Lately, we’ve noticed portable lamps popping up everywhere and I have to say, I jumped right in and bought myself a couple! I mean, you can never have enough lamps, right? And with these babies you don’t need a nearby powerpoint so the placement options are endless. Not to mention, you can move them around your home too.
If you ask me, they’re a great option for dining and coffee tables and bookcases, a safe alternative to candlelight for those with toddlers or who are bad at forgetting to blow them out, and an easy way to take some ambient lighting outside (maybe not right now in the depths of winter). They’re usually LED and rechargeable via USB, just like our phones. Once only seen in restaurants, I’m starting to see them popping up everywhere so I thought I’d round up some options for you.
I’m eyeing this off for my own coffee table. It comes in this pink and green colour way and a black and white version (you can probably guess which I prefer!) but it keeps selling out. Portable and AA battery operated (buy rechargeable batteries separately), it’s easy to place wherever you like since no cables or connectors are needed. The batteries are simple to charge since the lamp has a port for a USB-C cable. And if you want a directed light, you can slightly tilt the shade.
Arenys large table lamp, $169, from Kave Home
I loved this so much I had to bring it home with me when I was at Kave’s Alexandria showroom last week! It’s a great size; much bigger than many of the portable lamps, and has a nice heavy, quality feel. Also comes in white and grey, but there’s also a smaller version ($139) which comes in a lovely brick red, grey, white and black.
I absolutely love the design of this one, also from our friends at IKEA. BETTORP is two products in one; both an LED lamp and a wireless charging station. You can dim the lamp and easily move it to where you need light – by the bed, by the sofa or on a windowsill. With the wireless charging plate you can easily charge both the lamp and all your Qi-certified smartphones and devices. The dimmable lamp provides three types of lighting – strong, medium and ambient. The LED light bulb consumes up to 85 percent less energy and lasts 20 times longer than traditional light bulbs.
Flowerpot VP9 Portable Table Lamp by &Tradition from CULT, from $330
This designer version comes in many colours and will look perfect on your bookshelf as a piece of decor in its own right. Slightly smaller in size than the table lamp version, and deliberately lightweight, the portable VP9 comes equipped with a USB charging cable. It is available in a wide range of contemporary colours and will bring a cosy atmosphere to indoor and outdoor settings.
Wick table lamp, $282 from Nook Collections
Coming in both brass and graphite finishes, we love this elegant, candle-inspired portable lamp. Its flat base houses a rechargeable battery and USB-C plug. The ring near the LED light serves as a 4-step touch dimmer, allowing you to adjust the light intensity to create the perfect ambiance. Wee Willie Winky vibes, anyone?
