Build A Secret Passageway In Your Home With This Magical Mirror Door Hack

Secret doorways and hidden passages are a dreamy element in any home for reasons both practical and fantastical. They provide a great way to hide things you want hidden while adding a fun, whimsical element that speaks to old castles and forbidden libraries. But you don't need to live in a castle to enjoy the whimsy of a secret passageway, as you can easily create your own using nothing but a full-length mirror attached to the wall with heavy drawer slides. The result is a sliding mirror that can be easily slid aside to access whatever is behind it.

This inexpensive hack is relatively simple to install, creating a custom sliding door that would otherwise prove costly. It's a great alternative to other means of disguising doors and entries like Murphy door cabinets, which can be stylish but very expensive. The sliding mirror is also a great small-space solution that will make the most of potentially tight areas like bathrooms and hallways. 

To create a sliding door, you will need a full-length mirror slightly larger than the size of the opening you wish to disguise. Mirrors come in a variety of price points depending on your budget and dimension needs — for example, the Trvone Arched Full Length Mirror from Amazon is a potential option with dimensions of 71"x32". You can also scour thrift stores and estate sales if you're looking to save. Whatever the size and weight of your mirror, you'll need heavy-duty drawer slides that can support 300-500 pounds of weight securely, from Amazon or Home Depot.

Secure the outer rail with screws to the wall above the opening in the wall and the other below it, ideally using the studs for placement or drywall anchors.  Attach the inner rail with screws to the mirror itself at the places it will rest against the wall when closed. This sliding mirror door is perfect for openings like safes, safe rooms, and additional storage, as well as for hiding appliances or unsightly elements like fuse boxes.  You can also use drawer slides and a mirror to cover a recessed medicine cabinet seamlessly.