I often talk about how lighting can have a huge impact in a small space. But sometimes wiring or outlets just don’t cooperate, especially in rentals or older homes. That’s where one of my favourite concepts comes in: portable lamps. These magical lamps add warmth and functionality to areas that traditional lighting simply can’t reach. A lesson I have learned with different portable lamps is that is worth investing in a quality lamp as the light quality is better and the battery life is longer. My favourite portable lamp I have now had for 6-7 years and it is as good as new. While the cheaper ones ended up in the landfill.

Why I Love Portable Lighting for Small Spaces

I’m a big fan of furniture and decor that can do double duty, and portable lamps are exactly that. Need light on your nightstand? Done. Want to move it over to your desk for an evening of work? Easy. Looking to create some ambiance on your balcony for a summer evening? Just bring it along. They’re versatile, lightweight, and, best of all, cordless—making them perfect for a small home that thrives on flexibility.

Favorite Uses for Portable Lamps

Cozy Corners: I have a small rechargable lamp in my living room., it adds a soft glow in the corner when on it’s lowest setting I love when it is used by overnight guests when they sleep on the sofa and don’t have to worry about knowing where our lightswitches are.
Bedrooms: Lots of bedrooms don’t have well placed outlets so a minimalist LED portable lamp with a warm glow can solve this problem. Perfect for reading, winding down, or those middle-of-the-night trips without harsh overhead light.
Kitchen: I added an IKEA portable lamp to a small shelf. At night I hate to turn on the overhead globe light so between the under-cabinet lighting and this portable light, the glow is just right.
Balconies & Patios: I can’t talk about portable lamps without mentioning how perfect they are for outdoor use. I’ve brought mine out to the balcony, and the soft glow makes everything feel a little more magical (and I don’t have to worry about finding an outdoor outlet!). Some options are even weather-resistant, so they’re built to withstand the elements.
Hallways & Entryways: Hallways are often dark and overlooked, but a small battery-powered lamp can help create a warm welcome when you enter your home. I don’t have room in my skinny entry but maybe you do.
Sideboard or Credenza - love a lamp on a sideboard and especially love not having to deal with cords. So a portable lamp is a perfect way to style a sideboard easily.

Some of My Current Favorite Portable Lamps:

Audo Carrie Lamp : This one has a frosted glass shade that emits a soft, warm glow, with 3 dimming levels. It’s compact and a modern classic, ideal for anywhere really. And can hang on the wall. I even managed to repair mine with a bit of effort!

Ferm Living Meridian Lamp (locally available at Old Faithful Shop)

Ferm Living Meridian Lamp: Great for a desk or bedroom or living room corner. love the black and beige equally.

Flos Bellhop Lamp It’s retro but surprisingly versatile. I’ve used it in a few projects recently and find it so useful in small spaces and to cut down on cords. Especially cute on a styled shelf or sideboard. This is on my wishlist for sure. The dark brown is my new fave. Also a great way to add colour to a space without major commitment.

Audo JWDA portable lamp in Marina’s colourful home tour (see her full home tour here)

Audo JWDA lamp: Another design classic. The dimming feature and soft glow make it one of my favourites for bedrooms but it works everywhere and in every finish.

Hay Portable Lamp - cutest outdoor lamp that also works inside in fun colours. Love this for a kids room too!

Ikea Solviden - great budget option for ambient light. Great alternative to a nightlight too!

There are sooo many more but stopping here for now. I love lamp. And I have an upcoming post about repairing my paper globe pendant. Again, because I love lamp(s).

if you purchase something through a link on this site we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Case for Portable Lamps for a Small Space