A vertical magazine rack is a bad idea for tablets and laptops.

A vertical magazine rack is a bad idea for tablets and laptops in a small living room. The design doesn’t work for two main reasons: stability and safety.

Those wire or wooden slots are made for thin, floppy magazines. A tablet or laptop is heavier and thicker. It will either not fit, or it’ll sit precariously and tip over when you bump the rack. The first time that happens, you’ll be hunting for a new screen. Also, many racks have bare metal or sharp edges that’ll scratch your devices.

In a small living room, you’d be better off with a dedicated docking station or a simple shelf within arm’s reach. Even a shallow tray on your coffee table is more practical. A vertical rack just adds clutter without solving the actual storage problem.

Trust the people who have tried this and regretted it.