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Optical illusion: Only 1 in 10 people can spot the hidden lighter in this image

Reddit users were left baffled after a photo of a floral-patterned couch went viral, challenging them to find a lighter hidden in plain sight.

Published on: Sep 18, 2025 10:00 PM IST
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Brain teasers come in many forms. Some test mathematical skills, others play with words, and many challenge the eyes with clever visual tricks. Optical illusions in particular have gained immense popularity online because they blur the line between what is visible and what the brain perceives. Such puzzles often spark curiosity and ignite debate on social media platforms.

An optical illusion on Reddit featuring a couch with floral sheets went viral as users struggled to locate a hidden lighter. (Reddit/Impressive-Morning-5)
An optical illusion on Reddit featuring a couch with floral sheets went viral as users struggled to locate a hidden lighter. (Reddit/Impressive-Morning-5)

(Also read: Optical illusion: Only those with high IQ can find the house key in 15 seconds)

The viral image on Reddit

A new optical illusion has caught the attention of puzzle enthusiasts. Shared on Reddit, the image shows a couch draped in floral-patterned sheets, featuring roses and leaves in shades of red, green, and pink. At first glance, it looks like a simple living-room scene, with part of a person’s arm visible in the corner.

However, hidden within this floral chaos is a lighter that blends seamlessly into the background. Viewers are challenged to spot the object without any additional clues.

Why optical illusions fascinate people

The enduring appeal of such images lies in their ability to trick the mind. When everyday objects are camouflaged into busy patterns, our brains struggle to separate them from their surroundings. This gap between perception and reality is what makes optical illusions both frustrating and addictive.

Internet reaction

The post has drawn several comments, with users sharing their struggle and amusement. Some admitted defeat, saying they could not spot the lighter no matter how hard they tried. Others expressed surprise at how effectively it was concealed among the floral design.

“I was so confused when I found it, didn't even realize I was looking at it?” one commenter teased, while another joked, “This is why I can never find my keys at home.”

The final question

Optical illusions like this show how easily our eyes can be tricked, revealing the curious ways our minds work while giving us a dose of fun. Have you managed to spot the lighter?

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahipal Singh Chouhan

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.

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