Our homes' most interesting pieces often come with a secret. For years, mine was a wall clock in my bedroom that discreetly doubled as hidden storage — don’t tell anyone I told you that. But now, I’ve stumbled upon something even better: an unassuming literary item from Amazon with perhaps the greatest hidden talent of all. Meet the 'book lamp'.
At first glance, it’s just a vintage-style book. But crack it open, and an intricate arrangement of glowing, origami-like pages unfolds. Enchanted is the only way to describe it — like something out of a fairytale. And, like magic, the table lamp's "pages" can be transformed into novel shapes. Spread them 360 degrees into a pinwheel, held perfectly in place by built-in magnets, or let them settle into softer arcs.
The “paper,” by the way, is tear-resistant, so you can flex your creativity without fear of mishaps. Opening, closing, and contorting it is oddly satisfying — ideal for fidgeting through boring Zoom calls — but it also shines as a permanent fixture on a shelf or nightstand.
Price: $23.99
These cordless bookish beauties offer four to six hours of glow per charge and can be easily powered up via USB. Switching the light’s color is as simple as a quick open-and-close of the book’s rich brown cover — cool light, warm light, even orange light — all literally and figuratively on the table.
“I have one of these book lamps,” shares Livingetc’s content director, Lindsey Davis. “I don’t have a traditional bedside table, just a lidded box where I rest my books and other bits, so it’s quite handy when I need light. My boyfriend liked it so much, I got him one too. His version even has a remote, and he switches it to orange to wind down before bed.” Practical, charming, and boyfriend-approved? What more could you ask for?
And if, for some reason, you grow tired of its warm, ambient glow (or cool or orange — the lamp has three light settings), simply fold it back into book form and tuck it away with your other literary treasures. No one will suspect a thing.
Behold your new best-kept secret. A good style editor never tells…
More Clever Lights
Price: $46.99
What if I told you this modern table lamp was also a charger? Sure, it’s a light, but it packs a bigger punch with its built-in USB port, a handy surface for your smartphone, and a sculptural silhouette so striking it could stand solo — no bulb, no phone, no props necessary.
Price: $13.99
While the book lamp folds horizontally, this one goes vertical with an similarly intricate, origami-inspired design. Its lantern-like shape exudes warmth and serenity, making it ideal for reading bedside. And because it's a portable table lamp, you can take it anywhere. One reviewer even raved about bringing it along for road trips — minivan mood lighting, anyone?
Price: $49.99
Target’s book shelf lamp subverts the above concept entirely. Where the book lamp hides in plain sight, this literary lighting option leans into its dual identity: both a bookish accessory and a nod to the timeless sconce.
Curious about 2025's brightest looks? Search no further than CB2's Spring lighting collection.
-
The Weighted Blanket That Doesn’t Make You Sweat (and the Eye Mask to Match)Luxury has weight. And apparently, volcanic minerals
-
What Is Biophilic Interior Design? I'm an Actual Biophilic Designer, and This Is How to Apply It to Your HomeA biophilic designer explains the core principles of this practice, and the easy ways you can apply it to your home's design
-
The Weighted Blanket That Doesn’t Make You Sweat (and the Eye Mask to Match)
Luxury has weight. And apparently, volcanic minerals
-
NYC's New Rules Forced Me to Find a Chic Compost Bin — Here's 7 Options Significantly Cheaper Than the $300 FineComposting is now mandatory in NYC. Here’s how to do it stylishly
-
Jeremiah Brent Captures the Grit and Glamour of NYC in His New Loloi CollaborationThe TV-famous interior designer looked out of his own window — and hit the pavement — for a collection that turns city spirit into tactile design
-
Pleated Lampshades Are the Silhouette of the Season — I've Found 9 For Well Under $100 (You'll Never Guess Where)Leave it to Walmart to bless us with a collection of stunning pleated lampshades — proving this old-fashioned feature can look fresh and modern
-
I Found the "Healthiest” Bedding for Earth Month — Why Ettitude Is the Sustainable Sleep Label to KnowSofter than silk and smarter than cotton, Ettitude’s innovative take on bedding delivers luxury with a conscience
-
This Bistro-Style Detail Is the Most Charming Way to Elevate Your Dining Table, and Hosting Game, This SeasonGet your dinner party plans ready, embroidered tablecloths are bringing personality back to your tablescape, and here's where to shop the look
-
These Are the Flower Crowns I’m Wearing This Spring (Spoiler: They’re Actually for My Door)Coachella confirmed the comeback of flower crowns. At home, they just go by another name: the spring wreath
-
Turns Out, Sustainable Design Can Be Chic, and Net-a-Porter's 'Net Sustain' Curation Is Proof — Here's What I'm ShoppingFrom the Net Sustain collection, Mud Australia's homeware is not only design-oriented, but eco-focused, too
