Has anyone successfully transformed a regular door into a bookshelf that opens, without spending a fortune on pre-made kits, while still maintaining a nice aesthetic?
Asked by Marius Sørensen 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 15, 2024
Hey everyone, quick question for you. I’ve always had this idea of having a secret passage in my house, and I’m thinking about turning a door into a bookshelf that opens up. I’ve seen some kits online but they’re pretty pricey. Have any of you tried making one by just putting a bookshelf on hinges? How difficult was it? I want it to be functional but also look good in my home. Just looking for a fun little project to spruce up my space.
My husband and I got two bookcases, put them on wheels, framed the door, and attached them with piano hinges. Turned out really well.
Hey , do you think you could share a picture by any chance? I’m looking to do the same thing.
Hey , we actually did this on our previous house. Let me check if my husband has any photos saved on his phone.
I would love to see it too! Can it be found in the MLS listing?
I’m sorry, but I checked Zillow and they didn’t display our bonus room online for some unknown reason.
Would love to hear some suggestions
Hahaha, that’s funny!
They refer to it as a Murphy door and while it’s possible to DIY, it may be challenging for inexperienced carpenters
I really value that. That’s pretty much how I feel. I don’t want it to turn into a project that takes 5 months and costs a fortune.
Has been doing a lot of research and continues to search for kits. I recently installed a pocket closet door from a kit and it was surprisingly simple
DIY is an option, just keep in mind that once it’s filled with books, it will be quite heavy. Select sturdy hinges and hardware and aim for precision
Check out SOSS Invisible hinges. I’ve seen finish carpenters on social media raving about them for Murphy doors
Take a look at the Masters of Trim Carpentry group and look up Murphy doors
I just completed this today. I utilized an old door for the back and regular hinges. I simply routed them in a bit. I’m still in the process of painting it. The trim will need to be done afterwards.
Hey there, I totally get the idea of having a door to separate a laundry room. The issue with a Murphy door for a laundry room is that it ends up occupying more space in the doorway. I struggle a bit with just a regular door when trying to carry a laundry basket through it.
It’s possible. However, you’ll need a variety of tools, solid hinges, and casters. You’ll also need good measuring and cutting skills. The good news is that it will be simple to conceal it with that trim. Cut the left casing free and attach it to your Murphy door.
Just keep in mind, depending on how it’s constructed, it could eventually leave caster marks on your flooring.
Do you ever wonder about this? People seem to love open concept homes because they make the space feel bigger. But then they turn around and install a Murphy Door, essentially eliminating a whole room and negating that sense of openness.
Do you have a question for me?
Russell What’s the reason behind wanting to eliminate an entire room from sight and making the house appear smaller?
If there’s already a door in place, what’s the difference besides adding a bookcase?
Russell I prefer keeping my doors open to let in more light instead of closed doors. It all depends on personal preference.
In my situation, there is already a door leading to a small laundry room, which is perfect because I prefer not to have to listen to the washer and dryer running.
Hey Faith, in my situation there’s already a door in place that leads to a small laundry room. I prefer having the door there rather than having to listen to a washer and dryer running.
I’ve built a few hidden rooms before, the best one had 1″ pins at the top and bottom mounted on sealed bearings. The bookcase pivoted from the centerline. Once completed, it was seamless. I suggest starting with a mockup to figure out the logistics. I also agree that this isn’t suited for a casual carpenter. With some structural knowledge, understanding of material science, and a lot of patience, it is achievable. If I remember correctly, look into old issues of fine woodworking for examples.
Not every door is square…in fact, none are. You don’t have enough space for that with a small room on one side and a couch on the other. I’m not sure what that is to the left either. Maybe consider a different project…it seems unnecessary to try to make this work.
Another possibility is concealing it behind paneling.
I’m a fan of those! You can find plenty of DIY tutorials on YouTube. It’s actually quite simple if you have the right tools.
That’s a great idea!
No worries, I just submitted the report. Let me know if you need anything else!