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Proof that some things in life really do come with no strings attached. Modern Table Lamp
Nothing can ruin a room quite like a visible cord. Its cheap-looking, plastic tendrils snake down that rare Gio Ponti side table with garish unsightliness. But when it comes to lighting, avoiding such a scene can really get in the way of a well configured room (Murphy’s law: The outlet is never where you need it). Before you stick your finger in a socket out of sheer frustration, we’d like to shed some light on the situation by telling you there’s another way: cordless lamps. “For nearly 150 years, traditional lights have been tethered to the outlet with a cord, typically along the room’s perimeter,” says Pooky Lighting founder Rohan Blacker. “Now, we have the freedom to place lights wherever we want.”
These luminaires—some rechargeable, some battery operated—are portable and, in some cases, controllable from your phone. And best of all? They’re brimming with personality. From blobby mushroom-shaped bulbs to stylish resin-encased lanterns, these are just the installments you need to create an intimate cocktail scene or cozy reading nook.
“I’ve been seeing cordless lamps everywhere,” says Rebekah Zaveloff, cofounder and creative director of Chicago-based Imparfait Design Studio. “From Visual Comfort to Pooky (my new favorite find at High Point Market), I am so impressed with their offerings—i.e., beautiful cordless lamps that don’t look like restaurant table lights.”
As for tips and tricks on how to best implement these convenient items into your own room scheme, Blacker suggests thinking about places were a cord couldn’t be easily hidden with the help of an electrician. “Perhaps you have a favorite piece of artwork that a picture light would illuminate perfectly or a bookshelf that would benefit from some cozy lighting,” he suggests. “Aside from the walls, I particularly love placing one on a coffee table or footstool in the middle of a room—and guess what? No cables to trip over!”
For Zaveloff, cordless lamps solve the issue of finding a place to install an outlet on textured walls, like those with wood paneling or other cladding. David Mann, president of MR Architecture + Decor, likes to bring them outdoors at his country house. “I use this lighting on my porch where even the slightest breeze blows out candles. I also use versions of these lights to brighten a pathway from my back porch to the driveway when I have guests.”
Ready to say goodbye to ugly, tangled wires forever? Take a look at our edit of the best cordless lamps. Whether wrapped rattan, glazed ceramic, sleek brass, or classic marble, we’d wager they are all worthy candidates that will brighten up your space.
This opulent piece was a particularly illuminating find, a 9-inch-high table lamp that features a marble pedestal with a gold shade. The reflective nature of gold and brass helps to enhance the natural light in a space. The best part? It boasts at least 10 hours of charge. We liked it so much that we featured it in our April 2024 issue—and we’re amazed that it’s still in stock.
Dimensions: 9" H x 8" W | Bulb Type: Built-in LED (3000K, 186lm) | Dimmable? Yes, three settings | Charger type: Type C USB, charger included
Reader, meet Hernan, an antiqued brass and bronze cordless table lamp that is as sleek as it stately—and apparently lends itself to being anthropomorphized. “Hernan is happy to be plonked anywhere,” the product description reads. “Dining table, coffee table, outdoor table, bath side, or picnic on a remote hill. Resonates a warm and comforting downlight, lifting the spirits of any far-flung corner."
Dimensions: 11" H x 10" W | Bulb type: Built-in SMDs (3000K, 147lm, 25000 hour lifetime) | Dimmable? Yes, three settings | Charger type: Type C USB, charger included
While the lamp speaks for itself, knowing it was designed by Vincent Van Duysen for Flos makes it all the more likable. This slick beauty features a Flos-patented system that distributes the light at 360 degrees around the lamp. Its minimalist, elegant form means that by day, it pulls double duty as a decor item. By night? It’s a helluva atmosphere.
Dimensions: 9" H x 6" W | Bulb type: 1 x 2.5W 120V 159 Lumens, 90CRI, 2700K/3000K LED lamp (included) | Dimmable? No Charger type: Type C USB, charger included
This might possibly be the most jubilant of luminaires. And little surprise, when it was brought to you by Danish architect and designer Verner Panton, whose oeuvre was a skillful interplay of bold colors and basic geometric forms. His 2020 Flowerpot VP9 Rechargeable LED Table Lamp by &Tradition is a delightful polycarbonate construction of dome shapes. It’s practically glowing—even when it’s off.
Dimensions: 12" H x 6" W | Bulb type: Built-in LED, 325 lumens, 3.00 watts | Dimmable? Yes | Charger type: USB cable
A Lumens reviewer says: “This lamp in mustard is beautiful and not too yellow. The lamp at first seems a little small but it lends to its versatility. The lamp feels substantial and is not a cheaply made product. It has weight for its size and feels like you get what you pay for. It adds a needed splash of color to our neutral palette. It’s actually hard to figure out where to put the lamp because it goes in any room in any location. Will be amazing for summer dinners outside. Lumens service was great as well.”
When it comes to vintage decor, few companies are beloved for their high-quality design objects and remarkable technological innovation as much as Kartell. Which is why this ’70s-inspired lamp is everything your retro-loving heart (and home) needs right now. Its conical lampshade with rounded teardrop base is available in six matte metallic tones, including a smoky gunmetal that is screaming James Bond–meets–Jonathan Adler.
Dimensions: 17" H x 9" W | Bulb type: Built-in LED, 15 watts | Dimmable? No | Charger type: N/A
A Lumens reviewer says: “This lamp is truly one of a kind. I ordered it in purple and it was exactly what I wanted. It’s such a rich deep color that really makes the bedroom pop.”
This is quite possibly the cutest lamp we’ve ever laid our scrutinizing eyes on, with its patterned empire shade and chic base. “Should you be interested, our splendid Ernest rechargeable lamp is named after Shackleton . . . and not Hemingway,” the product description reads. “Our thought was that this dainty, elegant, almost perfect portable beauty would have lifted, improved, and, perhaps, illuminated his death-defying adventure in the South Seas.” Whether you’re charting your own seabound adventure or navigating the (sometimes equally treacherous) waters of dinner-party planning—this trusty light is sure to be a fair-weather friend through it all.
Dimensions: 8" H x 4" W | Bulb type: 2W 120lm 2700K CRI80 E12 Golf Ball Bulb (3V input) | Dimmable? Yes, three settings | Charger type: Type C USB
Mushroom or spaceship? Does it matter? This frosted, mouth-blown all-in-one design created by Bill Curry in 1971 was inspired by the the pop culture that defined Los Angeles at the time. Still relevant some 50 years later, this organic form of a lamp creates a soft glow that will bring ambience to any room. We love that it’s water-resistant (though not fully submergible in a pool).
Dimensions: 10" H x 9" W | Bulb type: 2W and 4W LED, 250 total lumens | Dimmable? Yes | Charger type: USB
Just under $100, this Nordic-style shade lamp is a really bang for your buck. Its subtle elegance is evident in its minimal metallic suspension and gray base and shade that seem to turn translucent when on at night. It’s the ideal item for an empty bookshelf corner or vacant side table—both of which you can easily try without the hassle of finding a nearby cord!
Dimensions: 16" H x 9" W | Bulb type: LED Bulb: 5V, dimmable 5 Watt (50 watt equivalent) warm light bulb (approx. 3000K) | Dimmable? Yes | Charger type: USB-DC
An Etsy reviewer says: “Looks great and as advertised. Customer service is on point! Was looking for a warmer light bulb and they helped me find it, very quick and very helpful.”
Most cordless lamps are small, bookshelf-worthy additions that make sense in their portability. But maybe your cord OCD has you on the hunt for a bigger lamp option with a similar streamlined look. Look no further than the 12-inch Terri Cordless Accent Lamp by McGee & Co. Its circular alabaster stone base (you also have the option of a crystal base) and metallic shade adds a hint of glamour to any room.
Dimensions: 12" H x 6" W | Bulb type: Integrated LED Bulb | Dimmable? Yes | Charger type: Type C USB, charger included
It feels bookish for a reason. Rejuvenation’s Caret table lamp is a nod to the banker’s lamp traditionally found in old libraries—with a contemporary twist. Its rounded base, pyramid-shaped top, and lacquered steel finish make for a truly unique lamp.
Dimensions: 14" H x 15" W | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable? Yes, three levels | Charger type: USB
Forget rare eclipse moments or even an every-so-often full moon sighting; This moon-inspired globe light will create the ambience of a moonlight glow every night you choose to take your glass of wine en plein air. Its LED light, controllable by remote with five light modes and 16 different color options, has an option for every mood, be it a cozy, casual night in or a pumping backyard party.
Dimensions: 12" H x 12" W | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable? Five different light modes and 16 colors | Charger type: Not specified
Looking for something more universal? This sleek light was designed by British designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for the London Design Museum in 2018. Its name—the Bellhop table lamp—and shape pay homage to the hatted hotel porter. Today, it’s available in six finishes with a barely-there push button on the base.
Dimensions: 8" H x 5"W | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable? Yes, four settings | Charger type: USB-C
Hankering to add a touch of romance to your space? This LED candleholder in the right space could fool anyone. Its plated aluminum body and modern design make it as functional as it is chic.
Dimensions: 10" H x 5" W | Bulb type: Integrated LED (2600K) | Dimmable? Yes | Charger type: USB-C
“Traditional elements with a dash of polish unite.” That’s how Frontgate describes this chic light. Its classic profile and streamlined shape would make for a smart accent on any work desk or bookshelf.
Dimensions: 17" H x 7" W | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable? No | Charger type: Rechargeable battery operated
An option that is chic but not fussy, Pottery Barn’s Zafferano Poldina Pro Cordless Light is a classy light source that can be picked up and moved easily to any room in your house (and beyond!). Its powder-coated aluminum, available in eight different color finishes, makes it able to weather anything from a few sink splashes in the kitchen to bonfire smoke in the backyard. It’s available in a mini size and a standard size.
Dimensions: 12" H x 5" W | Bulb type: Integrated LED | Dimmable? Yes | Charger type: Not specified
For more than three decades, ELLE DECOR has covered style makers, trendsetting interiors, and must-have home furnishings. With a focus on the latest design trends and ideas about how to incorporate them into improving your own space, we’re your go-to resource for elevating and beautifying your home. Our team of editors and interior design pros research and review every new article we publish to ensure you have the most up-to-date, expert-approved information.
Rachel Silva, the Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, architecture, trends, and anything to do with haute couture. She has previously written for Time, The Wall Street Journal, and Citywire.
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Modern Led Floor Lamps Rachel Silva, the Assistant Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, covers design, architecture, trends, and anything to do with haute couture. She has previously written for Time, The Wall Street Journal, and Citywire.