Make a Hidden Safe in a House

Find a wall space that is out of the way, large enough to mount an interior cabinet, and would look better with a large picture hanging on the spot.

Place a wall-hanging or picture on the wall. It should be at least 12 inches wider and taller than the safe box. Mark the four corners to give the general outline of where the box will go. Remove the picture.

Locate the wall studs centrally between the left and right side of the wall hanging. Double check your box size to ensure it will fit between the studs.

Create a hole between the studs using a rotary or keyhole saw that is the width of the box with 2-inch margins on the top and bottom. Be careful to ensure the hole will be well hidden by the wall-hanging when it is replaced.

Attach horizontal 2-by-4-inch boards at the bottom and top of the hole with "L" brackets and screws into the side studs. Position them so the cabinet fits snugly between them.

Place the cabinet into the space up against either the right or left vertical stud. Attach it to the new top and bottom beams by screwing 1-inch screws from the interior into the beams. Also screw the cabinet into the vertical stud it is closest to. Use large washers on the inside to provide extra strength.

Drywall tape and mud the exposed edges where the cuts were made to keep dust from falling onto the floor and giving away the safe location.

Reposition the wall-hanging back over the now-hidden safe.