Ceiling Secret Compartments

Project For Storing Jewels Or Things Seldom Used.

When expanding our summer apartment's pentry to a small kitchen in this

century old, former hotel building, some electric cables above the ceiling

had to be changed.

From the hole I made in the plasterboard, the old ceiling appeared more than a foot above,

and when the wires were taken care of, I started storing things in between.

As we have limited storage areas, I decided to make use of this spare room,

so I made a full scale model of a part of the ceiling and one folding-down lid

to check the details and geometry before tearing down the ceiling.

The end parts of the ceiling will remain because of installations,

but the middle part can contain up to 10 separate "drawers".

Instead of removing it completely, I think I will just make holes in the boards,

trim the edges along the joists, and make a wooden grid resembling a cassette ceiling.

I will use bolts as hinges, so to obtain proper alignment,

I have to make a jig for drilling holes in the joists.

Make a simple sketch to decide the position of the pivot bolt,

depending of the dimensions of joists, board and band.

Cut the drywall boards slightly smaller than the holes in the ceiling,

cut and drill the side bars for hinges, (I.E. bolts), screw and paint.

The band along the wall will cover the gap needed for the pivoting movement,

but the remaining sides should have a nice fit.

Use the jig to drill holes for the bolts and mount the lid/drawer to the joists.

If you have more than one, use longer bolts as they share hinges with their neighbours.

I will use push-release latches to keep the undisturbed clean look of the ceiling.

Like those on Amazon :

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L8T255U/ref=psdc_686949011_t3_B0006IWVEO

That will make them almost invisible too, like hidden compartments.

Of course you can use any catch you have at hand, recessed or protruding if you like.

With all the "drawers" mounted, put the remaining bands of wood in between

and check the fit again.

Depending on what you want to store, attach hooks, rubber straps, baskets or shelves

to hold your things in place while closing and opening.

And then the ceiling is flat again, but with a chest of drawers out of sight,

only you have to use a chair to reach it.