A nightstand has a way of accumulating clutter, and a charging phone sitting out in the open with its cord snaking across the surface is one of the main culprits.
This book-based charging station solves that problem in the most charming way possible, hiding the phone neatly out of sight while keeping it charged and the cord exactly where it belongs.
It’s one of those projects where the simplicity of the construction and the practicality of the result feel almost disproportionate to the effort involved.
What You Need
- A book large enough to hold your phone
- Mod Podge
- Ruler
- Pencil
- X-Acto knife
How to Make It
Step 1: Create the Book Safe
Follow a standard book safe tutorial to hollow out the interior of the book to a depth and size that comfortably fits the phone. The Mod Podge is used during this process to seal and stiffen the pages, creating a solid, durable compartment. If the book’s existing cover does not suit the decor of the room, covering it in fabric is a simple and effective way to customize the look.
Step 2: Cut a Notch for the Cord
Using the X-Acto knife and ruler, cut a small notch into one side of the book’s pages to create a channel for the charging cord to pass through. Cutting the notch slightly smaller than the diameter of the cable is worth the extra care. A snug notch grips the cord and holds it in place, preventing it from sliding out or dropping down behind the nightstand when the book is opened and closed. Anyone who has fished a phone charger out from behind a piece of furniture will appreciate this detail.
Step 3: Thread the Cord and Charge
Feed the charging cable through the notch, place the phone inside the hollowed compartment, plug it in and close the book. That is genuinely all there is to it.
Why This Works So Well
Beyond the tidiness factor, there are a few unexpected benefits to charging a phone this way that are worth mentioning.
Less temptation: There is something about a phone being out of sight that makes it easier to leave alone. For anyone trying to cut back on late night scrolling or early morning phone checking, tucking the phone into the book rather than leaving it face up on the nightstand creates just enough physical separation to make a difference.
No light disturbance: When a phone lights up overnight with a notification, the closed book contains that flash of light entirely. No more being jolted awake by a suddenly illuminated room at two in the morning.
Privacy: With the book closed, any notifications that appear on screen while the phone is on silent are hidden from view. Particularly useful in households with curious kids nearby.
For an extra finishing touch, consider adding a fabric cover to the charging cord itself to keep the entire setup looking polished and intentional.