Sometimes, all you need is a hidden door to add intrigue to an interior. Whether it leads to a relaxing hideaway or an immersive media room, an unexpected entryway has a mysterious aura that invites you to explore what's behind it.
As well as inspiring awe, disguised doorways can be functional too. They create a unified aesthetic throughout an area while providing practicality, such as blending storage cupboards with their surroundings.
| Image source: @greenbelt_bungalow |
How to make a hidden door wall
Whether you already have an entrance in mind or you're looking for DIY ideas, we have plenty of top tips for making a camouflaged doorway.
Our SlatWall coverings and hallway wood panelling are renowned for adding depth and dimension to rooms. When used for a secret passage on a feature wall, they maximise the visual impact in a sleek, seamless way. There are various ways to use this type hidden door panel to add the illusionary feature to your space. Find out which method is best suited to your project below.
| Image source: @elliotskitchendesigns |
Upgrade an existing doorway
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Figure out which way you'd like your hidden door to open, and the hinge type you want to use. If you're using standard hinges, the door must always push to open and then swing away from you. In this case, you'll need to install the hinges so they're facing away from the SlatWall panels. If you're using concealed hinges, the door can push or pull to open. You may have to reverse the current direction of your door to achieve your desired look. Seek the skills and advice of a professional tradesperson where needed.
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Remove any skirting boards and the architrave around your doorframe from the wall. If any areas are damaged during this process, use filler to repair them, then sand to create a level surface.
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Close the door and check if it's flush with your wall. If needed, use timber batons on the face of the door to create a flat, level surface so that the front of your door aligns and is flush with the level of the wall. These can be attached with screws or grab adhesive – use the appropriate fixings for your wall or door structure.
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Remove the door latch and handle. You may want to swap your door latch for an alternative fixing that can be pushed and pulled to open, or you may prefer to take it out completely. Seek the skills and advice of a professional tradesperson where needed.
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Paint the edges of your door and the internal doorframe in a coordinating colour with your chosen felt backing.
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If you're using standard hinges, you may want to swap them for a set in a coordinating colour with your felt backing, or you can paint them. Alternatively, you can install concealed hinges per the manufacturer's guidance. You may need specialist tools, like a router, to install them. Seek the skills and advice of a professional tradesperson where needed.
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Measure the height and width of your door and cut your SlatWall panels to size using a fine-toothed saw. If you're installing a hidden door that pushes to open, we recommend installing the panels on your door at one slat width less than the total width. This will enable you to install the surrounding wall panels with an overlap that will act as a jam and stop your door from swinging out of alignment. Take the time to plan and measure accurately to ensure the best fit for your space.
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Use screws or grab adhesive to attach your panels to your door. We recommend using colour-coordinating screws and fixings that suit your wall and door. View our fitting guide for more information.
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Install a small, discreet door handle in a coordinating colour with your felt backing.
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Close the door, then measure, cut and apply your SlatWall panels to the surrounding wall with screws or grab adhesive. Make sure to align the slats with the door panels.
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Congratulations – your doorway illusion is complete!
Create a new wall and doorway
Designing a bespoke interior? A new wall with a hidden doorway is a clever way to define spaces. It also gives them a personal touch. The simplest way to incorporate a secret entrance is to construct a stud wall with a doorframe and then use one of the installation methods above. We recommend building your custom entryway at floor-to-ceiling height for an invisible finish. Always seek a professional tradesperson's skills where needed and be aware of any building restrictions and fire safety measures you may need to consider.
Hidden door ideas
If you're planning a grand design but haven't decided which room to hide in plain sight, we've plenty of inspiration for you from living room wall panels to wall panels for bedrooms. Get creative with SlatWall and make one of these hidden-door ideas a reality.
| Image source: @dasilvadesignhouse |
Walk-in wardrobe
Introduce a little luxury to your getting-ready routine with a walk-in wardrobe. Concealing your closet will enhance the ambiance of your home – it's a stunning way to separate your stuff from your sleeping area.
En-suite bathroom
If you like the sound of a secret spa-like space, how about creating an elusive entrance to your master bedroom's en-suite? You can even extend your Naturewall penchant into the bathroom with SlatWall Waterproof – it'll add a touch of texture to shower walls.
Home office
Bring some balance to your lifestyle with a defined space for working from home. During the day, it allows you to focus on job duties in peace. And when evenings and weekends come around, you can keep tasks out of sight (and out of mind) in your home office.
Library
Curling up with a good book is one of life's simple pleasures. But it can be even more enjoyable when you have a personal library for it. A quiet, cosy nook is perfect for snuggling up with a page-turner and cup of coffee.
Cocktail bar
If nights in are your thing, we have some good news – you can bring the speakeasy bar to you with a secret entertainment room. Cue the compliments because a concealed cocktail area is perfect for showing off to guests when you're hosting parties.
Have you made a hidden door with SlatWall? Let us into your secret room by tagging us on social media @naturewalluk and use #MyNaturewall to be featured.