Secret doors have long held the public’s fascination, stealing scenes in a number of movies, from Indiana Jones to The Goonies to Batman. The opportunity to have one in your own home, for reasons that range from security to pure leisure, is a novel one that definitely requires some planning.
Before budgeting, logistics, and design plans come into play, there’s usually a moment of inspiration. A wouldn’t-it-be-cool-if moment, where a homeowner realizes that the potential for a secret door exists and the space for it might, too.
So, that’s where we will start, exploring three options for positioning a hidden door inside a home.
An existing space.
A closet under the stairs. A utility room that goes unused. An oddly-shaped space that doesn’t seem to have a functional purpose. Most homes, unless they have been meticulously designed, have some space that could be used in a more functional way — meaning it’s ripe for a hidden door. The upside to using a space that already exists is that an entryway or door jam is already available, walls are already constructed and an interior space is ready for its new calling. From a tricked-out man cave for total relaxation to a secure room designed to keep weapons and other valuables safe, rooms and closets that are going otherwise unused are prime spaces for hidden doors.
Subdivide a space.
Homes have seasons of utility. What works for families with small children often seems excessive or unnecessary for empty nesters or bachelors. For those looking to add a hidden door to their home without repurposing an existing space or adding a new space, subdividing an extra bedroom, living area, or office space could be the perfect way forward. By subdividing a living room, for example, a game room or library could easily transition into a hidden space disguised by a secret bookcase or mirror. The same could be done for a second master suite that is no longer needed. The options are almost endless.
A new space.
Starting from scratch isn’t as cumbersome as it sounds. It’s actually an opportunity that offers the most potential for customization. Depending on your needs and design inspiration, a new space could include finishing a basement, building out an attic, or adding an additional room to the home’s footprint. With this kind of freedom, homeowners aren’t held to certain measurements or door options, and can instead follow their inspiration to create a truly unique, secret space from the group up.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, or if you need inspiration, explore all the options you have for a hidden door by viewing our gallery.
Creative Home Engineering, a Gilbert, Arizona-based company, is the global leader in designing and manufacturing secret doors. From swinging bookcases to sliding walls to rotating fireplaces and safe rooms, Creative Home Engineering has been an innovative leader in the field of hidden passageway design for more than 20 years. Learn more at www.hiddenpassageway.com.