Many people have seen or heard of those old English mansions where bookshelves pivot to reveal a secret room. Or perhaps a section of what looks like old books is actually a doorway. Behind the door is another door to a safe that holds the family jewels. Though most people don’t live in such stately homes, there are many new and innovative ways to keep possessions safely hidden away even in the humblest studio or tiny house. Indeed, almost every house could use a hidden built-in. Whether it’s a playroom for the kids with a touch of the mysterious, or a functional way to hide your gun safe, having hidden built-ins is something to consider. Here are some of our favorites!
The Kitchen
Many houses and apartments have kitchens where space is a premium. Hidden built-ins here not only give the homeowner a place to put their items, but can be built in an area that’s convenient. For example, a narrow spice rack that slides in and out can be placed next to the oven range. This makes it easy for the cook to grab whatever spice is needed for a stir-fry or quick bake. Nowadays, ranges are so well insulated that their heat won’t reach the spices and ruin them. Sliding spice racks or pantries can also be made to fit into that useless space between the fridge and the kitchen wall. The heat from the fridge won’t ruin the spices either. Another built-in is a small bookshelf tucked above the microwave oven that slides out to reveal a spice rack. In this case, the books are almost certainly cookbooks, and they’re real.
Deep drawers in floor cabinets can hold everything from canisters of flour, sugar, rice, and other grains to pots and pans and their lids. Secret, slide-out bins in a pantry cabinet can be catch-alls for snacks, dish towels, aluminum foil, and other items it’s hard to find a place for in the kitchen drawers.
Staircases
People are always amazed at how staircases can be turned into specialized storage spaces. The treads of steps can be opened to reveal storage space for shoes and sundries. Drawers can be built into an otherwise empty area under the staircase for linens and bedclothes. The drawers can have sunken panels and glass knobs and make their own esthetic statement. The space beneath the staircase can even be made into a cubby to hide a safe or the controls for the home alarm system. A landing is a great place for a deep bin to hide comforters, duvets, and pillows. Some homeowners use a slide-out rack under the stairs to store their favorite wines.
The Bedroom
The bedroom is a more versatile space than many people think. Units on casters can be rolled beneath a regular bed to store blankets and flannel sheets during the summer. Platform beds can be placed above cabinets and drawers. There can even be a pull-out drawer for a person to enjoy a snack or breakfast-not-quite-in-bed. Other beds can have storage drawers beneath and built-in shelves overhead accessed by a library ladder. A type of Murphy bed folds up to reveal a storage area beneath, and a headboard can do double duty as a bookcase.
Banquettes
Banquettes in the living room, dining room, or kitchen are perfect places to store things. It would be a waste of space if they didn’t have a storage compartment beneath their cushions. Some banquettes can fold out into daybeds or an extra bed for a guest.
Hidden Home Office
An entire home office can be hidden in what’s basically a box. This includes a hutch with lots of cubby holes, a pedestal desk, a chair, a computer and a printer. Placed in a roomy hallway just off a room, all can be hidden by flipper doors that slide out when a person’s at work, then swing closed when they’re finished. Guests will never guess what’s behind the shut doors.
Your home is your haven. Make it even more personalized by creating hidden pockets of space, perfect for whatever you need. These are just a few ideas to make it happen.
