We all love a hidden room. Countless films and TV shows feature secret spaces hidden behind unassuming bookcases, false walls and fake doors. But those things only happen in fiction, right? Wrong!
The hashtag ‘#HiddenSpaces’ has 16,200 tags on Instagram, with many posts showing unusual home renovations and exciting hidden rooms. From hidden home libraries and secret wine cellars to walk-in wardrobes and pantries disguised as normal cupboards, there are endless opportunities to be creative.
Here, The Sliding Door Wardrobe Company – manufacturer of sliding door wardrobes in Newcastle – has gathered together ten of the best hidden home spaces you could include in your home today.
1. Hidden home library
The ultimate flex for book lovers, a hidden home library sounds like the stuff of dreams. The ideal place to store your favourite books and somewhere to retreat at the end of the day to read and unwind.
Whether it’s a hidden nook under your stairs, complete with fitted bookshelves and comfy seating, or you’ve gone all out with a door disguised as a regular cupboard or bookshelf opening up into your expansive library, this idea is truly magical.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTK9Afrh0Jm/
2. Secret wine cellar
Love a glass of vino on an evening? Make this little indulgence a truly extravagant experience with your very own secret wine cellar, concealed behind a clever bookshelf or fitted shelving unit. Add a seating area and storage for your tipple of choice to make this secret space somewhere truly special.
If you are lucky enough to have a cellar or basement, take this idea one step further with a secret trapdoor that lifts up to reveal your hidden home bar! A sure-fire way to impress your guests.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuHPE-Ns5q/
3. Private WFH office
Do you find it difficult to find a calm space when working from home? You need a hidden office! You don’t need loads of extra space to achieve this. In fact, if you have a fitted wardrobe, you’re halfway there!
Simply remove the clothes rail from the inside of your wardrobe and fit a desk and shelving inside instead. Add a foldable chair and an electrical socket and you’re all set. You could even install a mini whiteboard on the inside of the wardrobe door for all your brainstorming sessions.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CicqZ-OoXcE/
4. Secret nap space
Murphy beds may have been around for years, but have you ever thought of disguising yours so it looks like something else? Hiding your bed behind bookshelves means you can easily open up the perfect secret nap space for your reading marathons.
Or, pop a hidden bed behind wardrobe doors so that it simply looks like more storage. Then you can wow your guests when they ask where the spare bed is!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFmtugzpP6n/
5. Enchanted under-stairs grotto
Not just for storage, the space under your stairs can be transformed into an enchanting grotto area – perfect as a secret reading nook, mini cinema room (provided you have a portable projector) or kids’ playroom.
Add small loveseats or mini armchairs and decorate the inside of the room to your heart’s content for a truly unique, interesting space. Fairy lights and battery-powered candles will help with that enchanted grotto feel.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BijvYxcgjaw/
6. Secret spa
The ultimate indulgence for spa lovers, a secret spa could include a hidden hot tub concealed beneath clever retractable decking, or a private sauna behind an unassuming cupboard door.
This idea is also great in terms of space-saving – you don’t have to sacrifice your outdoor decking space for a permanently visible hot tub. Simply hide the hot tub underneath the decking and uncover when you fancy a dip!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5YdcZA8i5/
7. Hidden pantry
Are you a budding chef in the making? Create your very own hidden pantry in your kitchen – the perfect place to store all your staple ingredients and practice your cooking skills.
It’s also an ideal place to store all the mess from your kitchen that you don’t want your guests to see next time you’re hosting a dinner party – shh, don’t tell anyone!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChM4I11JAI0/?igsh=MW1tYWVoaGl0cjVzZw%3D%3D
8. Floating shelves
Need a secret shelf or drawer to keep your valuables safe? Look no further than the innovative floating shelf hack. This crafty DIY project is a great way to keep items like keys, passports and jewellery safe – plus, it doesn’t take up any extra space in your home and can be installed in any room.
Concealing a hidden compartment inside your floating shelf is definitely a unique way to maximise your storage space!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYM8TwFZMu/
9. Hidden cinema
Film buff? You need your very own hidden cinema! The perfect addition to homes that boast a basement, a secret cinema below ground feels both decadent and exciting.
The house in the video below also has a hidden games room, complete with gaming consoles, flat screen TV and more. The room is accessed via a secret panel set into the side of an unassuming kitchen island! The panel pops out to reveal a set of stairs spiralling downwards into the truly luxurious hidden games room and cinema.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2m1S35A98I/
10. Secret laundry room
No space for a dedicated laundry room? Hide unsightly washing machines, dryers and piles of clothes inside fitted cupboards or behind false panels to preserve the overall aesthetic of your home.
If you’re short on space, you can stack your washing machine and tumble dryer on top of one another, ensuring both fit within a tall, thin cupboard – functional and beautiful. Plus, when you close the doors, you can easily forget about all the washing you have to do!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9N877byuYO/
Which of these incredible hidden spaces would you love to have in your own home? Are there any secret spaces you love that we’ve missed off our list? Whether you regularly spend time in your hidden home library, or you’re looking to add an enchanted under-stairs grotto to your house, this top ten list is sure to have given you some great inspiration for your next secret addition.
