A man has been left gobsmacked after discovering a secret room behind his bedroom wardrobe, making him wonder how long it’s been there.
He explained how he came across it when cleaning out his wardrobe and is now excited to either turn it into a functional secret room or simply as extra storage space.
Taking to Reddit, he said: “Check out this nifty hidden area behind a bedroom closet! Do you have any advice for making this a handy storage area? What type of materials would you recommend over the insulation, for example?
“There is some old wood flooring under debris that looks sturdy and will remain there for sure – my favorite part of this space.
“The opening was cut between studs, so at the very least I can expand that upward and downward and cover it with a mini door or mirror. I haven’t gone in to clean or anything yet but thought it would be fun to see what y’all think.”
To access the room, the man had to climb through a small opening in the wall, which led him into a large cupboard-sized space with a slanted roof.
He added: “The past owners left an unframed mirror covering the hole in the lathe and plaster, with the pillow to ‘cover’ the hole. They didn’t want questions about their partially opened, unfinished secret room project.”
Offering their suggestions, one user said: “Unless you need the storage space, I’d insulate the back wall. Next I’d put in an outlet (or two), a small enclosed LED shop style light and switch for electric. Panel style flooring, and finally drywall, and a hidden door for a fun secret room.”
Another user added: “Mirror over a door is a great idea, and would probably make good storage space.” A third user said: “Someone already mentioned it but I’d go with a safe room, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be nice.
“Being the back of a closet I doubt that is a load bearing wall, but even if it is, you could take out the stud to the left of the opening and then frame it up like you were going to install a door.
“Drill a hole in that knee wall and check to see if there’s insulation there. If not you’ll want to add some. Bonus points for installing a vent and a small very quiet fan to keep it from getting stuffy. Add an outlet or two and a light or at least a lamp.
“If you really want a little safe room get one of those inverter generators, a dorm size mini fridge, and you have your own private fortress of solitude where you can read in complete privacy even if the power goes off.
“Not exactly a nuclear bunker, or proof against the zombie apocalypse but it would be a nice place to disappear to if the in-laws come to visit.”
In response to this, the man added: ” This is awesome – thanks! I wasn’t sure about widening the entry point and would like to, so that is exciting to hear.
“I believe there is insulation behind the knee board too! I’ll get a closer look but I think I can see the fiberglass in those circular cut out pieces.”