Almost any table can now have built-in wireless charging thanks to Ikea’s $39.99 pad. The Sjömärke creates a wireless Qi charging hotspot beneath your wood or plastic furniture. Because you install the charger secretly – for example, under a tabletop or shelf – your technology becomes invisible with the Sjömärke wireless charger. Except for metal, it works through all materials.
The charger allows you to charge your phone without having to search for outlets or keep care of cables; simply place the phone on the tabletop or shelf directly above the charger.
The charger includes a 6-foot cord, double-sided sticky tape for convenient mounting, and stickers to indicate where to position your phone on the topside. Except for metal, it works best through materials that are 38 to 78 inches thick.
Ikea was one of the first companies to sell furniture with wireless charging coils, but what if you don’t have one of the company’s powered-up tables or shelving units? There will be a solution next month if you desire smooth Wireless Qi charging without remodeling. The Sjömärke is a $39.99 wireless charging pad designed to integrate with your existing furnishings.
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This device differs from conventional Qi charging pads in that it does not allow you to place your phone or earbuds directly on the mat. Instead, the seven-inch by three-inch aluminum and plastic charger works through plastic or wood, so you can stick it to the underside of a table or shelf using double-sided tape (or screws, not included). The charger is designed to charge indirectly, such as through a tabletop or a shelf. It is not recommended that the phone be placed in close contact with the charger.
It’s “Perfect to install on a desk, side table, or bedside table when you want chargers and cords to blend with the decor to maintain the room nice and tidy,” according to the Ikea handbook (pdf). A six-foot power cord and stickers to designate the location of your new charging point are included in addition to the sticky tape.
The charging state is indicated by an LED, which also features temperature and power monitoring for safety. It’s compatible with the newest Qi 1.2.4 baseline power profile, so you can expect it to charge at around 5W – no Samsung, Google, or Apple-specific enhancements here. Still, if you want to charge a phone by simply placing it on the desk where it already sits and not having to move anything else, it’s remarkable enough. The Sjömärke will be available in stores and online in the United States and other countries in October, according to an Ikea representative who spoke to Verge.
