You can't deny the importance of lighting in a space. From ceiling lights and sconces to floor and table lamps, your lighting has the power to set the mood of a room, and in turn, make it feel complete. Portable lamps can aid in that, and don't have the restrictions of needing a plug.
Since portable lamps are cordless, they eliminate the need to be in close proximity to an outlet, so spaces that might have once been tricky to light now couldn't be simpler. In need of task lighting on your kitchen island? Use a portable lamp. Hosting game night on the coffee table? A portable lamp can illuminate the board. Dining outside after dark? Bring a portable lamp with you to light up the space.
Suddenly, lighting ideas are flexible and affordable. There are some truly stunning designs available for all price points and styles, all our favorite brands stock them, but these are the portable lamps I think are the best out there right now.
Designers have also embraced this versatile lighting trend. Architectural lighting designer Matthew Tirschwell recognizes the convenience of portable lamps, explaining, 'They are excellent light sources for bringing illumination to the human level and providing a softer, more pleasing quality of light.'
Besides their practical functionality, portable lamps also offer something else – style. Matthew says that the 'endless array of decorative options' is one of the best features of portable lamps. 'From sleek, modern variations to classic, traditional-looking models, portable lamps have the capability to add some extra style to a room, aside from just light. And because they don't need to be plugged in all the time, portable lamps aren't stricken with an ugly power cord.'
Whether you bring them from room to room, or leave them to decorate a table, portable lamps are a design statement that can enhance your lighting scheme in more ways than one.
Our pick of the most stylish portable lamps
This playful portable lamp is the moment. It's a top-rated style at Anthropologie, with reviewers raving about its fun shape and generous light output. It features three levels of light strength and offers up to 10 hours of battery life, plus it's sold with a charging cable. If the yellow isn't for you, this portable lamp is also available in four more exciting colors.
With its muted gold base and embossed lampshade, this portable lamp has a charming appeal, and it could function as stylish task lighting in a modern rustic kitchen. It has three different light outputs – from white light to warm yellow light. This lamp can offer up to eight hours of light, and when it comes time to charge, use a USB-C style plug.
This portable lamp resembles those used on tables in stylish restaurants, probably because it's from West Elm's collaboration with chef Marcus Samuelsson. It features a three-tiered shade that gives this lamp a unique look, while its metal body adds a sleek touch and promises durability for indoor and outdoor use.
This option might be the quintessential portable lamp. It's small in size, making it ideal for shelves, countertops, or bookcases. Also, its light output is dimmable, so you can adjust it to fit your needs. Since it's made from metal, it's a durable and hardwearing lamp that can be used both inside and outside. But the best part? It comes in five colors equally as cute as this moss green.
As Matthew mentioned, one of the best features of portable lamps is that they come in an array of different styles and designs. This one is a prime example. With its rattan shade and bamboo-like base, it's much different than traditional portable lamps. However, it's nonetheless a chic choice that can offer up to 24 hours of light usage on a single charge.
With its sleek brass base and hand-blown glass shade, this portable lamp oozes classic style and sophistication. Although it's small, at just over 10" in height, its elegance makes its presence known. With a full charge, this portable lamp can offer 10 hours of light, and with its dimmer, the output can adjust to your liking. Place this portable lamp on your bedside table to make your bedroom look and feel more luxurious.
This portable lamp, which actually comes in a set of two, features a charming pleated shade that tastefully complements its black base. Its light output is easily adjustable with touch buttons, and it can be used for up to 24 hours after full charge. Not to mention, reviewers love this lamp and say it charges incredibly quickly. It's just like a classic pleated lamp, only portable!
This might look like a basic portable lamp, but trust me – it's not. You see, most of the time, portable lamps are sold as is – of course you can select the color, but other customizations are unlikely. This portable lamp, however, is different. Its shade is actually removable, so once you buy the base, you can purchase additional lampshades like this gingham style or this wicker option. This feature makes this portable lamp that much more fun.
Because portable lamps are easily movable, they don't necessarily need to match your existing decor or interior style. I like to think of them as a statement piece that adds a level of interest to the room. This lamp could do just that. With its bright red color and uniquely shaped shade, this lamp is charmingly unexpected and unapologetically fun. It offers eight hours of light output and can dim to your desired level of brightness.
Portable lamps have created even more possibilities for lighting your home. They often work best in the most unexpected spots, ones you otherwise would struggle to put a light – the kitchen island, countertops, shelving, and even the bathroom can now be lit with the soft glow of a portable lamp.
