Wireless Charging Bedside Table

by Robin Lewis

12K15519

Intro: Wireless Charging Bedside Table

This is a simple project that anyone with basic woodworking knowledge can do. The majority of the wood is plywood so it's fairly inexpensive, and the electronics are really cheap!

Watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/wj0pw0a6vQI

STEP 1: Build the Carcass

The first step is to build the main body of the beside table, the carcass. I made this out of plywood but you could use MDF.

I used a single sheet of plywood, 1200mm x 600mm. It got cut into 2 side panels and 3 shelves. Using a circular saw and a straight edge I could the sheet up. All of the shelves were cut to a final size at the same time to ensure they were the same size.

On the legs I used a router to create 3 grooves the same width as the plywood. This was for a visual effect but also added strength to the join.

Before gluing the piece together I made sure to sand all of the inside faces. It's a lot easier doing it now when the faces are easily accessible.

Then I glued all the boards together and drove some dowels into the shelves, through the legs for extra strength.

STEP 2: Make the Top

I was going to use another sheet of plywood for the top but decided it would be a bit bland. So I used some hardwood instead but the routing step is the same regardless.

Once you have your table top cut to size, the next job is to route out wood for the charger. I'm using a cheap charger and a male to female micro USB cable. The female end of the cable has mounting screws.

The most important thing with the charger, and this will require some testing, is to find out how much distance between the charger and the phone you can get away with. In my case I was able to do about 5mm, so using this I knew how much I need to remove from the table top.

Once you have the depth for the router, tape the charger and cable to the table top and draw the lines that you'll need to cut. Then get started removing, easing into the required depth.

Once you're finished routing, sand the table top and finish both sides.

STEP 3: Attach the Carcass to the Table Top

After the table top has dried flip it upside down and line up the carcass (also upside down) where you want it with the top. Clamp it in place and drill pilot holes, making sure to not go through the table top.

Because I was using a solid wood top, that would move with seasonal changes, I had to widen the outside holes of the carcass to allow it to move.

After that, countersink the holes and then screw the 2 together. With delicate, thin material I like to use a hand screwdriver to get a light touch.

Finally I screwed the female usb connector into the table top.

STEP 4: Plug It In

The last step is to plug it in and find where you need to place the phone for it to charge.

16 Comments

jeanniel1 6 years ago

Great simple elegant project! And just in time as I will need a bedside table soon!

ndronet 6 years ago

One thing of note --- as you mentioned distance makes a different. Even if you are within the 'charging range' the distance within that range impacts your charging speed. My phone can charge through the case - but charges faster with the case off. So if you're adding a layer of wood, be sure it can still charge through that plus any phone case you might be using.

cspann560 6 years ago

How cool! Now I'm thinking I would go a step further and mount the charging pad on a more vertical plane so that I can see my phone at night as I would an alarm clock while lying in bed. Maybe a backsplash sort of structure or something. Oh and I would definitely edgeband the plywood and put a couple of drawers in the carcase. I'm not creative enough to come up with the original idea but once I see someone elses idea I can modify it to my own liking. Thanks Great Instructible!

Robin Lewis 6 years ago

Putting it vertical (or close to it) is a great idea!

anshulb5 6 years ago

Bro can we place our smartphone on any place on the table or only on the induction charger??

JamesV41 6 years ago

According to the instructions it's a no!


"The last step is to plug it in and find where you need to place the phone for it to charge"

abuhafss 6 years ago

Of course, on the charger.

abuhafss 6 years ago

Great idea! Keep up the good work.

Leei1337 6 years ago

I love this, but I may need to upgrade my iPhone first as I don’t think the 7s has wireless

FuzzyJN 6 years ago

It can with a case that supports it. There are a couple out there. If you don’t want to spring for the iPhone 10 which is crazy pricey.

ToolboxGuy 6 years ago

Nice work! For those who have never used Qi or wireless chargers before, they are VERY sensitive to distance between the pad and the phone itself. I've had some cheap chargers which failed to charge from the thickness of my phone case. TEST how much your charger can tolerate before reducing charge performance or cutting out altogether, and be sure your final tabletop thickness is well within that boundary.

RebeccaN38 6 years ago

Very cool. Looks like you have a magic table!