Building a hidden library for my kids was a dream project and one of my favorite renovations of all time.
We worked with professional contractors (this is not DIY). However, I thought it would still be helpful to explain in detail the process of designing and building this space.
As with any unusual project, there was a lot of planning and problem solving that went into creating this magical space.
Related: Here you can find all my room tours.
When we bought our home, it had a two-story entryway, sometimes referred to as the “lawyer’s foyer.” It’s hallmark of a 1990’s McMansion.
You can see what the entrance looked like when you stood in the front door in picture one above. In picture two you can see what it looked like looking at the front door (looking up).
The entryway was the only part of our house with a two story ceiling (other than the stairs I think) and in the third photo you can see what it looked like from the second floor.
If you look at these photos and think, “Why would you ever change that?” I totally get it. When we first toured the house I liked those details – I didn’t expect to change anything at first.
After living in the house for about six months and planning the renovations for the living quarters, I began thinking about closing the two-story entryway. The main reason was that the entryway had an odd vibe that didn’t appeal to me and it was difficult to decorate.
The ground floor ceilings are very high so I wasn’t concerned about the entry feeling low (it still feels great). Also, our home gets a lot of natural light from our many sliding doors in the living areas, so I was willing to part with some natural light.
This is what it looked like on the day of construction. I remember being so nervous and having this “no going back” feeling. It was so unreal walking on the new floor for the first time.
After the floor was added, we dry-walled the ceiling and added the electrics. Then we had hardwood floors added in the new upstairs room. The new upstairs space was not connected to other rooms – it is connected to a foyer at the top of our staircase.
I had a lot of fun planning what we could use the hidden room for. It’s the size of a walk in closet so I had to find a use for it that would work for that size.
We could have left it open with an arched opening or something, but I decided that hiding the door with a closet (like Narnia’s) was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I loved the idea of having a unique room that is a total surprise.
Next I went shopping for a closet. I’ve been buying vintage cabinets for several months. I wanted the largest size that would fit well in our space, so I shopped based on those measurements.
Most vintage closets have lots of drawers and other stuff inside, so I looked for one that was a plain, boring closet inside. I found one on Etsy.
After the closet arrived at our home, we began installing it in the room. We chose to build it into the wall so it doesn’t have as much depth and doesn’t get in the way of the hallway door.
We also had to remove the legs (that was heartbreaking) because of the limitations of fitting it in that corner with a roofline that wasn’t flexible.
In the end, I’m amazed at how it looks! You can see the full tour of the hidden library here. To make it look more integrated we added a busy floral wallpaper. Lastly we cut a working door into the back of the cabinet and added a handle on the inside.
Now when people walk into this room for the first time I can say they have NO idea the closet is a door and showing people the first time is my kids favorite party trick.
Sources: Similar wallpaper / Augustine Evans art print / William Cleary art print (both art prints are by Janet Hill) / Arched Mirror / Rattan Lamp
Budget Sources: Wallpaper / Curved Mirror / Rattan Lamp
Please enter!
This is what the inside looks like. We installed built-in shelves on both sides and then painted the entire room Behr’s Silent Film paint.
My older daughter is learning to read and it has been the happiest year being in this space to make memories and collect books for her to enjoy now and for years to come.
Sources: Star Chart Art / Harry Potter Custom Art / handful of stars print, moon and stars print, shadow puppet print / chair
The rug and chandelier are both vintage from Etsy.
If you have any other comments, I’ll be happy to answer them.
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