Desktop Cord Organizer

Keep your devices charged and messy cords out of sight with this clever DIY box

- BY SAMUEL ROSENMAYER

With so many devices needing daily charging, from smartphones and smartwatches to headphones, laptops and tablets, it can feel like a full-time job just keeping the cords under control. To put an end to the tangle and clutter, I built this elegant mahogany box that not only organizes the chaos but also adds a little style to any desk or countertop.

There are plenty of wood options to choose from for this project. If you want to keep costs down, pine from your local hardware store works well, and you can always apply a darker stain. Since I knew I would see this box every day, I decided to splurge on mahogany for its natural character.

I designed the box to keep cords tidy on my desk, but you could also build a larger version to organize cables for a TV or home theater system. In that case, consider adding a few more front openings for cords to pass through.

Before you start, measure your surge protector—sizes vary, and you’ll want it to fit easily inside the box. Pick up some inexpensive cable ties as well; they'll help you bundle the cables neatly inside the box and save space.

1 CUT ALL THE PIECES

Using a tape measure and speed square, measure and cut the sides (A), ends (B), bottom (C) and lid (D) with a table saw or miter saw.

2 RABBET THE SIDES AND ENDS