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Banish The Dreaded ’Big Light’ From Your Home With These Cordless Lamps

Nothing kills the vibe like a harsh light source.

Posted 3 hours ago

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by Erica Kam Contributor, HuffPost

Erica Kam is a freelance contributor for HuffPost Shopping based in New York City.

If you’ve been relying on the big light in your home, this is your sign to stop. In case you’re not familiar, the Internet and interior designers alike have deemed a room’s main source of overhead light the “big light,” and not many people are fans. Think about how bright and intense your home’s built-in overhead lighting may feel — it’s not exactly cozy.

Nordstrom, Walmart, Etsy

That’s where smart, ambient lighting comes in. Finding the right lamps to strategically place around your home can bring a much-needed warmth and depth to your space, especially if you can mix it up with features like dimmers or different light temperature settings. Even better if they’re cordless and/or rechargeable, so you can move them around as needed for the best position in your home.

We tracked down some gorgeous cordless lamps that can free you of the need for the big light for good. Most of these are table lamps (you’ll want to check the specific dimensions to make sure the sizes work for your space); all but one are under $50. Below, take a scroll through some of the many options out there for affordable cozy lighting. How can you miss the big light when these beauties are the alternative?

1. A streamlined milk glass lamp with three light settings

Walmart

For a slightly more modern look, try this portable table lamp with a milk glass shade and three light temperatures (white, neutral and warm). The light is dimmable and so easy to operate — you can change the settings with just a tap. A Type-C cable is included for recharging this lamp, with a battery life of up to eight hours.

Promising review: "Love love love this lamp! The first setting is a perfect warm light for the evening, and love that it can be dimmed. The battery lasts a few hours, so it does need to be charged frequently if you use it for hours at a time. Also as a bonus- it appears to be no flicker so easy on the eyes." —Julie

Get it from Walmart for $14.97.

2. A trendy "mushroom lamp" with a frosted glass shade

Nordstrom

If you've been seeing lamps shaped like mushrooms all over the Internet and been wanting to hop on the trend yourself, you might like this cordless take on it, which is easily portable at 6.1 by 5.75 inches. Available with three different base colors, the lamp features a frosted glass shade and dimmable LED bulb that's rechargeable.

Get it from Nordstrom for $48+.

3. A set of two metal accent lights with a mesmerizing design

Wayfair

These metal accent lights are powered by three AAA batteries (not included) and are 4 by 4 by 7.5 inches. The Edison style bulbs, which are included, cast a warm glow, and even though this one isn't rechargeable, the bulb is designed to last a long time. The design of the hollow black shades add some visual interest that would stand out on a shelf, side table or wherever else you choose to put these.

Promising review: "Beautiful!!! Nice accent light. It’s slightly brighter than a candle, but that’s ok. It’s lovely and I am keeping them. ❤️" —Debra

Get a set of two from Wayfair for $28.99 (originally $37.39; available in two colors).

4. A gorgeous green mini table lamp

Walmart

From Drew Barrymore's Beautiful line at Walmart comes this stunning mini table lamp in an eye-catching shade of green. The tamp is 7.9 by 4.3 inches, so it's better for smaller spaces like nightstands or desktops, and is rechargeable via USB-C. 

Promising review: "This little lamp looks pretty, can fit on a shelf, can be carried around to anywhere you might need light and not be dependent upon an electrical outlet. So far all the features are working properly. Arrived on time and well-packaged." —WalmartShopper

Get it from Walmart for $16.97.

5. A remote-control ceramic lamp with an adjustable shade

Amazon

Available at a 10- or 13-inch, this cordless lamp's rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours, and can be set on a timer of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. Use the remote control to adjust the RGB among nine colors, choose from three light temperatures or dim the brightness of the lamp. The lamp head is also able to be rotated 360 degrees, so you can easily direct light where you want it.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+.

6. A rechargeable glass and iron uplight

Walmart

This glass uplight is pretty and a little fancier-looking than some of the other lamps on this list with smoother shades. You can recharge it with the included USB-C cable to last up to 10 hours at a time, and the lamp uses a simple touch switch to turn on and off. The lamp is 9 inches tall.

Promising review: "perfect! can be a centerpiece at a reception or a back-up with a power outage! i moved it to lots of difference places. might need another one!" —Walmart customer

Get it from Walmart for $17.38.

7. This elegant lamp with a vintage crystal look

Amazon

Have a more vintage- or antique-style taste in decor? Look no further than this table lamp with an acrylic crystal shade that would look nice on a table, desk, shelf and more. You can get up to 30 hours of light on a single charge, and the bulb is dimmable as well as able to switch between three light temperatures. Choose between five base colors and a one-, two-, or four-pack. 

Promising review: "This lamp is the perfect solution for soft, ambient lighting during early mornings—no need to resort to the dreaded overhead light! Its gold detailing seamlessly ties into the elegant aesthetic we’re curating for this space, adding a touch of sophistication without stretching the budget. It’s a small yet impactful addition that balances beauty and functionality." —Samara Muntzinger

Get it from Amazon for $14.80+.

8. This table lamp you can set to be motion-sensitive

Wayfair

This table lamp provides the added functionality of a motion-sensor setting, great for when you need a little light but don't want to turn on the big light. You can also toggle between "moonlight" and "daylight" settings for different warmth (though the motion-sensor setting only works on daylight mode). This lamp is 9.5 by 6 by 6 inches, and powered by C batteries.

Promising review: "Used as a motion light for rooms works well. Often need to do something quick in a room and it gives enough light on motion detect and enough time to complete tasks. The C batteries last long. I travel with it. Heavy with batteries doesn’t tip. Cute appearance. Don’t have to worry about recharging or electricity. Not super bright but lights a room well. Option to turn on instead of motion detect-on mode. Has cool and warm light options." —Christine

Get it from Wayfair for $31.99.

9. This futuristic-looking lamp with a bunch of settings

Urban Outfitters

Available in three colors, this lamp looks something like an alien spaceship but offers plenty of practicality. You can use the included remote to control the brightness and color, or put it on a timer up to 120 minutes, and the included USB-C cable makes it easy to recharge for a battery life of up to 14 hours. The lamp is 8.5 by 5.9 inches.

Get it from Urban Outfitters for $49.90 (originally $62; available in three colors).

10. A rare cordless floor lamp with multiple color settings

Amazon

Okay, this one is on the more expensive side, but since battery-operated floor lamps are so much rarer than smaller cordless table lamps, you might like this one for anywhere you need a bigger light (that isn't the big light). You can get this in three colors; just make sure you choose an option with "battery-operated bulb." It offers three light temperatures, RGB colors, a timer and a dimmer function, all operable using the remote control.

Get it from Amazon for $42.74+ (available in 15 colors/styles).

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