Good lighting can make or break a room. Get it right and even the most unremarkable space can feel warm, inviting and thoughtfully put together. Get it wrong and you're left with something that feels more like a dentist's waiting room than a place you'd actually want to spend time. Thankfully, there's a simple way to improve matters without calling in an electrician: cordless table lamps.
Rechargeable, portable and increasingly attractive, these clever little lights can go pretty much anywhere. Use them to illuminate a dark corner, bring some atmosphere to a dinner party or make an outdoor space feel a little more inviting. The best examples are beautiful objects in their own right, too. Here are some of our favourites.
Pao Portable Lamp by HAY
Created in collaboration with Naoto Fukasawa, HAY’s Pao lamp distils lighting down to its purest form. Crafted from polycarbonate, its soft, dome-like shape conceals an integrated touch dimmer, offering effortless control and a glow that feels calm and considered.
Flowerpot Portable Lamp by &Tradition
Verner Panton’s iconic design takes new form in the Flowerpot VP9, a cordless reinterpretation of the 1960s original. With its playful dome silhouette and three-step dimmer, it delivers atmosphere anywhere – from balcony evenings to bedside reading.
Ray Portable Lamp by Audo Copenhagen
Daniel Schofield’s Ray lamp nods to the practicality of old mining lamps, balancing nostalgia with modern utility. A warm, dimmable light and integrated handle make it easy to move between spaces, its powder-coated finish giving quiet emphasis to form.
Ruby Portable Lamp by Soho Home
Inspired by Soho House Amsterdam, the Ruby pairs brass and mirrored chrome in a compact, rechargeable design. The pleated shade and three-stage dimmer lend a touch of intimacy, making it ideal for soft, late-night illumination.
Arum Portable Lamp by Ferm Living
The Arum’s petal-shaped shade and sculptural stem translate beautifully into this cordless version. Powder-coated iron and aluminium frame its gentle three-step glow, creating an elegant, mobile source of ambient light.
Kizu Portable Lamp by New Works
Lars Tornøe’s Kizu lamp finds balance between marble solidity and fluid form. Its portable iteration maintains the same sculptural tension, with a recessed dimmer and up to ten hours of battery life. A piece as tactile as it is functional.
Setago Portable Table Lamp by &Tradition
Designed by Jaime Hayon, the Setago takes its name from the Spanish word for mushroom, which should give you some idea of what to expect. Its playful proportions, contrasting colours and gently curved shade make it an attractive addition to any room, while a discreet brass dimmer and rechargeable battery keep things practical.
TILT LED Portable Table Lamp by Ed Heritage
Most lamps have a switch. This one requires a little more interaction. Designed by Ed Heritage, the TILT turns on and off with a gentle tilt, transforming a mundane everyday action into something oddly satisfying. Made using solid European ash, glass and metal, it's a minimalist design with a playful twist.
Chant Portable Table Lamp by Lee Broom
Taking inspiration from the architectural glass blocks popular in the 1970s, Lee Broom's Chant is part lamp, part miniature sculpture. Its hand-blown glass body features a distinctive geometric pattern that catches and diffuses light beautifully. It's also weather-resistant, making it equally at home on a sideboard or an outdoor dining table.
