In the era of chill vibes and convenience, imagine this: you’re cozied up on your couch after a marathon day, ready to binge-watch your favorite shows. But, uh-oh! the joy of lounging can quickly be disrupted when you realize your devices are running out of battery, and the nearest power outlet is playing hide-and-seek. Fear not, fellow comfort enthusiasts! I’ve got the ultimate DIY plan for you – let’s build a media/power outlet right behind your couch. Say farewell to inconvenience and wave hello to a universe where comfort meets technology seamlessly.

Materials Needed:

1. 1×4 common boards (I used 3 – 8ft boards)
2. 1.5 inch screws
3. Power strip
4. Wood glue
5. Power Drill
6. Jigsaw
7. Sensor lights
8. Paint and paintbrush (optional)

1. Measure and Cut the Boards:
   • Start with measuring the back of your couch where you want to place this charging station. I left 6″ width on each side lengthwise and 6″ height so that the station is well concealed behind our couch.
   • For our couch, the length was around 7ft and height was 2ft.
   • For this build, we bought 1×4 common boards. While selecting boards for your project, always make sure they are straight. My go-to method is holding the piece as shown below. Left piece is nice and straight, just what we need for our project.
   • If you have your cut list, you can cut the boards at the lumber store itself. Since I have a miter saw I just preferred cutting them at home. Based on my measurements, I have two boards cut at 7ft and the third board into 4 pieces of 22.5 inches each. The longer boards will sit on top of each small board making the height 2ft.

2. Assemble the Frame:
   • Lay out the boards in a ladder-like structure. The longer boards will serve as the sides, and the shorter boards will be the steps.
   • Apply wood glue along the edges where the boards meet to create a strong bond.
   • Secure the boards together using screws to ensure stability. I have used clamps but if you don’t have these, use some extra set of hands.

3. Create Space for the Power Strip:
   • Use a jigsaw to carefully cut out a shape in one of the longer boards to accommodate the power strip. This will allow the power strip to be inlaid and hidden within the structure.
   • Inlay the power strip into the cutout section. Secure the power strip in place, ensuring it is firmly attached to the frame.

3. Add Sensor Lights:
   • To enhance the ambiance, I wanted to incorporate sensor lights into the design.
   • Strategically place the sensor lights along the frame, ensuring they contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal.
   • Test the lights to make sure they create the desired ambiance behind the couch.
4. Final Touches:
   • Double-check that all components are securely attached.
   • Optionally, paint or finish the frame to match your room’s decor.
   • Place the entire structure on the wall behind the couch, leaving the desired gap on either side.

Material Cost – Under $30

3 – common boards – $27

Screws – $2 ($12 pack but have enough leftover)

Wood glue – pre-owned

You can add fancy lights/power strip. I used the one I already had.

Power strip – 2 x $12

Sensor lights – $25

All tools – preowned

By following these steps, you’ve not only created a practical media/power outlet but also added a stylish and illuminated dimension to your living space. Enjoy the seamless blend of functionality and ambiance as you relax on your couch with all your devices powered up!