How to hide an exit door?

Jgivey
by Jgivey
Just bought a condo that was built in the 70's. Has an exit door to the outside which is located in the bedroom. This door is never used. Currently hidden by a curtain. Any other ideas?

  10 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 17, 2018

    Paint it the same color of the wall

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Apr 17, 2018

    A room divider came to my mind, you could build it yourself, add hooks and make it double as jewelry hanging or even clothes storage!

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Apr 17, 2018

    Hi Jgivey,

    Click below to see a folding screen from a Hometalk mother & daughter team. You could decorate it any way that you like and put hooks on it for other storage as well. Wishing you the best.

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/how-to-make-a-diy-folding-screen-36158953?r=1

  • Edna Hetchler Edna Hetchler on Apr 17, 2018

    You could hide its true nature by calling attention to it in a different way: http://www.couturedeco.com/26-trompe-l-oeil-home-decor

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Apr 17, 2018

    Since you need it as a second way out of home or to go out onto a patio even though you don't use as you ststed,the first thing that came to mind is to make it a plus not a negative by placing something in front of it that hides it as a door and even though this is technically a door it can be added for style, a barn door. It's big looks great because it can be made to fit almost any decor such as ultra chic by just painting it black or using hardware that is modern in style industrial. Or if you like the shabby look keep it a barn door but paint and distress it to your liking. I am wondering if there is anyway to hang a large mirror as a barn door as well because then it totally hides the fact that it is a doir. If you like that idea I bet someone on this site can help you. I'm better at ideas then diy. I don't diy.

    • See 1 previous
    • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Apr 17, 2018

      OK so then how about if you take that door and paint it and add a piece of wood and two legs with wheels and make it a small desk area or make up area that you can easily open in case of an emergency? These people are constantly taking doors and repurposing them so why not make it look like you took a door and made yourself a little special spot? Heck you could add a few shelves and some books pop a small chair and make it your personal library, doesn't have to be books could be jewelry, belts,scarves etc. Point is to take what others do with a door that is no a door and do the same with your door that is a door. Remember I started previous feed with make it into a positive. And guess what my previous home had closet doors that were mirrored two separate closets on same wall so basically the entire wall I hated those 70'same doors. My newer home has absolutely no full size mirror except a cheap one the previous owners left and oh how I miss those doors. So not having them is a total negative in my life and now I will have to purchase a full size mirror and prop it up against the wall and I really don't love that look. See grass isnt always greener. Well good luck and enjoy your new place as you bring it into this century.☺

  • Amanda Amanda on Apr 17, 2018

    Hello. You could put a big shelving unit in front of it.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Apr 17, 2018

    If it is only one of two doors to the outside, you need to keep it so it will meet building codes. If there is a fire it is a safety exit. I would paint it the color of the wall and leave it be. Putting a curtain over it or decorating it will just draw your attention to it.

  • Sharon Sharon on Apr 17, 2018

    How about putting a mirror on hinges over it? Stealth door. Remove the door trim and repair the drywall and paint to match bedroom, get hinges or if there is enough space next to it, I've seen YouTube videos of stealth mirrors mounted on sliding hinges. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJkoQUdIHGo&t=42s couldn't find the right video but here is the type sliding drawer hardware to mount mirror on mirror and wall, see 3:45....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSKmLIY63yU&t=141s

    I like this secret bookcase door.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM09ZUmLGIo

  • Jgivey Jgivey on Apr 17, 2018

    It is one of 3 doors. Have no idea why it is there

  • Ro Ro on Apr 17, 2018

    Barn door? Screen?