A power strip is one of the few objects in a home that is used every single day and still treated as an afterthought. It sits behind the sofa, under the desk or on the sideboard, usually in white plastic, usually with a tangle of chargers around it. It does not have to be like that. This guide walks through what to look for when you choose a power strip that you are happy to leave in plain sight.
1. Count your plugs and your cables
Start with what you actually connect in one place. A typical desk has a laptop, a phone, a lamp and perhaps a monitor. A living room has a lamp, a speaker and a phone or tablet on charge. Many of these devices now charge over USB-C, which means a strip with built-in USB-C ports replaces several separate chargers.
Palette's power strips have three Type F (Schuko) sockets and three USB-C ports. That covers a full desk setup without extra adapters.
2. Check the USB-C charging power
Not all USB-C ports are equal. A port that delivers 10 to 15 W is fine for a phone overnight, but too slow for a laptop. Look for the total USB-C output in watts. With 65 W you can charge a modern laptop in around one and a half to two hours and bring a phone to 50 % in about fifteen minutes. Pair it with a cable rated for the same power, such as a 240 W USB-C cable, so the cable never becomes the bottleneck.
3. Think about where it will live
Where the strip sits decides which material and colour makes sense.
- On the floor or behind furniture: a matte colour that blends into the wall, floor or textiles. The Alma comes in Midwinter Black, Sandhamn Beige, Kattegatt Blue and Midsummer Green, named after Swedish landscapes and seasons.
- On a desk, sideboard or bedside table: a metal finish that reads as an object rather than an accessory. The Edgar is made in satin brushed brass or aluminium and sits naturally next to lamps, books and ceramics.
4. Cable length and the switch
Measure the distance from the wall socket to where the strip will sit, and add some slack so the cable can run along the skirting board instead of across the room. The Alma has a 1.8 m cable. An on and off switch lets you cut standby power to everything connected with one press, which saves energy and is practical when you leave home.
5. Materials that last
A power strip that you like looking at is one you keep for many years, which is the most sustainable choice of all. Alma is made from 90 % recycled plastics. Edgar's brass develops a soft patina over time, much like a brass candlestick or door handle.
Alma or Edgar?
Choose Alma if you want colour, a soft matte finish and a strip that blends into the room. Choose Edgar if you want a solid metal object that adds something to a desk or sideboard. Both have the same sockets, USB-C ports and 65 W charging.