Lately, Nothing Has Impressed Me More Than This Bluetooth Speaker That Doubles as a Faux Candle

Having lived in a studio with limited space for years, I've come to appreciate the combination of style and utility. So as a lifestyle shopping writer, I'm always looking for products that will not only enhance my living space aesthetically but also practically without taking up too much room. Think: a functional yet gorgeous entryway rack, pastel-colored collapsible storage bowls, and a space-saving trash can that doubles as a compost and recycling bin.

Lately, nothing has enriched my living space as well as Sony's LSPX-S3 Glass Sound Speaker. This uniquely shaped speaker has so much more to it than meets the eye. Not only will it fill your space with crystal clear sound, but it'll also double as a faux candlelight to set the mood. Be it for a relaxed dinner with family or for a treat-myself night in front of the TV with some ice cream, Sony's speaker has become my secret weapon for making my space all the cozier.

To buy: $298 (was $350); amazon.com.

I've had the speaker on my radar since last July when it was first released. Sony has long been my go-to brand for superior noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds that I truly can't live without, so when the brand sent the speaker my way to try last December, I wasn't surprised when it exceeded my expectations. I was immediately impressed upon unboxing the speaker: It's so compact and stylish with its gray base and clear candle-like tube (perfect for any Scandinavian-style home), and the small, unobtrusive control buttons at the bottom of the speaker never detract from its aesthetic value.

Like any speaker worth your money, Sony's LSPX-S3 model can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth and controlled directly through an app. It has a long battery life (a full recharge lets you play nonstop music for 8 hours), and its organic glass tube vibrates to project 360-degree sound, so the entire room will be filled with your favorite song. Its distinctive physical design doesn't sacrifice on sound quality though—music comes through clear, crisp, and defined with a well-balanced sound, and I love using it to play some gentle background music when I'm trying to focus.

Even cooler is the fact that the speaker flickers just like real candlelight. You can adjust it to remain static, flicker slowly, or flicker according to the beat of your music. It's entirely immersive and integrated with the song you're playing, and you can easily control the candlelight's brightness through the speaker's mobile app. I've even had it on my bedside table as a nightlight and used its Sleep Timer function to play an audiobook that helped me fall asleep.

Plus, it's highly portable. I can imagine bringing the speaker on the go with me on roadtrips, to weekend cabin getaways, or outdoor picnics when spring is here. It's a game-changing speaker that has upgraded my living space by miles, and a must-have for anyone who loves to fill their space with something gorgeous yet practical. Shop it at Amazon now—while it's on sale again for the first time in the past month.