DIY Hidden Bookcase Door Back – The Mullet Door
If you follow this website, you already know—I am a dad. That means my SEO search rankings might take a hit because I prioritize dad jokes over keywords. But here you are, and that's what really matters. Hidden bookcase doors are undeniably cool. Most DIYers stop after completing the front, leaving the back looking unfinished. This guide is dedicated to making the back of your hidden bookcase door just as impressive as the front.
Project Overview
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Time Required: 1-2 days
Note: This guide assumes you already have a hidden bookcase door installed. It focuses only on finishing the back side with a rustic design.
Already Have a Hidden Bookcase Door?
Let\'s be clear, traveler—this guide is specifically for finishing the back of the bookcase door. It assumes that you have already installed a hidden bookcase door, whether you built one yourself or purchased a pre-made option like a Murphy Door.
Don\'t have a secret door yet? No worries! Check out our full guide on how to build a hidden bookcase door first.
📖Haven\'t Built the Door Yet? Click Here for the Full GuideThe Finished Result: Bookcase in Front, Party in Back!
The completed project completely transforms the space, creating a rustic, speakeasy feel to my arcade/bar area. From a plain, unfinished bookcase back to a seamless rustic wall that perfectly conceals the hidden door—the transformation is remarkable.
What makes this project special is the attention to those final details. The dark switch plate, painted gaps, corrugated ceiling, and strategic lighting all come together to create a cohesive, authentic look.
Now when guests enter my home, they have no idea there\'s a secret room waiting to be discovered. And when they do find it, the reveal is even more impressive because both sides of the door are thoughtfully designed.
The Big Reveal
When the door swings open, guests are surprised by both the hidden room and the seamless rustic design.
Tips for Success
Weight Matters
Keep your materials lightweight to avoid straining the door hinges. Pine boards are perfect for this reason—decorative but not too heavy.
Integrate with Surroundings
Extend the same design to the adjacent wall for a seamless look when the door is closed. This is key to maintaining the "secret" aspect.
Embrace Imperfections
With rustic design, imperfections add character. Don\'t worry about small gaps or uneven edges—they contribute to the authentic aged look.
Share Your Project!
Have you built a hidden bookcase door or planning to create one? I\'d love to see your project or answer any questions you have!
Tag me on Instagram @thecraftycatsman or email your photos to TheCraftyCatsman@gmail.com
Tools You'll Need
Nail Gun
For attaching the reclaimed wood boards to the back of the door
Measuring Tape
To ensure proper fit and alignment of the wood boards
Saw
For cutting the reclaimed wood to proper length if needed
Materials Needed
Weathered Wood Boards
Naturally weathered 1x8x8 pine boards are ideal as they're lightweight and won't strain the door hinges
Wood Glue
For securing the boards to the door back before nailing
Finishing Nails
To permanently attach the boards to the door back
Dark Switch Plate
Replace white switch plates with dark ones for a cohesive rustic look
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Find Your Style and Materials
Facebook Marketplace is an excellent source for affordable reclaimed wood. I purchased a collection of weathered wood for just $40, which included everything from 100-year-old hand-hewn boards to reclaimed bookcase wood.
I specifically chose naturally weathered 1x8x8 pine boards because they were lightweight, reducing unnecessary stress on the Tambee pivot door hinges—which are key for smooth operation.
Don't want to wait for the perfect marketplace find? You can also artificially weather new wood using techniques from our weathering guide.
2Plan Your Board Layout
My hidden bookcase door required three 1x8x8 pine boards. I was thrilled when the dry-fitted boards fit almost perfectly flush with the edges of the bookcase frame.
Take time to arrange your boards in different patterns to find the most visually appealing layout. This isn't a complicated project, but planning your board arrangement makes a huge difference in the final result.
Consider these key factors:
- Lay the boards down first to visualize the pattern
- Find the most visually appealing arrangement
- Ensure boards align flush with door edges
- Account for the weight of your materials
3Installation Process
Once you've decided on your board layout, the installation process is straightforward:
1. Measure and cut your boards to the appropriate length if needed
2. Apply wood glue to the back of each board
3. Position the board on the bookcase door back
4. Secure with finishing nails using your nail gun
5. Repeat for all boards, ensuring tight, clean seams
Remember that adding too much weight to your bookcase door can strain the hinges and affect operation. This is why lightweight weathered pine is ideal.
4Wall Integration
For a truly seamless look, I continued the same rustic wood style on the adjacent wall. This creates the illusion that the door is simply part of the wall when closed.
The key to successful integration is ensuring the patterns, board heights, and spacing match up as closely as possible. Small gaps and imperfections are actually beneficial in this rustic style, adding to the authentic look.
5Final Touches
The magic is in the final details that transform your project from good to amazing:
- Replace white wall switches with dark covers
- Paint gaps between boards dark gray for depth
- Add a corrugated metal ceiling for an authentic rustic look
- Install Govee RGB patio lights to fix uneven lighting (voice-controlled for convenience)
These finishing touches are what elevate the hidden door from a simple project to a showstopper.
Related Projects
DIY Hidden Bookcase Door Build
Learn how to build the front of your secret bookcase door from scratch
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How to Give New Wood a Weathered Look
No reclaimed wood? No problem! Learn to create that aged look with regular lumber
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DIY Basement Speakeasy Bar Arcade
See the complete speakeasy project where this hidden bookcase door is installed
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