Ikea launches Qi wireless charging furniture

Ikea has launched a wireless charging range of furniture, so you can charge your mobile devices without a mess of cables.

The Swedish furniture brand launched the Qi charging lamps and bedside tables as part of its Home Smart initiative that seeks to create innovative solutions for the home, merging design and technology to make everyday tasks easier.

Integrated Qi technology means tablets and smartphones including the LG G3, Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy Note 4 can be charged just by placing the device on or near a Qi pad, integrated into the surface design of Ikea's latest range.

The universal tech can be used from four centimetres away and was developed by a consortium of global tech companies including Asus, HTC, Huawei, LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility, Nokia, Samsung, BlackBerry and Sony.

Jeanette Skjelmose, business area manager Lighting and Wireless Charging, said in a statement: "Through research and home visits, we know that people hate cable mess. They worry about not finding the charger and running out of power.

"Our new innovative solutions, which integrate wireless charging into home furnishings, will make life at home simpler."

The collection was innovated by a number of different figures in the product design industry including David Wahl. He said: "We have created smart wireless solutions so you don't need to see the cables anymore. Many products can be charged at the same time, but you still have a beautiful wireless home."

Ikea will sell the Qi charging furniture from April, with a price tag of 20 (14.50) more than products lacking the wireless charging feature.

You can also create your own Qi charging furniture with the company's standalone wireless charging kits for 30 (20).

Ikea is a member of The Wireless Power Consortium, a group boasting more than 200 companies all using the Qi standard.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.