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 Edgy 'Grunge' Aesthetic Is Making a Comeback, and Here's How to Channel It Through Your InteriorsMaybe it doesn't need to be just a phase... While subversive at its core, the grunge movement can manifest itself as practical, stylish, and refined
-
6 Bed Linen Care Mistakes to Avoid If You Want Your Sheets to Look Good for LongerWashing, drying, and storing your bed linen properly is the key to longer-lasting sheets that stay smooth and soft
-
Moschino’s FW25 Runway Went Heavy on the Whimsy — But Its Biggest Statement Came From a 165-Year-Old Interiors BrandItalian fashion house, Moschino, tapped Sanderson’s iconic floral archive for its latest show in Milan
-
Is This Shocking Purple the New Shade of Spring? Aimee Song Seems to Think SoHer new Lulu and Georgia collection captures the eye of a front-row fashion fixture — and makes a compelling case for coloring outside the lines
-
This Storage Coffee Table Has Drew Barrymore's Stamp of Approval — And It Brings Secret Storage to Your Living RoomThis is certainly not your average coffee table. With a removable lid that reveals a storage pit, this coffee table can store living room clutter in the most stylish way
-
These Privacy Screens From QVC Are Just What You Need to Make Any Outdoor Space Feel More SecludedYour outdoor space should feel like a secluded sanctuary. With privacy screens from QVC, you can make that happen in the most stylish way possible
-
Your Kitchenware Could Use Some Italian Elegance — Get the Look With Crate & Barrel's Tuscan Kitchen CollectionComplete with products all made from sleek, beige marble, this collection captures the rustic charm of Tuscany through practical kitchenware that's simply stunning
-
Decorative Table Linens Might Be The Key To Making Your Tablescape Come to Life — A Designer Weighs InWhy settle for bland tablecloths, placemats, and napkins? From now on, we're styling our tables with exciting linens in all sorts of decorative colors and patterns
-
These Michael Aram Candles Are Like a Work of Art — I Spent 45 Minutes in Store Finding the Best FragrancesAside from a captivating olfactory experience, Michael Aram candles offer a tasteful addition to your home decor through their decorative lids
-
Scalloped Jute Rugs Are Having a Moment — I've Just Found the Best One Right Now With $50 OffThis Walmart rug does scallop trim so well. And combined with jute fabric? Consider this the summer rug of my dreams
