There are many benefits to owning a portable/cordless lamp. Not only is it a practical solution to many dark problems, it can also help set the mood in the darkest and smallest of corners. Here’s why I love portable lamps, and what you should consider before buying one.
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A portable lamp brings soft, warm light to a quiet corner.
Benefits
Bring atmosphere
A portable lamp can be used to create a cozy atmosphere. The big light is out, and the small ones are in. Remember to check that the Kelvin temperature is no higher than 2700 K for that yellow dimmed light.
Put it anywhere
The main benefit is the possibility to move it wherever you need it. Use it as a small discreet light on your dining table, bring it outside to your terrace during summer or use it as a lamp on your nightstand.
Soft light at night
If you wake up in the night, a small, dimmed light is far kinder than switching on the ceiling light. It’s especially useful for parents who are up several times a night with a baby and need just enough light to see, without waking everyone in the house.
Bring it to the dinner table, indoors or out.
Fits in small spaces
Many portable lamps come in small, dainty sizes, so they fit on a shelf, a window sill, a bookcase or a narrow console table where a larger lamp would never work. A small light on a shelf is also a simple way to add atmosphere to a room.
No wall socket needed
Because the lamp runs on a battery, you can place it exactly where you want it, even where there’s no socket. That means no visible cords across the floor and more freedom when arranging a room. It’s also a good solution for rented homes, cabins and outdoor dinners.
Design pieces for less
Many well-known classics, like the Multi-Lite and VL45, now come in portable versions, so you don’t have to choose between design and function. The portable sizes are often cheaper, which makes design more accessible.
Small enough for a shelf and perfect for a dim evening light.
What to consider
Remembering to charge
You get home after a long day and realize your lamp is out of battery. The cozy Friday night you imagined is suddenly a little less cozy. A good charging routine is, ironically, quite important. Without one, the lamp becomes an annoyance rather than something beneficial. I recommend building a habit around it: plug it in before you leave for work and unplug it when you get home, or plug it in before bed and unplug it when you wake up.
Don’t leave it empty for too long
Countless customers come in believing their lamp is dead, when the truth is that the battery has been drained too far. If the battery drops below roughly 2%, the lamp may not be able to turn on or charge again. A holiday is fine, but don’t leave the lamp without charge for weeks at a time. Battery restarters are available in some stores and online, so check this option before throwing the lamp away.
Don’t leave the charger plugged in constantly
This may sound like the opposite of the previous point, but avoid keeping the lamp on the charger all the time, even if there’s a socket right where it stands. Constant charging can wear the battery down over time, which can leave the lamp unable to work, or no longer truly portable. Some lamps can be left with the charger in, I recommend you check the lamps product sheet.
A small lamp to light up with no socket nearby
Check for spare parts
Most portable lamps have an integrated LED, which lasts far longer than a standard bulb, but it will still stop working after roughly 50,000 to 60,000 hours. Always check whether the manufacturer offers spare parts, such as LED modules and replacement batteries. That way you don’t have to throw away the whole lamp when one component gives up.
Consider charging time and battery life
Look at the total charging time, and if the lamp has several dimming steps, check how long the battery lasts at each level. Most brands state battery life at the highest setting, so always double-check the fact sheet. It would be frustrating to charge a lamp for 8 hours and only get 3 hours of light.
Check the dimming options
Most good-quality portable lamps have at least 3-step dimming, for example 100%, 50% and 20% brightness. Some have smooth, gradual dimming, and a few even have a dim-to-warm function. A lamp that is too bright or too dark is no fun, so good dimming makes a real difference.
Check your adapter
If your lamp won’t charge, check your adapter. Most lamps work fine with a regular phone adapter, but some need more power. Ask the sales representative or look at the lamp’s fact sheet, which is often found in the box or on the supplier’s website.
A soft light within reach of the bed
Product recommendations
Panthella 250 Portable (V3), Louis Poulsen
Best for: A statement
I own both sizes of the Panthella, and the large one is the one I love the most. It gives off a generous amount of light, and it’s truly an eye catcher, even when it’s not switched on.
If you’d rather have something more discreet, the Panthella also comes in a smaller size, which you can find here.
Features
Runtime: about 5.5 hours at 100%, 25 hours at 33% and 79 hours at 10%. Charging takes about 9 hours.
Dimming: touch dimming on the chrome top nut. Color temperature is 2700K (warm white).
Replaceable battery and LED element available as spare parts.
Indoor or outdoor: IP44 rated, suitable for outdoors and damp indoor places.
Comes in 17 different colors.
Hashira Portable, Audo
Best for: Layering soft, muted light
Inspired by Japanese paper lamps, the Hashira gives a soft, muted light that’s perfect for layering with other lamps.
Features
Charging takes about 8 hours, and discharging takes about 11 hours at 100%, 16.5 hours at 50% and 30 hours at 25%.
3 step dimming 100%, 50% and 25%.
2.5W LED, 150 lm, 2700K (warm white light)
Indoor only, fine for using outside when it's dry.
Spare battery pack and LED board available as spare parts.
Multi-Lite Portable, Gubi
Best for: Adjustable light
What I love most is that you can change the direction of the light. On a shelf, you can just turn the shades so the light isn’t shining directly into your eyes.
Features
Charging takes 6 hours, USB-C port. Discharging takes about 6 hours at 100% brightness, 12 hours at 50% and 50 hours at 10%.
Three-step dimming 100%, 50% and 10%.
Uses a G4, one bulb is included at purchase. 2400K (warm white).
The bulb is changeable, new battery is not available.
Comes in 8 different color variations.
Flowerpot VP9, &Tradition
Best for: The nightstand, and a pop of color
The Flowerpot gives a surprising amount of light, which makes it perfect for a cozy light at the nightstand. It comes in many fun color variations.
Features
Runtime: 10 hours when fully charged, with 8 hours charging time.
Three step dimming: 100%, 70% and 40%, and a warm white 2700K. The output is 104 lumens.
Indoor only, fine for using outside when it's dry.
The battery and LED board are both available as spare parts.
Comes in 17 different colors.
Mist AP21, &Tradition
Best for: Tight spots
The Mist is dainty and small, and I love the mix of opal glass and stone. It can go almost anywhere, and it gives off a good amount of light for its size.
Features
Charging takes 8 hours, has 10 hours of battery when fully charged.
Touch dimming from 100% to 10%, 2700K (warm white).
The battery and LED-bulb are replaceable.
It can be taken outdoors, but should be kept and stored indoors.
Comes in Grigio Caldo and Verde Guatemala.
Arum Portable, Ferm Living
Best for: Practical design
A small, graceful lamp with a handle that doubles as part of the design. Easy to move around, and it looks good wherever you put it.
Features
Charging takes 8 hours, discharging takes 8 to 24 hours,
Three-step touch dimmer, 2700K (warm white).
Replacement battery available, bulb can not be changed.
Fine for outdoors (IP44), but must be stored inside.
Comes in 9 different colors.
VL45 Radiohus Portable, Louis Poulsen
Best for: Flexible lighting, from task light to warm glow
The VL45 looks like a beautiful glass lantern. Out of all my recommendations, it gives the biggest variation in light, from bright task lighting to warm, almost orange light.
This is definitely on my current wish list.
Features
Battery life is 5 hours at 100%, 7 hours at 45%, 13 hours at 25% and 38 hours at 5%.
Stepless dimming or four presets (5, 20, 45 and 100%), with color shifting from 2700K (warm white) down to 2000K (warm) as it dims. Output is 270 lm.
Rated IP44 suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The battery is replaceable, and the LED module is available as a spare part.
Comes in three colors Pale Rose, Pale Yellow and White
