Having a secret room in your home is magical, but perhaps there's no way to do it more magically than a bookcase door. It's the kind of idea you might imagine in an old mansion hiding secrets, but in reality, it's not as far-fetched as it sounds.
Beyond being a design delight, using hidden doors can also be a solution to a problem: a (slightly complicated) way to simplify the overall look and avoid the feeling that everything is crammed into a small space. Doors draw attention, and sometimes you don't want the eye to be there.
But are bookcase doors actually that easy to make? Do they require expensive bespoke millwork or is it something you can easily recreate yourself? We spoke to interior designers who like to use this idea in their own projects to find out more.
Why are bookcase doors so popular?
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(Image courtesy of Dasha Armstrong. Design by Jenny Martin Designs)(Image courtesy of Dasha Armstrong. Design by Jenny Martin Designs)
While you might think of bookcase doors as something only found in historic homes, they're actually a current interior design trend.
“There's definitely a trend emerging of hiding doors within bookcases or woodwork because it's unexpected,” says Jenny Martin, founder of Jenny Martin Design. “It's a great way to make a space look seamless.”
“Hidden doors serve the purpose of storing books, of course, but they also add a sense of fun,” adds Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of The Mendelson Group. “They're used to add a bit of mystery and surprise to a space.”
Built-in storage remains a status symbol in interior design – the bigger the better. Incorporating bookcase doors into a larger shelf not only maximises storage space, but also adds a little curb appeal that will wow your guests.
Are bookcase doors difficult to install?
Bookcase doors aren't just for books: this design in the kitchen doubles as a wine display.
(Image courtesy of Dasha Armstrong. Design by Jenny Martin Designs)
There are several ways to make bookcase doors, but for the most expensive, cohesive look, they should be custom made. “We traditionally custom make these pieces,” says Jenny. “We want them to be as seamless as possible, so they often integrate with other custom millwork that we've designed, and we want it all to look cohesive and custom.”
However, you can also purchase bookcase door kits to attach to regular doorways and create hidden storage. The most basic styles aren't as expensive as you might think, but kits can't quite achieve the cohesiveness of the storage spaces we've shown you so far. However, you can hide the doors to give the look of a freestanding bookshelf. It's not a huge wow factor, but it's a welcome addition, especially in spaces like hallways where doors can sometimes feel cluttered.
Plus, there's the option to DIY from scratch (more on that later).
Murphy Door® – Secret Bookcase with Hidden Doors
Price: $924
Size: 36″ x 80″
You can find bookcase doors that are cheaper than Murphy Door's bookcase doors, especially at Home Depot, but they don't always have the best reviews, so if you're a basic DIYer, you're probably better off buying something more expensive.
Bookshelf Barn Door with Mounting Hardware Kit
Price: $349.99
Size: 42″ x 84″
A less traditional bookcase door, but much easier to install than the standard version.
Bookcase doors also have other challenges to consider, especially if you don't opt for kit doors. “Specifying the width and weight of the door, and the right system to support the weight, are big considerations,” says Jenny. “Incorporating lighting can also be difficult, and if the rest of the unit is lit, it can look disjointed.”
“Plus, keep in mind that shelf depth will affect your swing,” she adds.
Are bookcase doors a good idea?
(Image courtesy of Ben Gebo. Design: Georgantas Design + Development)
Wouldn't it be a great idea to replace all your doors with bookcase doors, since they're basically doors that provide added storage space? No, realistically, they're not as practical as standard doors.
“Though great for secondary spaces, these oversized doors take some time and care to open, so they're not ideal for doors to rooms that you'll open 20 times a day,” says interior designer Jenny Martin. These are the last doors you want leading to the busiest areas of your home, like playrooms, laundry rooms, and home offices.
Can I DIY my bookshelf doors?
Yes, it's entirely possible to DIY bookcase doors from scratch, especially if you're familiar with the basics of woodworking. It all comes down to the right hinges. Buying hinges made specifically for bookcase doors, like these ones from Amazon, isn't exactly cheap, but it means you can customize everything else to your specific desires.
I have never made anything like this from scratch myself, but I found the following video on the subject that gives a good idea of what you need to do to make it yourself.
Murphy Door Hidden Hinge Hardware
Price: $149.99
Maximum load: 300 lbs
@realiferenovation ♬ Rock and Roll Sessions – Canal Records JP
How should I design the doors of my bookshelf?
With so many moving parts, you might be worried about what to decorate your bookcase doors with. “Since doors move, you want something that won't break and that will be secured safely to the shelf,” says Gideon.
However, these doors generally don't pivot like standard doors, so you don't need to be too conservative with your shelving ideas.
“It depends on how often the room behind it is used,” Jenny adds. “Hidden bookcase doors are usually very sturdy (if fitted correctly), so you don't have to be too careful what you put in them. That said, if you have any decorative items on top, you'll need to be careful when opening and closing them.”