Diversion book safes feel like something straight out of a crime or detective show. If you're a reader with a lot of books at home, this is a great hiding spot. No one's going to suspect that you’ve stashed something inside one of them.

A book safe is perfect for storing keys, jewelry, credit and debit cards, cash, USB drives, coins, and so much more. Here’s a simple guide on how to make your own at home.

 

Credit: Envato Elements/ puhimec

 

What You’ll Need

• A hardcover book (at least 2 inches thick)

• A box cutter or X-Acto knife

• A ruler

• A pencil

• Mod Podge (or a mix of white glue and water)

• A paintbrush

• Clamps or heavy objects (optional)

• Felt

• Plastic wrap 

Step 1: Choose the Right Book

Pick a book that blends in with the others on your shelf. It should be thick enough to create a deep compartment. An old, unused book, an outdated textbook or an old dictionary works best. Avoid books that people might actually want to read.

Step 2: Mark the Safe Area

Open the front cover and leave the first few pages unglued. Use a ruler to draw a rectangle on the first page you plan to cut. Leave at least a half-inch border around the edges.

Step 3: Start Cutting the Pages

Place the book on a firm surface. Grab your box cutter/X-Acto knife to carefully cut along the lines. Cut a few pages at a time and remove them. Repeat until the compartment is deep enough to store your valuables. 

Step 4: Glue the Pages Together

Once the compartment is deep enough, mix glue or Mod Podge with a little water. Use a brush to apply glue to the inside edges of the cut pages. Press the pages together and clamp the book shut. Let it dry for several hours.

Step 5: Secure the Inside Walls

Once dry, apply another layer of glue along the inside walls of the cutout. This helps prevent pages from peeling away over time. Let it dry completely.

Step 6: Add a Lining (Optional)

For a cleaner look, line the inside with felt or paper. Cut the material to fit and glue it down. 

Step 7: Test the Safe

Place small valuables inside, such as cash, jewelry, or USB drives. Close the book and place it on your shelf. Make sure it blends in with the other books.

Tips for Better Security

• Choose a book that matches your collection.

• Avoid using a book with a flashy cover.

• Don’t store high-value items in a book safe. Use a real safe for that.

• Keep the book in a natural position on your shelf.

Final Thoughts

That’s it! You now have a hidden stash that looks just like an ordinary book. Simple, cheap, and effective. 

Looking for More Hidden Storage? Travah makes high-quality diversion safes disguised as everyday objects. Shop with us today.