Moving to a new house has made me rethink lighting completely. My new kitchen is beautiful, but the kitchen island sits in a pool of shadow, and the sockets are in all the wrong places. I have been resisting portable lighting for years, convinced it was unnecessary, but I have reached the point where I cannot ignore how awkward the layout really is. I want the room to feel moody, low lit and comfortable, not full of trailing cables and badly placed lamps.
For the longest time, I assumed portable lighting was more of a lighting trend than a solution. I admired it in magazines and showrooms, but never believed it belonged in a traditional kitchen like mine. Then I started looking more closely at lighting trends and saw how designers use small, warm pools of light to bring atmosphere to darker corners and to make an island feel intentional rather than stranded in the middle of the room. Clearly, I had been holding on to an old idea for far too long.
So I am finally giving in and buying two of the Soho Home Emmie Portable Lampfor the island. They suit the mood I want to create and bring that gentle, focused light that a classic interior needs. I have realised that portable lighting is not a fad at all. It is simply a clever way to make a room feel finished, especially when the wiring refuses to cooperate.
This lamp charges with a 'USB-C to USB-A' lead, so it can be placed anywhere without trailing wires. Lasts 6 hours at 100% and 12 hours at 50%. 50% is perfect for me, as I prefer soft, warm light, anyway.
You have probably noticed the skyrocketing popularity of rechargeable and portable lighting. It was once the case that small rechargeable, wireless table lamps were dotted on the streetside tables of chic restaurants and bars, and rechargeable lighting within the home just wasn’t feasible. Those attempts at portable or rechargeable lighting were lacklustre, with a short-lived, pitiful attempt to cast light. Invariably, the light that it did produce was a bright, unflattering white light. Now, though, the tide has most definitely turned.
Those inventive minds that conjure up the latest outdoor lighting ideas have remedied these issues. Now, homeowners are able to implement lighting without the need to go to the costly and disruptive length of summoning an electrician to track electrical cable through walls.
This unleashes a whole world of possibilities for many of us. Renters can implement beautiful lighting without the need for permission, particularly true of the peel-and-stick wall sconces, which are exceedingly popular.
What drew me to this particular lamp was the design. The antiqued brass plating gives it a softness and depth that suits a classic interior, so it never feels out of place or too contemporary. It has that quiet, collected look that works with older furniture and natural materials, almost as if it were designed for a room with history. The proportions are balanced, the finish has a gentle patina, and the light it casts feels warm and intentional. It behaves like a considered design object rather than a piece of convenience lighting, which is exactly what I want for this space.
As with everything that swiftly gains popularity, we have seen an enormous increase in the amount of portable lighting available online, and so, as ever with vast quantities, quality is not always a given. That doesn’t necessarily mean the more affordable options are inferior, but like with anything, there won’t be consistent quality across the board, so ensure you check for these key things before investing in any portable lighting.
Firstly, and most importantly, ensure you check the battery life. Hannah Walter, Creative Manager of British lighting brand Heathfield & Co, thinks ‘a well-designed portable lamp should last several hours without recharging. It should provide between 8 to 12 hours of light on a full charge, ensuring it can comfortably last for an evening gathering or provide reliable light throughout the day. Some designs also include discreetly integrated dimming options, allowing you to adjust brightness to suit the mood and conserve battery life when softer lighting is needed.’
That said, as this technology improves, you will find some portable lamps that can last several evenings without being charged. On the other end of the spectrum, some have very short battery lives, rendering them close to useless, so be sure to check the battery life before buying online.
This beautiful brass lamp is a sensational value for money. It's rechargeable via a USB port. Its vintage roots are displayed in the classic dome shape that casts a warm ambient glow. At a full charge, it stays lit for 7.5hours.
I not only love this in this wonderful Indian yellow colour, but they have a dimmer switch, so they're perfect for setting the scene at a dinner party. It comes in lots of beautiful colours, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The USB-C charging cable is included, but it's worth noting that the bulb is sold separately.
Created in collaboration with garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson, this portable lamp is perfect for outdoors as well as indoors. It's a beautiful Art Deco-inspired piece, and although its price point definitely puts it at the more luxurious end of the spectrum, it is crafted from Emperador marble, carefully extracted from the mountains in Tuscany, so it's a piece of art, as much as anything else.
This works well as a simple bedside table lamp. Great if you want something simple and not too clunky.
This lamp is one of my favourites. It looks fantastic on a bookshelf, dining table, or outdoor table, and it's perfectly happy near water, so it can be in the bathroom, too. It lasts a good ten hours once charged, too.
I absolutely adore this portable lamp, which delivers incredible design at an exceptional value. While its charge lasts 6–7 hours at full power, making it not the strongest option, its space-age-inspired shade in antique brass or chrome gives it a luxe, high-end look that feels far more expensive than it actually is.
What I like most is the freedom this kind of lighting gives me. I can shape the mood of the room without relying on fixed wiring or compromising the look of the traditional kitchen. A pair of well-chosen portable lamps will let the island feel grounded and inviting, with a soft glow that suits the traditional style of the space. It feels like a small change, but it will make the whole room work in a way it never has before
