The secret door: adding a new dimension to interior design

Hidden doors can make for showstopping features in traditional and contemporary homes. Experimenting with conventional design in the very early stages of a build can really pay dividends once it’s complete. A secret door allows you to play with contrasting decors without offsetting the general interior design of your project, at the same time creating a discreet space for study, hobbying, entertaining guests or something else entirely. We specialise in bespoke hidden door concepts, taking your designs anywhere from the classic door hidden behind a bookcase to creative and innovative doors that can disappear completely out of view when not in use. 

Here, we discuss various types of secret door, highlight how they’re best used and the spaces they can conceal, and outline how Deuren can help with any secret door projects.  

Now an intriguing architectural feature in the modern home, hidden doors of course date back to ancient times when they were built into structures (particularly Egyptian pyramids to hide burial chambers) – and they’ve fascinated us throughout history. A secret door was commonplace in medieval castles, often connecting secret passageways or hideouts and used as a means of escape or for the stealth movement of treasure or valuables. Hidden passageways have been used for secret worship, to escape witchcraft hunting and during America’s Prohibition era. Concealed doorways have featured throughout history for many reasons – and the most adventurous and innovative designs find a place for them in the modern home too. 

Nowadays, with modern building techniques and advanced technology meaning there are no limits to design, many look to install secret doors in the modern build, whether for security reasons or simply to add an element of fun to their interior. 

There are many reasons for a hidden door installation – not least because it’s a fun, unique talking point in any design. 

For understairs storage or cellars, secret doors can be used to elegantly hide entrances that could conflict with interior design. Hidden spaces can also effectively conceal and secure sentimental or high-value possessions.

Alternatively, a secret door can ensure privacy for hobbies or working environments. In addition, for private therapists, physios and other professionals who may invite clients to their property, a hidden door could be used to block out the world and provide a secure space, allowing people to relax and enjoy a sense of safety and anonymity. 

For build designs for a family with children, this type of door and concealed space can be ideal for a playroom – it’s fun for the children and practical for parents, keeping toys neat and tidy and out of view.

When specifying a hidden door, it’s worth remembering that more often than not, it will need to be included in the early design stages of a build to accommodate any structural requirements.

Deuren specialises in secret door projects with two particularly awe-inspiring configurations: 

This type of door works by using a pivot system, rather than hinges. This is what allows pivot doors to open in both directions and fit seamlessly into the wall when closed. Effectively, pivot doors can be manufactured to fit all types of wonderful designs and shapes. For inspiration, take a look at our pivot door project, we created an oversized door for a contemporary meeting room that perfectly matched and blended into the unconventional design of the wall. 

A pocket door, also known as a hidden door in the wall panel, utilises hollow spaces and tracks within the adjacent walls, enabling you to effortlessly slide the door into the wall. This results in an extremely dramatic effect when opening, as the door completely disappears into the wall and unveils the space behind it. With a secret wall door, there are several important factors to consider. Given the need for space within the adjacent walls, a pocket door needs to be discussed and specified at the earliest stages of development to ensure it can physically be installed. Depending on the door’s placement within the build, you should also be aware of the effects of humidity and temperature on the door’s material. Solid wood warps over time, which can be problematic for pocket doors, as they are designed to sit snugly inside the wall and run smoothly across the tracks. However, Deuren’s doors avoid this issue by utilising the finest-grade engineered timber. This ensures longer-lasting perfection, even in the face of environmental factors, and a superior aesthetic quality.

To learn more about the advantages of engineered timber over solid wood, discover our guide to engineered timber. 

Secret doors are a breathtaking addition for the modern home, but they require a bespoke secret door manufacturer to ensure perfection with regards to style and function. At Deuren, we frequently work with architects and designers to ensure the most innovative door designs for a build. If your project could be elevated with a secret door, talk to us about your vision and we’ll help bring the design to life.