While the patio might be the heart of my home in summer, fall is where the living room comes into its own. And now that we're spending more time hosting indoors – from movie nights to cozy candlelit dinners – I've been searching for some easy yet chic ways to create that soft glow that makes a space feel truly inviting.
We all know it's your lighting ideas that have the power to change the entire mood of a space. Lamps and candles aside, I've always loved the stylish look of picture lights (especially as an amateur thrifted art collector), but the idea of going to the length of getting them wired in or dealing with visible cords has always stopped me.
Luckily for me, portable lamp technology has reached new heights, and cordless picture lights are popping up in some of my favorite fall collections to promise all the same ambiance, without any of the hassle.
Where I live, we're fighting a losing battle against the increasingly darkening days. Each day feels shorter, dimmer, and damper come September and beyond.
So the perfect way to counteract that is, of course, finding plenty of fall decor ideas that will amp up the ambiance (and improve my darkening mood) without either breaking the bank or leaning too cringe.
I’ve found that in my home, it’s those small additions of soft, warm light that make a living room feel lived-in and comfortable year-round, and don't fall into kitsch seasonal decor traps that will quickly date.
Picture lights are one of those deceptively simple design details that can completely transform a space. Not only are they designed to highlight the things you love and want to show off – like art, family photos, or a favorite wall decor piece – but they also do so much more than that.
A well-placed picture light adds a layer of soft, directional light that creates warmth and depth, instantly making a room feel more intimate and inviting. It’s subtle but makes a big difference in the overall atmosphere of a room.
And it makes perfect sense that Joanna Gaines' brilliant mind thought to add some cordless picture lights to her beloved Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia range at Target just in time for fall.
Featuring a metal body with a rod-shaped shade, this modern LED light is not only cordless, but includes a remote that can control the color temperature, brightness, and has a handy timer.
Available in both black and brass finishes, this wall-mounted light suits a range of color schemes and interior design styles. Simply mount it above artwork, over a mantel, on bookshelves, or even in your entry to add a warm, focused glow. At under $70, it’s an affordable way to bring in that 'collected and curated' feel that Joanna is loved for.
Whether you’re layering them with floor lamps, table lamps, or overhead lighting (or all of the above), they create pockets of light that are perfect for fall evenings in.
What makes a battery-operated picture light particularly appealing is its flexibility. No cords and no drilling means you can move it around as your space evolves, allowing you to experiment with placement and styling without being limited by outlets or hardwiring – making it great for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their space seasonally.
While Joanna's picture light is my top choice, there are plenty of different styles and finishes out there that each offer unique features and battery life. Like with most things, the more you pay, the better the technology will be. Additionally, if you're keen to source a real brass finish or aren't bothered by plastic, that can also affect which might be the best choice for you.
Below, I've found three more stylish cordless picture lights for every budget to help inspire your cozy season shopping.
Shop cordless picture lights
You can always rely on Pooky for really beautiful cordless lighting, and this 'Marcel' design comes customizable with three sizes and four finishes to choose from. It boasts at least eight hours of light on a full charge and is remote-controlled for ease.
For a real budget-friendly winner, this farmhouse-style black picture light has a 16-inch-long light bar that delivers an impressive coverage area, making it perfect for illuminating sizable art pieces. It offers three color temperatures and three brightness settings too.
Balancing modern technology with classic design, this durable sconce has been designed to look like a traditional swing arm lamp. It's adjustable, allowing for precise light direction without glare, and allows for easy charging with brightness levels and timers to boot.
If you’ve been thinking about ways to elevate your space this season without a major renovation, a rechargeable picture light might be the perfect, fuss-free solution.
