Charging Stations Lead Tidiness Battle
Keep your cell phone, camera and other electronics handy and juiced up without a tangled mess of cords
Do you remember the days before every electrical outlet in your house had some little electronic device sprouting from it? I have four items I use daily that all have to be recharged — cell phone, digital camera, laptop and headset — and when I get an iPad, that will make five. That's just me. Can you imagine the logistics of dealing with all of these chargers for a family of four?
No wonder a number of my clients ask that I include a charging station when I design cabinetry for them. They are sick of kitchen counters and desktops being covered in cords. If you are struggling to keep your personal electronic devices and their associated chargers from taking over, here are some great ideas to keep everything juiced up and ready without making a mess.
No wonder a number of my clients ask that I include a charging station when I design cabinetry for them. They are sick of kitchen counters and desktops being covered in cords. If you are struggling to keep your personal electronic devices and their associated chargers from taking over, here are some great ideas to keep everything juiced up and ready without making a mess.
This great sliding shelf has a nice backrest to hold cell phones in place so they don't slide around as the shelf is moved in and out.
A drawer is a great spot in which to tuck all of these little electronics. Install a power strip at the back of the drawer and leave room behind the drawer for the main cord to move with the drawer.
We have appliance garages in our kitchens, so why not create a charging garage?
This isn't a charging station, but it certainly could be with the addition of a power strip. Right by the front door is a very handy spot for your electronic necessaries. The recessed niche makes things look much tidier than if they were all sitting on top of a shelf. I like that this niche looks like it is lined with felt.
Cubbies in a mudroom are great for individual charging stations for each member of the family.
Tip: If you take your personal electronics to work or school, buy two sets of charging cords, one for each location. This will prevent your having to drag a tangle of cords with you everywhere you go.
Tip: If you take your personal electronics to work or school, buy two sets of charging cords, one for each location. This will prevent your having to drag a tangle of cords with you everywhere you go.
Although this iPad sits on top of the dresser to charge, the receptacles are hidden under panels in the top.
This shows the same dresser with the panels closed. The look is very minimal, and closed panels keep dust out of the receptacles.
Innovative Products has a terrific line of pop-up boxes that store items at the back of counter areas. Having one for charging small items is a great use of otherwise wasted space, and it keeps your counters clear.
There are many battery charging stations available, in case you don't have the option to build something into cabinetry. This tray keeps things collected.
I think it is just adorable that a tiny shelf was created just to charge this cell phone. Keeping it next to the coatrack means it's always ready for when you head out.
This is another great option for holding all the cords and mess when can't build in a custom charging station.
This one is run by solar power. It's useful and energy efficient, and you can use it anywhere you have some sunshine.
Keeping the cords neat is half the battle in creating a good charging station. These little cord holders keep cords right where you need them.
More Ways to Manage Your Cords
More Ways to Manage Your Cords
This photo reminds me of when I was a little girl and had a storage headboard where I kept books. (You know, those things made out of paper with printing on them.) No charging stations in this photo, but it would be a great spot. I use my cell phone as my alarm clock, so a niche at the head of the bed would be a perfect place for a charging station. Do you use an e-book reader? Next to your bed is a good spot for recharging that too.
Tell us: Where else might you put a charging station?
Tell us: Where else might you put a charging station?
Sponsored
Award-Winning Sport Court Specialist, Serving Virginia for 30+ Years