If there’s one thing I love, it’s finding clever ways to add storage where you wouldn’t expect it. Our laundry room is narrow and every inch matters, so when I noticed a tiny 6″ gap between a cabinet and the wall, I saw an opportunity.
That narrow sliver became one of my favorite functional details: a hidden broom cupboard that slides out when needed and disappears when it’s closed. From the front it reads like wall paneling—no obvious handle, no visible door—yet inside it stores our broom, mop, and cleaning supplies without stealing usable space.
We used building plans from Renovate108.com as our starting point, but because our laundry room cabinets were already installed, we adapted the design to fit the gap and cabinet layout. Below I’ll walk through the adjustments we made and the exact steps we followed to build our custom hidden broom cabinet.
Why Build a Hidden Broom Cupboard?
Before jumping into the how, here’s why this tiny project is so worth it:
- Stops brooms and mops from leaning in corners and looking messy
- Creates functional storage without sacrificing floor space
- Keeps cleaning tools out of sight while keeping them easy to access
- Makes the room feel custom and thoughtfully designed
A simple pull-out broom cupboard transforms an awkward gap into purposeful storage and lifts the whole room’s appearance.
Our Custom Adjustments Compared to the Original Plans
The original plans relied on a wall-mounted track, which wasn’t possible because our cabinets were already secured. To make the pull-out work in our narrow space, we made a few key changes:
- Built a ceiling-mounted pull-out guide inside the 6″ gap using scrap wood
- Mounted the cabinet frame on casters so it rolls smoothly on the floor
- Applied beadboard to the front so it blends seamlessly with the wall
- Concealed the casters with matching baseboard trim
- Installed a flush pocket door pull so the front remains nearly invisible
These small modifications let the cupboard function smoothly while looking like it was always part of the room.
Step-by-Step: How We Built Our Hidden Broom Cabinet
Step 1: Measure the Space Down to the Last Inch
Precision matters. Because this cupboard lives in a very tight gap, we measured the width, depth, and ceiling height multiple times to ensure tall tools would fit and the unit wouldn’t interfere with cabinet doors. If you attempt this, double- and triple-check your measurements.
Step 2: Build the Broom Cupboard Frame
Using the original plans as a guide, we built a tall narrow rectangular frame sized to our gap. Key elements included horizontal supports for rigidity and an interior wide enough for a broom, mop, and duster. At this stage it looks like a skinny box, but it’s essential to get the frame square and sturdy.
Step 3: Add Casters for Smooth Sliding
Because a wall track wouldn’t work for us, we attached casters to the bottom of the frame so the unit rolls in and out easily. Good quality casters make the difference: the cupboard slides smoothly even when fully loaded.
Step 4: Build a Custom Ceiling Track
To prevent tipping and keep the unit tracking straight, we installed a simple ceiling-mounted guide inside the 6″ gap. It’s out of sight but essential for steady movement as the cupboard slides in and out.
Step 5: Add Beadboard to the Front
This is the design trick that makes the cupboard disappear. We attached beadboard to the front panel and painted it to match the laundry room walls so the unit reads as wall paneling rather than a cabinet door. If you want a discreet pull-out, this detail is crucial.
Step 6: Hide the Casters With Baseboard
To finish the bottom, we attached matching baseboard trim to the front of the cupboard so the caster wheels are completely hidden. This small finishing touch helps the unit sit flush with the wall and look built-in.
Step 7: Install a Pocket Door Pull
Instead of a visible knob, we installed a flush pocket door pull so the front remains nearly invisible when closed. It’s easy to grab but disappears from view, preserving the clean lines of the room.
The Finished Hidden Broom Cupboard
After paint and final adjustments, the cupboard blends into the laundry room wall. It stores brooms upright, gives every tool a home, and makes the room feel cleaner and more intentional. It’s a small project with a big daily payoff.
- Brooms and mops stand neatly upright
- Cleaning supplies are organized and out of sight
- The space looks streamlined and purposeful
This hidden broom cupboard shows how a bit of creativity can make even the narrowest spaces much more functional. If you have an awkward gap, an unused sliver of wall, or a constant broom-in-the-corner problem, a slim pull-out like this could be the solution you need. There’s a real satisfaction in storage that hides in plain sight and makes everyday life a little easier.
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