The IKEA Hack For Behind-The-Couch Storage That Doubles As A Charging Station

The great thing about IKEA furniture is that while the company makes practical pieces for their intended purposes, looking at them from another angle reveals even more ways to make them work for your home. Transforming simple storage surfaces into desks, console tables, and more, the IKEA shelf hacks alone offer limitless possibilities, and savvy DIYers are discovering novel repurposing ideas every day. If you've been looking for the perfect storage spot to hold your drinks, devices, and remotes while cozying up on the couch, for instance, TikToker @ikeahacksandideas found one of the best solutions is, yet again, only a simple IKEA hack away.

Most IKEA fans know the MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge well, given its clean look, effortless installation, and useful photo organization. But when you flip it upside-down, you'll see it can take on a fresh function as a low-profile, ready-to-install shelf to sit on the wall. Here is a quick and easy setup if you don't want to invest the energy in a full-blown behind-the-sofa storage system. The MOSSLANDA's back mounting panel becomes a bracket, and the front lip creates a clean transition to the couch. Add a mounted power strip, and you have the perfect place to conveniently charge your phone, set up lamps, and power any devices that enhance the living room experience.

Measure your space and assess your design scheme to choose the MOSSLANDA shelves that will give you the easiest installation and best fit. The shelves measure either 21 ¾ or 45 ¼ inches in length and come in white, black, and various wood effects. You can combine different lengths to match your sofa's size, and the neutral options work with almost any color scheme. If you want a custom color, you can always lightly sand and prime the exposed surface and finish with your desired paint.

To install your shelf, flip it upside-down and raise the new shelf surface to be level with the top of the couch frame's top rail. Level the shelf, and mark the hole location on the wall. Pre-drill holes in the wall, but avoid drilling directly over outlets if possible, as mis-drilling could send a screw into an electrical wire. If any holes only go through the drywall and not into a stud, install wall anchors before screwing the shelf in place. 

For your charging station, find a spot on the shelf within the cord's reach of the nearest outlet to install a power strip. You simply have to trace the outline of the strip and cut out the hole with a drill and jigsaw. Drill starting holes with a brad-point bit from the top down. Insert the jigsaw into the hole to cut out the power strip holder, and screw the strip in place. If you do opt to modify the shelves for a charging station, stay clear of using them to hold your favorite mocktail, as liquids and electricity don't mix in case of a spill.