Compact Vanity Outlet: Power Narrow Drawers with Purpose

At Docking Drawer, we understand that space in bathroom vanities and kitchen islands is at a premium. That’s why we’ve designed the Blade Compact Vanity Outlet, a purpose-built solution tailored specifically for narrow drawers. Measuring just over 11” wide, this outlet makes it easier than ever to add a discreet in-drawer power source to compact drawer spaces. Whether you're powering styling tools in narrow vanity drawers or charging devices in narrow kitchen drawer charging zones, this new Blade outlet packs the same powerful punch in a more compact size to make installation a breeze.

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Designed for Compact Spaces

Our Blade Compact Vanity Outlet is smaller than our standard 13-inch-wide Blade Series outlets, making it perfect for narrow vanity drawers. Before installation, ensure your drawer meets these minimum requirements:

If your drawer is narrower than 11”, don’t worry! You can still install the outlet by applying our narrow drawer installation technique, which involves cutting a channel into the side of the cabinet. This channel ensures the outlet arms have room to expand and contract as the drawer opens and closes.

Compact Outlet Installation Considerations

Drawer Width

The most important factor when planning your installation is the drawer width. If your drawer face is 12" wide, the drawer box will likely be narrower than 12". The Blade Compact Vanity Outlet is just over 11" wide and utilizes 11-inch-wide cable management arms, making it easier to fit into narrow spaces. For drawers less than 11" wide, you'll need to use our narrow drawer installation technique. Even if this installation technique is required, it is still beneficial to use the new Compact Vanity Outlet as it requires a smaller channel than would be needed with our standard Blade outlets.

Bathroom cabinetry featuring a drawer with a compact vanity outlet and hair dryer.

Drawer Height

To install a Docking Drawer Blade Outlet in a 12-inch-wide drawer, the drawer must be at least 4” tall. This allows enough room to install the outlet higher inside the drawer, ensuring the cable management arms are positioned above the drawer glides to prevent interference.

Since vanity drawers are often designed to fit larger items like hair dryers, there is typically at least one drawer in the vanity that meets this height requirement. More often than not, this is the middle drawer, which also happens to be the most popular location for Docking Drawer installations.

Space Behind the Drawer Box

All Blade Series outlets are designed to fit into the standard 2” of space behind the drawer box. If there is less than 2” behind the drawer box, you can use our spacer installation technique to install the outlet into as little as 1.25” spaces. Proper planning ensures that your Docking Drawer installation is seamless and efficient.

Measuring tape measuring the space behind a bathroom vanity drawer box.

Elevate Your Bathroom Vanity

With the Docking Drawer Blade Compact Vanity Outlet, you can bring both organization and functionality to your bathroom drawers. This in-drawer power solution allows you to keep hair styling tools and personal care devices neatly tucked away, eliminating countertop clutter and creating a cleaner, more organized space.

Bathroom vanity featuring a compact in-drawer outlet for hair tool accessories.

Key Benefits:

  • Safe & Reliable: Built-in safety features like an automatic shutoff ensure drawers will never overheat.
  • Clutter-Free Storage: Keep hair dryers, razors, and toothbrushes powered yet hidden.
  • Optimized for Compact Spaces: Designed for easier installation into narrow drawers.
  • Seamless Integration: Works with soft-close glides and can be installed into both new or existing drawers, usually without requiring drawer or cabinet modifications.

Many homeowners choose to install Docking Drawer outlets in their middle vanity drawer, which is often the most spacious and commonly used storage area. This provides the perfect balance of accessibility and functionality.

Organizing your essentials with a Docking Drawer outlet ensures that your morning routine becomes faster and more efficient. No more fumbling with tangled cords or searching for outlets—everything you need is right where you need it.

More Than Just Bathrooms: Compact Power for Kitchen Islands

While the Blade Compact Vanity Outlet is an excellent solution for bathroom vanities, it’s also perfect for small kitchen drawers. Compact kitchen drawers often lack built-in power solutions, making it difficult to keep everyday essentials like blenders, hand mixers, and coffee grinders within easy reach.

Kitchen appliance drawer powering blenders with an in-drawer outlet.

By integrating a Docking Drawer Blade Compact Vanity Outlet into your kitchen, you can:

  • Keep kitchen gadgets plugged in and ready to use.
  • Reduce countertop clutter and enhance organization.
  • Create a discreet and functional in-drawer power solution.

Additionally, for those who love meal prepping or using smart kitchen tools, having a compact in-drawer power source means appliances can be used without being moved or unplugged, streamlining your kitchen workflow.

Safety Without Compromise

Docking Drawer outlets are known for unmatched safety features, and the Blade Compact Vanity Outlet is no exception. While other in-drawer power solutions use plastic components and lack integrated safety protection, our outlets are intentionally engineered with built-in solutions to ensure superior safety and performance.

Industry-Leading Safety Features:

  • Interlocking Thermostat: Automatically shuts off power if the outlet temperature exceeds 120°F, preventing overheating.
  • Safety Interlock Outlet with Blade Limit Switch (Optional Add-On): Automatically powers off as the drawer closes for additional safety and peace of mind.
  • Cable Management Arms: Protect and control cable movement to ensure durability and long-term reliability.
  • Strain Reliefs: Prevents damage by absorbing extra force on the cable.
  • Soft-Jacketed Cable: Designed for repeated movement within the drawer and is compatible with soft-close glides.

Peace of Mind for Families

For families with children, safety is a top priority. The optional Safety Interlock Outlet ensures power is cut when the drawer is closed, eliminating concerns about young ones forgetting to power off styling tools. This feature is especially valuable in shared bathrooms where multiple family members use the same space.

Ready to Elevate Your Next Project?

Adding power to narrow vanity drawers has never been easier! The Blade Compact Vanity Outlet is designed for safety, functionality, and effortless installation. Whether you’re upgrading a bathroom vanity or enhancing a kitchen island, Docking Drawer’s latest innovation ensures your space remains organized, clutter-free, and powered with purpose.