One small step (maybe even a giant leap) for lamps, tables, and nightstands: designs from Ikea with built-in wireless charging for smartphones. The pieces have just arrived or are expected imminently in Ikea stores across the US and the UK.
Above: The new Ikea Wireless Charging Range comes with built-in charging stations—just place your phone on the charging pad and juice up, no outlets or cables required. The hitch: Your smartphone has to have Qi wireless charging, which not all do—but Ikea also sells iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Wireless Phone Covers for $15 to $25 that make them compatible.
Above: The Sellje (a nightstand or front-hall table) is made of powder-coated steel; $59.99, built-in wireless charger included.
The collection is online at Ikea Great Britain, but has yet to launch on the US site.
Above: The powder-coated steel and nylon Varv table lamp is $69.99. X marks the charging spot.
Above: The painted steel Riggad work lamp, $79.99, has a birch charging pad.
Above: The powder-coated steel Nordli nightstand (also shown in the first photo) is $109.99.
Above: Noting that cell phones have infiltrated every part of the house, Ikea's designers came up with these portable single and triple charging pads, $27.99 and $64.99, that can be used on any flat surface. The gray and white boxes are Ikea Romma cord management containers.
Ikea also sells Jyssen wireless chargers that can be inset into the cord outlets of some Ikea desk designs and, with a drilled hole, any furniture. A cautionary note from Gizmodo: "Wireless charging probably isn't the best thing for the lifespan of your device's battery. (It generates excess heat.) But it sure is convenient."
Above: The Nordmarke single pad for wireless charging; $27.99.
Above: The Varv floor lamp is $119. See the full collection in Ikea's Wireless Charging announcement.
Here are a few more of our favorite new Ikea designs:
- New Debuting: Ilse Crawford's Collection for Ikea
- 10 Favorites: Best of Ikea 2015
- 11 Essentials from Ikea for Small Space Gardens
- Ikea's New Wicker Collection for Summer
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