Other Rooms

Secret Rooms: 10 Special Spaces Hidden from Sight in the Home

Whether it's a concealed room, hidden storage space, or cozy reading nook, having a secret place in our homes appeals to the kid in all of us. Here we reveal 10 furtive ways to cover your (design) tracks.

By Marie Proeller Hueston

A Private Den

1/11

A bookcase on hinges opens to reveal a den that's ideal for quiet reading or TV time away from the hustle and bustle in the rest of the house.

Related: Divide and Conquer—10 Room Dividers to Bring Space to Your Space

DeForest Architects
Stealthy Laundry Room

2/11

Not relegated to the cellar or mudroom, this laundry room is incorporated into the main living area of the house thanks to sliding bookcases that keep it out of sight when not in use.

Related: Planning Guide—Laundry Rooms

Houzz

Advertisement
Hidden Home Office

3/11

A home office hidden behind folding closet doors is probably something you've seen before, but here's a delightful, modern twist. The cheerful, orange workspace is tucked behind a large, pull-down tambour-style panel.

Related: Create a Home Office That Works for You—10 Expert Tips

Kropat Interior Design
Concealed Walk-In Closet

4/11

A graphic wallpaper pattern creates a whimsical faux library in a room and cleverly masks the door to a walk-in closet. Now that's brilliant!

Related: 12 "Off the Wall" Ways to Repurpose Wallpaper

Houzz

Advertisement
Paneled Powder Room

5/11

Horizontal paneling makes the door to an under-stair powder room nearly impossible to detect, camouflaging this discreet and smart use of space.

Related: 17 Tiny Bathrooms We Love

Alchemy Design Studio
Secret Sauna

6/11

This decidedly feminine bath hides a luxurious secret—a sauna tucked behind a door that's been wallpapered and trimmed to blend in with its surroundings.

Related: 20 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big

Houzz

Advertisement
Discreet Minibar

7/11

A beverage fridge and small sink help to transform this closet into a functional minibar. Recessed lighting, a mirrored wall, and glass shelves add to the polished look of the cozy space.

Related: Mirror Magic—10 Ways of Using Mirrors to Your Design Advantage

Sutro Architects
VIP (Play) Room

8/11

Children will applaud and delight in this creative use of under-stair space. Apple green walls and soft furnishings to relax on enhance the kid-pleasing quotient.

Related: Creative Kids' Spaces

Von Fitz Design

Advertisement
Bath Behind the Books

9/11

Why break up a beautifully painted hallway with an ordinary bathroom door? This coordinating bookcase on hinges does the job much more stylishly.

Related: Banish the Bland: 10 Ways to Make Over a Boring Hallway

BuzzFeed
Cozy Nook

10/11

If you have an alcove in your home that's just perfect for a cozy enclosure, but you'd like to avoid the cost and permanency of a built-in design, install a curtain rod, decorative drapes, and daybed to create a comfy, private nest for reading and dreaming.

DigsDigs

Advertisement
For More...

11/11

If you are interested in more special rooms, consider:

10 Clever Uses for the Space Under the Stairs

11 Sneaky Storage Ideas

Lost in a Library: 11 Epic Reading Rooms

Southern Living
See the House of the Week

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!