Bye-bye, wiring! I swear by these $10 energy-efficient rechargeable lights to illuminate my tiny under-the-stairs closet

I’m always looking for quick and easy fixes to solve common bugbears in my home, and my latest conundrum was finding wireless lighting for my under-the-stairs closet.

This small, yet solid storage savior is dark and dingy, which can make locating things, like jackets, my vacuum, or purses, difficult. Over the years, I’ve used the torch on my phone to illuminate this space.

But after coming across a lighting idea that involved using rechargeable, battery-operated lights, I just knew I had to give them a try and six months later, the stick-on sensor LED lights from Amazon are still fully operational – and I haven’t had to charge them since.

Why I love the rechargeable and wireless-operated lighting panels

While I could have arranged for an electrician to fit some lights under my under-the-stairs closet, I was looking for a more affordable (and speedy) solution that I could do myself. That's why, after doing my research, I decided to invest in these 4.3-star-rated rechargeable wireless lights instead.

Kitted with three modes, including an always-on feature, motion sensor or off, all you have to do is charge them up, peel off the sticky backing and decide where you want to put them. It really is that simple.

'Rechargeable lights are not a trend,' says Danny Niemela, who is a professional designer and home remodeler and vice president and chief financial officer at ArDan Construction. 'They are a workaround that solves design pain points without touching drywall.

'Think: places where hardwiring is a mess, such as glass cabinets, stair landings, awkward corners where you want light but cannot justify cutting open a wall. Battery-operated lights with magnetic bases or concealed mounts give you instant ambiance with zero electrician fees.'

So, as Danny highlights, wireless and rechargeable lights might not be anything new, but they are an ingenious way to help illuminate small, dark spaces without the need for a permanent fixture.

For example, many choose to learn how to light a closet without wiring. While another kitchen lighting trend is to add some LED strips under kitchen cabinets for some gentle down lighting.

Either way, paying just under $10 for these two lights from Amazon means I can effortlessly see (and find) items I'm looking for, without the fuss of having to use my phone every time I want to grab an item.

Pros and cons

Image 1 of 3

After

This is how my under the stairs cupboard now looks, having triggered the sensor lights.

After

The lighting was easy to instal, thanks to the sticky backing it comes with.

Before

This is how my under the stairs cupboard looked before triggering the sensor lights.

In my personal opinion and after six months of daily use, I strongly believe that these lights come with many positives. This includes:

• Easy to use: After charging them for a few hours with the cord they came with, these strip lights were ready to go. Having decided where I wanted to put them, they were ready to be used.
• They last (and last): In my instance, despite having had these lights for six months and on 100% brightness, I have only had to charge them once, which was when I first bought them. But of course, the battery life will all depend on how often you use your lights.
• No wiring needed: 'You can add glow to base cabinets without running any wire,' Danny explains. 'All this without asking for permits or adding junction boxes. For low-voltage layering, they are a very good home addition!'
• Dimmable: In my dark under-the-stairs closet, I needed as much light as possible. But thanks to their dimmer button, which you can press and hold to dim the LEDs from 100% to 10%, these aren't the only places to stick them. For example, some may wish to have them in the bathroom or hallway when they make a trip to the WC at night. Others may prefer to have these strips under the kitchen countertop as mood lighting. While the rest may wish to use them as a night light when designing kid's bedrooms.
• Versatile: 'Design-wise, they open up unexpected possibilities,' says Danny. 'You can float a backlit headboard. Line a bookshelf with warm LEDs that dim when you close the doors.'
• Eco-friendly: Wondering how to cut energy bills? Along with turning off lights when you leave a room, you could always try investing in rechargeable lights, like these five-star rated 360 Lighting Lynn Modern Industrial Buffet Table Lamps 26" from Target, which come in a pack of two.
• Stylish: 'Rechargeable lamps offer an incredible amount of freedom, not only in the layout, but how the space feels and functions,' says Sarah Speck from Hudson Valley Lighting Group Designers. 'They solve a practical problem. For homeowners, they create these small moments of joy. Whether it's the simplicity of picking up a lamp and moving it around the house, or just how clean and elegant a cordless lamp can look, they elevate everyday life.'

I've only found two cons in my many months of using these rechargeable lights under stairs.

• They take hours to charge: Unlike changing a bulb, which will give you an instant fix, wireless battery-operated lights can take hours to charge. 'Most rechargeable fixtures top out around 4 to 8 hours of full brightness per charge,' Danny confirms.
• They won't be right for every home: 'If you want 24/7 light, rechargeable lights are a weak solution,' Danny says. 'You have to know when it is a feature, and when it is a compromise.'

Where it's good for

Rechargeable lights have their place and purpose in many homes.

'From a practical point of view, rechargeable lights are especially convenient in rented housing, where there is no way to install wiring or fixed lights,' says Jason Altshuler, owner of My Electric Home.

Therefore, using rechargeable lights serves as a brilliant home decor idea for those who are in rentals, but still want to put their stamp on things and help their rooms still ooze with atmosphere.

These types of lights could also be good for those who are on a budget, like me. This $10 fixed my lack-of-lighting issue in a vital storage space without costing me the earth.

Due to their rechargeable nature, this lighting solution is also perfect for those who are trying to be more sustainable at home.

Explaining why, Jason says, 'Rechargeable lights are generally popular in homes where flexibility, mobility, and energy efficiency are important. Unlike traditional lights, such devices do not require a permanent connection to the power grid. This means that they can be freely placed where there is no outlet (on open shelves, in the corners of rooms, or even in closets).'

Lastly, if space is tight and you haven't got square footage to play around with, rechargeable lights are available in all different shapes, styles, and sizes, so they could help you illuminate tight spots without taking up much room.

Verdict

All in all, I'm chuffed with these lights. Not only they solve my dark closet situation within hours, but have lasted six months without having to be charged.

That said, there are three things to keep in mind if you are considering purchasing these lights. This includes giving some thought to the position you place them, as the sensor needs to be triggered (otherwise, they won't turn on).

Secondly, you'll need to keep in mind how bright you want your space to be. If it's 'very', battery-powered lights might not be the best fit. And lastly, consider how often these lights will be used, because this will determine how often you will need to charge them.

Either way, I think these LEDs are brilliant value for money and I can't see myself thinking otherwise anytime soon!

10/10

What to shop

Meet the experts

Danny Niemela

Since 2007, Danny has been leading high-end kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodels with a sharp focus on craftsmanship and client experience, and rechargeable lights are a huge part of this. Danny and the team have used various rechargeable lights to help them complete home remodels.

Jason Altshuler

Jason specializes in providing innovative electrical solutions with a focus on creating energy-efficient homes and smart automation systems. He has more than 25 years of professional experience and Jason and his team offer services such as EV chargers, heat pump water heaters, home batteries, HVAC systems, solar panels, and SPAN smart panels, serving homeowners across Colorado.

If you’re keen on discovering more ways to make your home planet-friendly, delve into our eco-friendly organizing tips for a more sustainable home, and the easy eco-home improvements to incorporate when organizing any space.

Plus, learn about the eco-friendly gadgets that can save you money and make your home more sustainable.