This $35 Charging Table Solved the Biggest Problem with My Living Room

I’ve been renting in New York City for almost nine years and still can’t anticipate all of the quirks that the apartment I’m hoping to rent might have. The “surprise!” moment after my boyfriend and I rented a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn was finding out that only two out of the five outlets in our living room actually work. In a sense, we got lucky, because we could have had way more pressing problems, but the lack of usable wall sockets has been an annoying issue nevertheless.

We also have been without a side table for months and have been using our windowsill as a place to put beverages, which is not ideal. I had started browsing around online for a cheap side table that could at least hold our drinks (and a few of my many books), but it didn’t cross my mind that I could also add a few outlets to our home in the process. When I got the opportunity to try Songmics’ charging side table, I saw a two-birds-one-stone solution for my living room woes.

I’m a little behind the times when it comes to technology. I dread updating the software on my phone or computer and the idea of having a smart-home appliance in my apartment sends shivers down my spine. So, until I started working at AT last year, I did not even know that side tables or desks had built-in charging stations. I assumed they’d be more expensive than your average end table, so I was shocked when I found out Songmics’ charging side table was only $35! It’s hard to find a regular side table for that price — unless you go stooping or get something off the Facebook marketplace. I was sent the greige and black version, but the rustic black and brown model is currently on sale.

The side table comes with two outlets and two USB chargers, which means that my boyfriend and I no longer jostle over the two available outlets. We now have a total of six — we more than doubled our charging space. It’s game-changing.

I also like how easy the table was to assemble (in under 10 minutes), how compact it is (11.8” diameter x 15.2” width), and how long the cord is (6.5 ft.). We have a tiny one-bedroom place, and this table doesn’t feel like it’s taking up too much real estate. It’s provided me with another shelf to stack books, to my boyfriend’s chagrin, and place candles. Beverages are also now in easy reach when we watch “Succession” together or read.

Overall, I think this is a great deal on a multipurpose piece of furniture. At AT, we like furniture that does more than take up space in your home, and this side table made my home more livable. I highly recommend it as a small-space solution.

Buy: VASAGLE Side Table with Charging Station, for $34.99 on Amazon, or $32.76 on Songmics