The Brass Tacks: A Presentable Power Cube from Avolt of Stockholm

Like so many people, Johan Runströmer and Viktor Lundberg bemoaned the look of power strips and extension cords. Unlike most, the product designer-entrepreneurs took matters into their own hands and founded Avolt, a Stockholm-based company specializing in better-looking ways to plug in. Their power cubes debuted in Europe in 2018—and won a prestigious Red Dot Design award. Recently, their Square 1 became available in the States.

It has three electrical sockets, two USB-C ports, and a 5.9-foot cable, all outlet-ready for North America. They’re made to sit on flat surfaces, such as floors and tables, or to be wall-mounted. And there’s no reason to hide them.

Above: Avolt’s 3-inch Square 1 power cube comes in seven colors; this is Nomad Sand; $70. It delivers up to 30W of charging power and makes it possible to quickly and safely charge several devices at once. Above: Wms & Co., purveyor of our favorite desk accessories, offers the Square 1 in Oak Green, as well as in black and white. Shop owners Allison and JP Williams write: “Stockholm-designed, the Square 1 transforms the utilitarian power strip into an object of quiet sophistication.” Above: The Square 1 in Shark Blue; $60. Companion charging cables are also available. Above: Avolt’s power cubes have magnetic bases for mounting on metal surfaces. They also come with stick-on metal plates for use on other flat surfaces, such as walls, without having to drill any holes. Above: For use in Europe: the Avolt Square 1 EU power cube, 700 kroner, in Gotland Gray. Above: The Square 1 in New Pink; $70. Above: The cube enclosure material is plastic (20 percent recycled content).

Here’s some outlet inspiration:

• Made in Connecticut: A New Line of Good-Looking, Flush-Mounted Electrical Outlets
• DIY Flush Electrical Outlets, Courtesy of a Budget-Minded Young Architect
• Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Kitchen Edition
• Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Bathroom Edition