You've probably already heard it. There are furniture and accessories that allow you to charge your smartphone and tablet without any hassle or cable chaos. Wireless charging is the name of the new trend, which is based on Qi technology developed by Samsung. The simple-looking charging pads can be easily integrated into tables and lights and save you the clutter of cables at home. We'll show you a few cool designer pieces and clever solutions with charging functions that you would totally love!
Not surprisingly, designers chose the exact tray tables and lighting to incorporate the charging stations. We use these pieces of furniture very often and always have them on hand. That sounds great, but there is a catch. Only some models are Qi-enabled, while the others require a special charging cradle.
Designer David Wahl developed the “Wireless Charging” furniture series for IKEA. It includes the VARV table and floor lamps, the NORDLI and SELJE storage tables, as well as the Nordmärke charging stations and the JYSSEN charging pads specially developed for DIY enthusiasts. These can be easily integrated into any piece of furniture, whether large or small. This way you can personalize your favorite item and turn it into a charging station. You can find out if yours on the IKEA websiteSmartphone-Modelleare QI capable.
While the IKEA furniture is completely white, the FurniQui side table fromFonesalesmanto a warm wood tone. It is made of bamboo wood and fits beautifully into any interior. Whether used as a bedside table or side table next to the sofa, the side table offers enough storage space for the smartphone and other items such as a cup of coffee, books, a table lamp or a scented candle, etc.
No cable, no USB socket, no fiddling with the plug - apparently this new technology offers several advantages and is certainly practical. The principle also has two weaknesses that you definitely have to take into account. It may take over an hour longer until the battery is full again. This disadvantage is unlikely to be a problem if charging is done overnight.
A second negative point when charging without a cable is that the cell phone is only of limited use. The device should lie still so that the charging process is not interrupted, at least that's what the experts advise. You can find these restrictions very annoying during the day because you have to pick up your cell phone every now and then, which prevents charging and therefore extends the charging time.
The Nillkin Phantom LED light combines functionality and efficiency. It is not only a table lamp, but also a charger that is compatible with all Qi-enabled smartphones. The lamp impresses with its modern, even slightly futuristic look - elegant horn design and bright white color. It also has intelligent overheat protection for metals such as coins and rings that are accidentally placed on the charging pad.
Induction charging is definitely something for aesthetes who would like to keep their beautiful furniture free of annoying cables. For these people, the design pieces available on the market with integrated charging stations are often a good thing to have. Small home accessories such as the Nillkin Phantom LED light are a chic addition to the modern living style. In addition, such functional chargers remain almost invisible because they harmonize perfectly with the ambience and the furnishings. For the minimalists among you, there are also variants that can be built into the furniture or others that look like a small cushion or a soft stone and do not reveal anything about their actual use.
This is actually energy that is transferred between the mobile device and the charger via electromagnetic induction. For this purpose, an extremely thin coil is provided in both devices. There are various standards on the market for this, but the Qi standard is most common.
This bowl is perfect for the office. You can also store various things there such as business cards and glasses. The charging station impresses with a simple wooden design and works via Qi technology. By the way, it is very important to pay attention to the Qi logo when purchasing. This identifies devices that support the most common wireless charging standard. These include leading manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia, Sony, Asus, Google, HTC, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Blackberry and Yotaphone. The Qi logo clearly shows that this device provides wireless power to smartphones and other accessories.
This supposedly simple and very minimalistic table lamp has a charging station installed almost invisibly, which allows small devices and smartphones to be charged. The Japan-based manufacturer mainly deals with hi-tech projects. The built-in station is called “EKI” and means a place of transit in Japanese. The MyEki system not only allows induction charging without a cable connection, it is also extremely functional. The elegant, small and discreet design allows it to be installed in small furniture or tables.
With the LED 8 table lamp from the Finnish manufacturer Tunto, smartphones can also be charged wirelessly by placing them on the lamp base. The table lamp has a modern, minimalist design and offers optimal illumination even when working on the computer. Thanks to the optimized light intensity and extremely small size, the table lamp is particularly suitable for work areas.
All mobile devices with the corresponding function are charged as soon as they are placed on the base of the lamp, wirelessly and easily. This makes the table lamp very practical for hotels or lounge areas, but also for desks in the study.
The OLED table lamp Aerelight A1, made in Canada, combines two innovative technologies - OLED technology and Qi technology. Thanks to the organic light-emitting diodes, you can reduce power consumption by up to 80 percent and enjoy a pleasant light temperature. With a touch gesture you can switch on the light and set the three dimming levels. Aerelight A1 is available in red, black and silver, but unfortunately only in Canada, the US and the UK.
