DIY Hidden Bookcase Door Back
DIY Hidden Bookcase Door Back – AKA The Mullet (Bookcase in the front, party in the back)
Life is more than a pretty face; it's the behind that's on our mind.
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. And while a bookcase door that opens to a towel closet is great, why not take it a step further? This guide is dedicated to making the back of your hidden bookcase door just as impressive as the front.
In this project, I took advantage of a goldmine of a Facebook Marketplace find to create a seamless wall and bookcase door integration—one that blends perfectly with the surrounding space.
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.
Haven't Built the Door Yet? Click Here to get started with my Free Guide →Step-by-Step Process: Creating Your Rustic Door Back
Find Your Style and Materials
If you haven't read my post about how to find wood on Facebook Marketplace, I highly recommend checking it out.
With a little patience, you can find amazing deals on reclaimed wood. In my case, 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 for the back of my bookcase door because they were lightweight, reducing unnecessary stress on the Tambee pivot door hinges—which are a key component in ensuring smooth operation.
Don't Want to Wait? No Problem!
In my case, I started working on the back of the bookcase door about seven months after finishing the front. But if you are eager to complete your hidden bookcase project, you can find suitable materials faster.
Layout Your Design
My hidden bookcase door required three 1x8x8 pine boards. Since this was an improvised design, I nearly hit my head on the ceiling jumping for joy when I dry-fitted the boards and realized they fit almost perfectly flush with the edges of the bookcase frame.
To get some feedback, I laid out four reclaimed boards and took a poll on Instagram (follow me @thecraftycatsman) to see what people preferred.
I enjoy letting people vote on my DIY projects, but in this case, almost everyone voted against my favorite piece—the one with the natural holes and imperfections. But hey, be yourself—so I kept it anyway (sorry, guys!).
Plan Your Design Before Installing
While this isn't a complicated project, taking the time to plan your board layout will make a huge difference in the final result. Here are a few key things to consider:
- Lay the boards down first to visualize the pattern
- Find the most visually appealing arrangement
- Ensure boards align flush with door edges
- Consider the weight of your materials
Installation Process
Once you've decided on your board layout, the installation process is relatively straightforward:
- Measure and cut your boards to the appropriate length if needed
- Apply wood glue to the back of each board
- Position the board on the bookcase door back
- Secure with finishing nails using your nail gun
- Repeat for all boards, ensuring tight, clean seams
Weight Considerations
Keep in mind that adding too much weight to your bookcase door can strain the hinges and affect operation. This is why I chose lightweight weathered pine for my project. If you're using heavier materials, you may need to upgrade your hardware or adjust your design.
Wall 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.
Final Touches: Perfecting the Rustic Look
This picture is important—at this stage, the bookcase door and rustic wall are structurally complete, but they do not look nearly as good as the final result. That is because the magic is in the final details.
- White wall switch - replaced with dark cover.
- Gaps between boards - painted dark gray.
- Corrugated metal ceiling for an authentic rustic look.
- Govee RGB patio lights to fix uneven lighting, voice-controlled for convenience.
These finishing touches transformed the hidden door from good to amazing.
The 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.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
If you've been inspired by this project, I'd love to see what you create! Tag me on Instagram @thecraftycatsman or drop a comment below with your questions or your own hidden door creations.
Share Your ThoughtsExplore More DIY Adventures
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Share Your Thoughts
Have you built a hidden bookcase door? Planning to create one? I'd love to hear about your project or answer any questions you have!