Hidden doorways are secret entrances or exits in a room or building. Fictional hidden doorways add intrigue and suspense to a world whether they are newly discovered and awaiting exploration, used to enter a hidden lair, or part of a daring escape. The hidden doorways of fictional worlds are often found behind bookcases, tapestries, fireplaces, or made to look like the wall or stone on which they reside. Maps or clues may lead to their location. These doors may require the use of a secret word, phrase, or a hidden lever or button to use. Hidden doorways may lead to a hidden passageway, secret chamber, hidden room, or portal.

When designing secret doorways consider who knows of their location, who built them and for what reason, how they operate, and where they lead. A fictional hidden doorway, once opened, may reveal a hidden passageway, stairs leading up to a tower or down to a cellar, or a hidden room or secret chamber.

Hidden Passages

Hidden Rooms

Secret Chamber

Someone needs to go back for a torch.

Hidden doorways are often concealed in clever and creative ways to keep them unnoticed by casual observers. Fictional hidden doorways are often located behind fireplaces, bookcases, tapestries, trapdoors, altars, and statues that slide out of place. Consider what objects exist in the location you are designing that could serve as a hidden doorway. If the world you are designing contains magic or advanced technologies, consider how these may be used to conceal a doorway.

Fireplaces

Bookcases

Statues

There may be clues such as disturbed dust that indicates the presence of a hidden doorway.