Creative Ways to Hide Valuables at Home

We all have a few things we’d rather keep hidden, whether it’s spare cash, a sentimental piece of jewellery, an emergency key, or your stash of chocolate you don’t want to share.

The good news?

You don’t need a safe the size of a microwave or a home security system that belongs in a spy movie. Sometimes, all you need is a little creativity and a few clever hiding spots around the house.

From sneaky DIY tricks to timeless classics like the book safe, here are some fun and functional ways to keep your valuables tucked away.

1. Book Safes: A Classic for a Reason

Let’s start with the star of the show, the humble book safe.

Book safes are exactly what they sound like: real books that have been hollowed out to create a secret compartment inside. They sit neatly on your shelf, completely blending in with the rest of your collection. No blinking lights, no complicated locks. Just a clever disguise hiding in plain sight.

At Vox & Dolly, I make book safes from all sorts of genres, vintage hardcovers, motivational titles, classic children’s books, even modern novels.

Whether your style is retro, quirky, sporty, or minimalist, there’s a design to suit your shelf and your vibe.

Better still, they’re not just for home use. Pop one in your office, studio or even your Airbnb, I won’t tell.

2. In the Pantry (Yes, Really)

People often overlook the kitchen when thinking about secret storage ideas, which makes it the perfect place to hide something.

Empty cereal boxes, tea tins, or even the bottom of a flour container can be turned into makeshift hiding spots.

Just make sure no one’s too enthusiastic about baking while you're hiding the goods.

Pro tip: Choose something that doesn't get used often, and make sure the hiding spot is stable and won’t tip over easily.

3. False Bottom Drawers or Boxes

Got a drawer that’s deep enough? 

You can create a false bottom using a thin sheet of plywood or cardboard. Lay it a couple of centimetres above the base and pop your items underneath. To anyone peeking in, it’ll look just like a regular (and very tidy) drawer.

You can also do the same with storage boxes, jewellery organisers, or shoe boxes.

4. Inside a Picture Frame

If you’ve got framed artwork hanging on the wall, you’ve got secret storage potential.

Some frames are deep enough to hold flat valuables like cash, spare keys or important documents.

Or you can invest in a frame with a hidden compartment built in or DIY your own with a little felt and tape.

Bonus points if it’s behind a gallery wall; no one’s checking behind that many frames.

5. Inside Children’s Toys

This might sound odd, but think about it, who’s going to go rummaging through a box of soft toys looking for your emergency cash?

If you’ve got stuffed animals that have seen better days, you can carefully cut a seam, tuck in a small pouch, and sew it back up. It’s a very cute kind of security system.

Just don’t forget which teddy you chose.

6. Hidden in Plain Sight: Everyday Objects

Some of the best hiding spots are everyday things that no one gives a second glance.

Old moisturiser bottles, empty sunscreen tubes, unused flower pots, curtain rods, or even the back of the freezer (in a clearly labelled “peas” bag, perhaps).

The key is to think about what blends in and what gets ignored.

This method works well if you’re someone who moves around a lot, renters, travellers or people living in shared homes, because it doesn’t require any drilling or permanent changes.

7. For the Gift Givers: Secret Storage with Personality

Book safes also make excellent gifts, not just because they’re clever, but because they can be personalised.

Have a friend who’s always reading? A classic novel book safe.

A partner who’s into self-development? A motivational title.

A sibling who loves nostalgia? A vintage children’s book they grew up with.

They’re great for birthdays, moving house, Christmas, or even as a surprise proposal (yes, that’s happened!).

And if it’s for yourself? Even better.

A Final Word on Hiding Things

Here’s the thing, hiding valuables at home doesn’t mean you need to be paranoid.

It just means you like to be prepared, and maybe even a little playful about it.

Whether you’re storing jewellery, a spare key, or your favourite pen that keeps going missing, the best hiding spots are the ones that feel natural, personal, and a little unexpected.

From a bookshelf to the back of a pantry, your home is full of clever nooks just waiting to be used.

And if you happen to fall in love with a book safe along the way, well I know a place.