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17 of the best portable lights for outside and in
Designed with LED technology to be picked up and placed wherever you want, these smart designs are a moveable feast
Designed for the indecisive or always-on-the-go, a portable light is charged via USB (so no cord to hold you back). It’s a real booming category in lighting as we begin to place more value than ever on flexibility within the home. Many of these new iterations can be used outside, too. We’re big fans of using these lights for al fresco parties or dinners, as they contribute to a warm, inviting atmosphere.
‘Bell’ portable lamp, Tom Dixon
British designer Tom Dixon’s love of fluoro orange is well documented – he’s used the colour often, like his own design exclamation mark. This time, it comes in a portable lamp, meaning you can add that pop anywhere in your home (or outdoors) with nine hours of battery life. £210, tomdixon.net
‘Muse’ table lamp in ‘Selvedge Blue’, Tala
Hip London-based lighting brand Tala’s ‘Muse’ table lamp combines classic lantern style with ultra-modern technology: its traditional shape and handle are brought up to date with a custom integrated dimmer, which emits a warm hue. We love the lamp in ‘Selvedge Blue’, a special take on Farrow & Ball’s cosy hue. £275, tala.co.uk
‘Oloha’ portable light, Fatboy
With a low, rounded form that mimics the shape of a pasta bowl and the choice of three different dimensions, Fatboy’s unique ‘Oloha’ design is a certified disrupter in the portable light market. From approx £55, fatboy.com
‘Dune’ portable lamp, InCommonWith
One for fans of Louis Poulsen, this lamp forms part of InCommonWith’s ‘Dune’ collection – a range of ‘function-forward’ pieces that ‘bring a soulful whimsicality to the ritual of gathering’. A versatile investment, it suits both indoor and outdoor environments and has a handy 10-hour battery life. Approx £382, incommonwith.com
‘Scoora’ portable lantern, Hoffmann & Kahleyss Design
This shell-shaped light by German studio Hoffman & Kahleyss Design for Dedon is a playful take on the traditional lantern. It is made from innovative materials that complement modern lifestyles, such as Dedon’s patented woven fibre and lightweight aluminium. From approx £1,530, dedon.de
‘JWDA’ portable lamp, Menu
The cordless version of Jonas Wagell’s cute and classic ‘JWDA’ lamp finds inspiration in traditional oil lamps for its design. With an elliptical glass shade, solid metal base and brass dimmer switch, it gives 10 hours of adjustable light when fully charged. Approx £168, menuspace.com
‘Kizu’ portable lamp, New Works
Designed by Lars Tornøe for New Works, the ‘Kizu’ portable lamp balances a gravity-defying white hemisphere atop a rounded marble base. The shade emits a dimmable, diffused light that makes it perfect for creating a cosy corner. £219, finnishdesignshop.com
‘Piton’ portable lamp, Muuto
With its elegantly functional aluminium form, Tom Chung’s battery-powered ‘Piton’ lamp for Muuto resembles a traditional flashlight. Even its charging cable - designed to reference those used in mountain climbing - is cool. £215, twentytwentyone.com
‘Quasar’ portable lamp, Petite Friture
The ‘Quasar’ (a contraction of ‘quasi-stellar’) lamp is named after the brightest star in the galaxy and can be used for up to 12 hours before it needs charging making it ideal for parties outdoors. The climbing rope handle is a nice touch too. Approx £226, petitefriture.com
‘Raku SH8’ portable lamp, &Tradition
Sebastian Herkner’s ‘Raku SH8’ lamp for &Tradition packs a lot of style into its diminutive form. The dimmable, battery-powered light is named after the traditional Japanese pottery technique Raku and features a spun-metal shade and a hand-sculpted ceramic base with a crackle glaze that makes each one unique. £230, wearemaven.co.uk
‘ROD’ portable lamp, Diesel Living for Lodes
The humble construction rod inspired the shape of the portable ‘Rod’ lamp. The LED light can be adjusted by tapping the top of the shade. The soft pink version makes a particularly striking contrast with the industrial silhouette. £188, inspyerlighting.co.uk
‘Hernan’ rechargeable table lamp, Pooky
Contrasting antique brass and bronze finishes give this lamp a touch of vintage charm. The retro saucer shade casts a gentle downlight that’s ideal for a coffee table. £143, pooky.com
‘Roma’ portable lamp, Lights & Lamps
Perfectly suited to bookshelves, bedside tables and garden walls, the chic ‘Roma’ lamp has an elegant art deco feel thanks to its opal glass shade and brass base. £119, lightsandlamps.com
‘Pantop’ portable lamp, Verpan
With its bell-like shade, Verner Panton’s iconic ‘Pantop’ table lamp is as distinctive today as when it was first released in 1980. The portable version is the latest addition to the family and means that great design no longer has to be confined to interiors, but can roam outside, too. £132, skandium.com
‘Mayfair Mini’ portable lamp, Vibia
Diego Fortunato’s portable design reworks the silhouette of a traditional 19th-century bouillotte table lamp into a strikingly contemporary piece. It comes in a range of shades and has a 3-step touch dimmer on the base that allows you to adjust the illumination. £277.68, davidvillagelighting.co.uk
‘Panthella Portable V2’ lamp, Louis Poulsen
Created by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen in 1971, the original ‘Panthella’ is an undisputed design classic. With its organic shape and soft, non-glaring light, the lamp can create atmospheric ambience wherever it’s placed. The smaller portable version can be used indoors and outside. £275, louispoulsen.com
Murano glass portable table light, Green Wolf Studio
Bringing something completely different to the portable lamp scene, this beauty by designer Paola Petrobelli is crafted from hand-worked Murano glass and comes in a range of mouthwatering colour combinations. £380, abask.com
‘Gustave Residential’ portable light, Flos
This sculptural piece designed by Vincent Van Duysen for Flos is a work of art in its own right, as well as serving a functional role by providing versatile light in any space. £370, flos.com
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