When Pooky kicked off the rechargeables revolution a few years ago with the Phileas table lamp, we knew it was the start of something extraordinary – and so it proved. Here’s why cordless lamps are here to stay…
It’s a fair question, if by “worth it” you mean incredibly useful, exceedingly stylish and endlessly convenient! Actually, the question shouldn’t be “Are rechargeable lamps worth it?” but “Why can’t everything be as good as this?”
Cordless table lamps are portable, dimmable and these days they’re beautiful too – and Pooky’s are no more expensive than a regular plug-in table lamp. And as for rechargeable wall lights, well, they’re significantly less hassle than rewiring your entire house.
So are they worth it? That’s like asking if coffee is worth it. Are warm socks in winter worth it? Is not having a trailing wire snaking across your dinner table worth it? But anyway, let’s pretend you’re still undecided – here’s everything you might want to know about rechargeable lighting, and why they’re so utterly, game-changingly brilliant…
What is a rechargeable lamp?
A rechargeable lamp is a cordless light powered by a built-in battery, rather than being plugged into a power outlet. Once charged (usually via USB-C or sometimes a micro-USB), it can be placed anywhere – no trailing wires, no need to rearrange furniture to find a socket.
They’re ideal for moving around the home, lighting tricky corners, or creating atmospheric glow wherever you need it.
Pooky kicked off the cordless light movement a few years ago with the Phileas table lamp designed by British designer Matthew Williamson. Before then, rechargeable lights had all been ugly, or expensive, or both – but with the Phileas and our portable table lamps we changed all that, making moveable lights that are as beautiful as their corded cousins (and at sensible prices to boot).
Why choose a cordless rechargeable lamp?
No wires, no mess
One of the greatest joys of cordless lighting? The complete absence of ugly cables. Whether you live in a streamlined modern space or a slightly chaotic family home, a wire-free lamp is an instant visual (and practical) upgrade.
They’re perfect for dining tables, bedside tables, shelving units – anywhere you want a warm glow without a tangle of cords.
Complete flexibility
Rechargeable lamps can go where plug-in lamps dare not tread. Place one on a hallway console with no nearby socket. Move one to a guest room for visiting friends. Use two to flank a mantlepiece, or tuck one into a reading nook without extension leads.
They're especially helpful in rental properties, or older homes where wiring is limited or alterations aren’t allowed. And they’re brilliant for interior styling – pick up and move the light as the mood takes you.
Easy to charge, built to last
A full charge typically gives you many hours of light – enough to cover several evenings of reading, hosting, or relaxed winding-down. And recharging is easy: plug in overnight, or while you're out at work.
Pooky’s cordless lamps are designed to be both beautiful and reliable – they’re built to last, and made to be used every day.
Where rechargeable lamps work best in the home
Dining tables and kitchen counters
A cordless lamp at the centre of the table can transform a dinner party – ambient light, no overhead glare, and no need to rearrange plugs or cable-tie your way to elegance. Use one as a centrepiece, or cluster two or three for layered lighting.
Bookshelves, alcoves, or tricky corners
Every home has its awkward spots. A cordless lamp makes them cosy. Tuck one onto a bookshelf, a high shelf, or into an alcove where no plug will ever reach. These are the places where cordless lighting really shines – literally and figuratively.
Bedside tables
No more fumbling for the socket behind the headboard. Rechargeable lamps are ideal for the bedroom – especially ones with a warm, dimmable glow. Place one on each bedside table and enjoy the bliss of soft lighting and no cables snaking under your bed.
Wall lights (without the wiring hassle)
Here’s where rechargeable lighting really earns its DIY stripes. Pooky’s cordless wall lights require no professional installation – no electrician, no chasing wires, no patching drywall. Just charge, mount, and enjoy. It’s as easy as hanging a picture (and arguably more rewarding).
They’re ideal for awkward stairwells, rented flats, heritage properties or any wall where cabling would be a nightmare. And they’re dimmable, too – perfect for ambient glow wherever you need it.
Picture lights, made simple
The same goes for rechargeable picture lights. You don’t need to rewire your hallway to spotlight your favourite painting – just pop up a cordless picture light and bask in the glow of both your art and your good judgement.
They can be mounted in minutes, and moved around with ease – perfect for evolving gallery walls or changing displays.
Al fresco evenings
A rechargeable lamp on the patio table? Glorious. For evening drinks on the terrace or a picnic that stretches past dusk, a cordless lamp adds atmosphere. Just remember: these are indoor lamps at heart – so bring them in when the party ends (or when it looks like rain).
Are rechargeable lamps worth the investment?
In a word: yes.
Cordless lamps offer enormous flexibility and ease, with no sacrifice in style. You can move them around as your needs change, use them in spaces that otherwise wouldn’t be lit, and enjoy the clutter-free, cable-free life.
Pooky’s collection includes designs that are not only practical but beautiful – made with quality materials and designed to delight!
Pooky cordless favourites
The Wee Scoon is the smaller of our two Scoon cordless lights. It's a wonderful light, heavy, solid, robust, and bomb-proof (ish), with an impressive battery life. It charges on a pad and comes in lots of different colours. The Firecracker is particularly perfect for a colour pop on a bookshelf.
Is the Lillee the most splendid rechargeable floor light ever? Probably (partly because there are hardly any out there, admittedly!) But yes, it can go anywhere: by the bath, next to your chair, near the outside table or in that funny corner. Really good battery life, and really good brightness. Dimmable, and remote controllable thanks to our Genesis Cell.
Want a stunning, brassy, unusual wall light, but would rather not hire someone to carve up your walls? Well, meet the Twinky rechargeable wall sconce in antique brass. Attaching to the wall requires two tiny screws (and takes about two seconds!)...and to recharge, simply pop off the shade and plug in using a USB. At least ten hours of warm, beautiful dimmable light.
Illuminating your prized artworks or prints with a dedicated picture light is a seriously impressive interior design move – but traditionally it’s been a fair amount of work and hassle to wire them up. No longer! Putting up a cordless picture light is as simple as hanging the picture. The Marcel in antique bronze is a simple, solid and elegant example.
About the Genesis Cell
Many Pooky rechargeable lamps come with a built-in LED, while others are powered by our Genesis cell – a neat, powerful unit that tucks inside the base of each lamp and delivers up to 17 hours of light from a single charge (depending on brightness).
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Dimmable – Tap to dim or use the remote
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Brightness – 480 lumens, 2700K warm glow
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Battery life – 9 to 17 hours
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Charging time – Around 5 hours from empty
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Charger – USB-C cable included (just add a 5V 2A USB adapter)
FAQs
What is a rechargeable lamp?
A rechargeable lamp is a wireless light powered by a built-in battery. You charge it via USB, and it can be used anywhere – no plugs required.
How long does a rechargeable lamp last per charge?
last between 9 and 17 hours per charge.
Can I use rechargeable lamps outdoors?
They’re fine for outdoor use – just bring them in afterwards and don’t leave them out in wet weather.
Do I need a special bulb for rechargeable lamps?
Our rechargeable lamps come with integrated LEDs or are compatible with Genesis Cell bulbs.
Are rechargeable lamps dimmable?
Yes – most of Pooky’s cordless lamps include dimming functions so you can adjust the brightness to suit your setting.
Ready to go cordless?
Browse Pooky’s full range of rechargeable lamps – beautiful designs with no strings attached!
