How To Build A Secret Hiding Place Behind Books

Sometimes shelves get bogged down with essential storage items that aren’t very visually appealing. Baskets are one way to keep things organized and neat, but aren’t always the perfect fit for the space or are lacking in color and shape.

Secret Hiding Place

This cute book box hiding space creates a place for storing eyesores or extra shelf styling items while adding an aesthetically pleasing look.

Related: Secret Bookcase Doors, Always Fun And Always Mysterious

They are also really discrete so they make a fun little spot to hide something that you might not want to be found on first glance! Customize this project’s dimensions to perfectly fit your shelf space!

Book box hiding spot DIY

Supplies you’ll need to create a Secret Hiding spot:

  • old books with colorful bindings (hardback books work best!)
  • wooden box or crate
  • wood glue
  • ruler
  • large quick grip clamps
  • saw (table saw is most efficient and your best bet for this one)

How to make a hiding spot behind books:

Step 1: How Should be

Start by placing your books in front of the box and measuring out how many you will need. Figure out which ones you want to use and in what order by playing around the arrangement. Keep in mind your finished product will be more appealing with varied book heights and colors. Make sure when mocking up the project that your spines are right side up!

Book box hiding spot DIY

Step 2: Measurements

Once you have your books in place, measure approximately 1 inch from the spine into the book. Mark this line as this is where you will cut your books so that all the spines are the same length out from the box.

Step 3: Cutting process

Cut the spines of the center books and set aside the books that are going to be used on the outside ends of the box. Push these books through the table saw, spine against the fence to keep all of the spines evenly sized.

Book box hiding spot DIY

Step 4: Perfect cutting 2 end spines

When you are finished with the center spines, move on to the 2 end spines. The difference you will have with these is that you want to keep the face cover of the book on one and the back cover of the book on the other. Do this by simply keeping the cover up while you are cutting. Careful to make sure you are feeding the book in the correct direction for the cuts!

Step 5: Glue

Once all your spines are cut, use wood glue to adhere them to the wooden book. Line them up so the bottom of each book is right at the bottom of the box. Don’t forget to glue up the front and back covers to the side of the box as well.

Book box hiding spot DIY

Step 6: Clamp

Lastly, in order to keep everything tight and your books from falling off during the gluing process, you can chose to clamp the books and the box together. Use large enough clamps to accommodate your project so that the entire box and books fit. Use an extra piece of wood to hold down the books for the clamping. Leave clamped while glue is drying, at least 3 hours is best.

Once the glue is dry, disassemble your clamps and stick your finished project into a bookshelf. Store extra candles or staging items, papers you don’t want lying around, guest room towels, or whatever you desire!

Book box hiding spot DIY
Book box hiding spot DIY
Book box hiding spot DIY