Book Safes: The Best Hiding Spots in Plain Sight
Imagine a bookshelf filled with stories, adventures, and wisdom.
Now imagine that one of those books holds a secret. A clever hiding spot that keeps your valuables safe from prying eyes.
Welcome to the world of book safes.
A book safe is more than just a quirky storage solution; it’s a playful, practical, and stylish way to store your treasures while blending seamlessly into your home décor.
Why book safes make clever hiding spots
Book safes work because they’re unexpected.
At first glance, they look like an ordinary book, sitting quietly on a shelf, propped on a coffee table, or even stacked among other novels.
But inside?
A secure compartment ready to store whatever you want out of sight.
Some book safes open straight into the hollowed-out compartment, giving you immediate access to your secret stash. Others maintain the original papers at the front, so when you open the cover, it looks like a normal book, the hollowed-out section hidden discreetly further in. This design keeps your storage truly undercover and adds a little magic to your everyday life.
Whether you’re keeping jewellery, cash, passports, dice, or even special mementos, a book safe is a clever alternative to ordinary boxes, drawers or a safe.
Types of book safes
Book safes come in all shapes, sizes and themes.
You can match one to your personality, interests, or home décor style:
Vintage & Classic Books
These have timeless appeal and often feature beautiful cover designs. They’re perfect for traditional bookshelves or as decorative pieces.
Children’s Storybooks
Nostalgic, playful, and often filled with charming illustrations, they make secret storage fun for families.
Hobby or Themed Books
Sports, travel, cooking, or crafting books – these can reflect your interests while keep items secure.
Upcycled & Sustainable Books
Some book safes are made from forgotten, old, or donated books, giving them a second life as function art.
Regardless of style, the key is to pick one that blends naturally into your space. It should be easy to forget it’s hiding anything at all.
Creative uses for your hidden storage book
Book safes are incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ways people use them:
· Valuables: Cash, jewellery, and important documents are safe from curious eyes.
· Gift Storage: Slip a gift card, small keepsake, or even wedding rings into a hollow book for a surprise reveal.
· Special Collections: Dice, small collectibles, or sentimental items can all find a home inside.
· Everyday Items: Keys, spare change, or even small tech accessories like USB drives can be tucked away.
No matter what you store, book safes are all about blending functionality with a quirky, whimsical home.
Why handmade book safes stand out
At Vox & Dolly, each book safe is a labour of love, crafted by hand in my studio in the Inner West of Sydney. Every stage, from gluing and cutting to lining and finishing, is done with care, ensuring the end product is as durable as it is beautiful.
I work with a mix of new books, vintage titles and unassuming books that might otherwise be discarded. Each one is transformed into a piece of upcycled home décor that’s both practical and visually appealing.
When you choose a handmade book safe, you’re getting more than just storage; you’re getting a one-of-a-kind, sustainable piece of functioning art.
Placement tips: Where to hide your book safe
The best thing about a book safe is that it can go almost anywhere:
· On a bookshelf among other books, where it looks completely ordinary
· On a side table or coffee table, blending with your décor
· In a bedside stack, keep nightly essentials tucked away
· In a study, office, or even a caravan, offering secret storage
The key is to make it feel natural; the less it draws attention, the better it hides your valuables.
A hollow book is a playful, clever, and surprisingly effective way to keep your valuables safe while adding character to your home.
From vintage children’s classics to sustainable upcycled books, there’s a design to suit every taste and interior.
Whether for yourself or as a memorable gift, a book safe is a functional conversation starter, a secret keeper, and a little slice of magic – all in plain sight.