How To Hollow Out A Book [Tutorial]

Looking to hide some loot in plain sight? Or maybe you simply want a hidden charging station for your iPhone? There are plenty of ways to use a hollowed out book and it is an easy craft for DIY’ers. This tutorial will show you how to hollow out a book and make a secret compartment. This cool book safe makes a great gift for adults and kids alike. A hollow book is a great way to conceal hidden treasure.

Secret Compartment Hollowed Out Book DIY

Hollowing out a book is a surprisingly simple and enjoyable DIY project that anyone can try at home. With just a few basic tools—a craft knife, glue, and a ruler—you can transform an old, unused book into a clever hidden compartment. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to store small valuables or just love the idea of upcycling, this project offers a fun blend of craftiness and practicality. It’s a great introduction to DIY for beginners and a satisfying way to repurpose something you might otherwise throw away. Plus, the final result feels like your own little secret—who doesn’t love a hidden treasure?

Hollowed Out Book Craft Supplies

First things first, get the supplies ready for the project. Here is the checklist:

• Book – the book needs to be a hard cover and decently think.
• Foam paint brush – must be narrower than the thickness of the book.
• Metal ruler
• Pencil or pen
• Utility knife (or box cutter or x-acto knife or craft knife)
• Dremel (optional but nice to speed up work)
• Mod Podge (or Elmer’s white glue)
• Bowl
• Saran Wrap (plastic wrap or cling wrap)
• A heavy object that can easily sit on the book

You can usually find some great old books as a used book store for super cheap prices. Pick a hardcover book that is the right size to blend in others on your book case. This little trick will help your book safes to be even more inconspicuous as a secret hiding place.

How To Hollow Out Books With A Dremel

So you want to make a book with a hidden compartment?  It is a easy and cool project to do for yourself. Additionally, this DIY book safe would also be a very cool DIY gift to give to a friend or family member. Here is how to hollow out a book and turn it into a homemade book safe.

Gluing the Loose Pages

The first step is to pull open the cover of the book along with the first 2 pages. You will cover this top of the book section with the Saran Wrap to keep glue away.

Get the adhesive concoction ready by making a well-mixed solution of half Mod Podge and half water. Use the foam brush to apply the solution to the sides of the book. Don’t be shy about applying good amounts of glue as it needs to soak in at least an inch to keep the pages together. However, try to keep the brush away from the outside surface of the back cover as the water can leave a stain.

After applying a sufficient amount of glue, close the book and set the heavy object on top. Let the water evaporate out and the glue set at least an hour or two. Wait longer for larger books or if you are unsure if the glue is dried.

Cut the Pages

Use the ruler and pencil to outline the desired perimeter of the hollow spot at the top of the glued pages. Cut the first couple of pages with the utility knife and the metal ruler as guide to keep the lines straight. Then start cutting into the pages with the utility knife or Dremel 20-30 pages at a time. If you do use a Dremel, keep in mind that it is likely to “burn” to edges of the pages. Personally, I kind of like the burns as it gives the book a distressed look.

Clean away all the paper debris and apply glue to the inside of the cavity. This will help to seal in the pages together even better and protect against wear and tear.

More Glue and One Cut

Remember those first couple of pages at the beginning of the book that we didn’t glue? Move the Saran Wrap to only include the front cover and the first page. Glue the page closest to the glued pages on top of the rest and compress the book again. This will help cover up all the cut marks.

It should only take 20 minutes or so for the glue to dry. Once you confirm that the page is dried, carefully cut it along the perimeter of the hollowed out cavity with a utility knife. You should be able to see through the page in good light to keep along the edge.

Remove the Saran Wrap and your diy hollow book is ready for action. If you want to run a cord into the hollow spot for a phone, simply drill a hole in the side of the book.

Conclusion

Here are a few alternative names for a hollow book project:

1. Secret Book Safe
2. Hidden Compartment Book
3. DIY Hollow Book Stash Box
4. Book Box Hideaway
5. Secret Storage Book

If you are wondering what book to use for this DIY book safe, try shopping at a thrift store or used book store for a thick, uninteresting book. You can sometimes buy a hollow book but they are usually more obvious. What I like about using a real book is that it has your normal wear and tear and a normal title. But it is your secret book and that makes it special!

making a hollow book is not only an easy and affordable DIY, but it’s also a fun way to give new life to an old book. Whether you’re creating a secret stash spot or just enjoy the process of crafting something unique, this project offers a perfect blend of creativity and function. It’s a simple way to add a bit of mystery to your shelf—and a satisfying reminder that sometimes the best treasures are hidden in plain sight. I hope you enjoy this great homemade book cut out project. Your hollowed book is a great place to hide a spare key or keep your love letters!

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