Looking for a clever way to keep your keys, sunglasses, and other small items organized and out of sight? Why not combine functionality with aesthetics by creating artwork that doubles as hidden between-the-studs storage? This innovative DIY project allows you to make the most of your wall space while adding a unique decorative piece to your home. Here’s how you can create your own hidden storage that can have interchanged artwork to disguise it.
I always love finding unique and functional ways to conceal something that is frequently needed but not always the best to keep on display. Like this hidden DIY Tilt Out Trash Bin or these Hidden Drawer Desks I created for my two boys work spaces.
Materials Needed:
- Artwork
- Self Closing Concealed Full Overlay Hinges (2)
- Velcro
- Screw in Hooks
- Trim Pieces for border (optional)
- Motion Light (Optional)
- 3/4″ Plywood (2’x2′ project piece)
- Wireless Inspection Camera
- Stud finder
- Drywall saw or Multitool
- Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig
- Measuring tape
- Level
- (1) 1x3x8ft pine (Wood for shelving)
- Wood screws and screwdriver or drill
- (1) 2×4
- Cedar Planks
- Pin Nailer
- Wood Glue
- Miter Saw
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Choose Your Artwork and Location
I decided to go with artwork that is 16″x24″ so that it would be the same size as the area between two studs (approx 14.5″ as studs are placed 16″ on center). This is also a pretty standard size so that you will have many available options to change out the artwork as you choose.
Identify the location on your wall where you want to install the storage. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their positions. Cut a small hole in order to fit the inspection camera in. This is important to ensure no wires, plumbing etc are in the area. If so, you will need to find another spot. If it is free of those items, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Measure, Cut and Frame the Wall Opening
Measure the dimensions of your frame and mark the corresponding area on the wall between the studs. Use a level to ensure your markings are straight. You will be able to find width placement on the wall easily because you need to stay between the 2 selected studs. The height can be determined by holding the picture up and see where it looks best and mark the top and bottom 24″ apart. Carefully cut along the marked lines with a drywall saw or multi tool to create the opening. Remove the cut piece of drywall and set it aside.
After you have the opening made, remove any insulation that may be there. Add in 2×4 fire breaks at the top and bottom of the opening to create a framed opening. These should be 14.5″ long to snuggly fit between the two studs. Toe nail them into place ensuring they are level.
Step 3: Build the Storage Compartment
Cut (2) primed MDF 1x4s 13″ long and (2) 24″ long and assemble with wood glue and pin nails. Be sure to secure the longer pieces on the outside of the top and bottom pieces. Sand any rough edges and, if desired, paint the wood to match your frame or home décor. Cut the cedar boards the height of the box and secure to the back with wood glue and pin nails. It should work out to be 4 planks wide.
Lastly, cut (3) 1×3 pine boards to secure as shelves. Before choosing the placement of the shelves, mark where your hing will attach to make sure a shelf will not be in the way. Also ensure you leave enough space between each shelf to have room to hang sunglasses/keys. Secure the shelves using wood screws from the outer sides.
Step 4: Install Compartment in Wall
Once you have the insert assembled, you should be able to slide it inside the opening you framed out between your studs. The fit should be snug but easily tapped into place. Once flush with the drywall, secure with brad nails at all four sides. I took very thin trim pieces and pin nailed them to the edge opening between the insert and drywall for a finished look.
Step 5: Create the Door
After the insert is secured, take the 3/4″ plywood and cut it down to be 15″ x 25″. This will be the door. I stained mine Minwax Special Walnut after sanding it but you can choose to paint it as well. Attach the hinges approximately 4″ in from the top and bottom. The Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig makes installing these hinges easy. Next you will secure the door to the inside of the framed compartment. I added a motion activated light to the top that I got from Ikea, not necessary but nice for when it is dark.
Step 6: Attach the Artwork
The final step is to secure the artwork. I chose to create the plywood door so that I could hang artwork on top of it in order to easily change it out through the seasons or if my decor changed up. I used a screw to hang it at the top as if you would for any picture but added a strip of Velrco to the bottom portion of the frame. This prevented the art from swaying as the door opens and close.
Look at that! Would you even guess that was anything other than a picture hanging up by the front door?! I love this simple DIY that serves multiple purposes.
2 Comments
Andrea H.
Cool idea. Looks easy to do, too
nailgunnelly
Definitely doable!