Cordless table lamps: a comparison of designs and models

A cordless table lamp brings light to your favorite spots during the dark time of the year. On the dining table, next to the sofa, or on the bedside table, it does not require a power outlet in the immediate vicinity.

A cordless table lamp accompanies you from the dinner table to the sofa. Should your designer rechargeable table lamp have a fixed spot, or should it move with you? In addition to the shape, light color, size, and operation are key factors.

What matters with a cordless table lamp

For your rechargeable table lamp, it is worth taking a look at this checklist:

• Battery life: Five hours at full power are enough for one evening. Up to 50 hours are also possible, depending on the model and brightness.
• Light color: 2700 Kelvin produces a warm white light. The additional 2200 Kelvin of the Belux Oto are suitable for evenings when you want particularly warm light.
• Dimming: Three levels are easily selected. If the lamp is continuously dimmable, you can fine-tune the brightness to match the rest of the room's lighting.
• Charging and battery: The Gustave and Oto from Belux charge via USB-C, other models via USB. With the Gustave and Rumee 220, you can replace the battery.
• Location and transport: For outdoors, choose a model intended for that purpose. A handle makes moving it easier; on narrow surfaces, diameter and height matter.

Design classics as rechargeable lamps: Panthella, PH 2/1 and Multi-Lite

The Louis Poulsen Panthella Portable traces back to Verner Panton's 1971 design. Panton combined an organic shape with a clear light concept: the shade and base were intended to work together as reflectors. His goal was completely glare-free light. The shade directs the light downward, and the base reflects it into the room. In this way, the form is directly linked to the light effect. With the PH 2/1, the history leads to the PH system by Poul Henningsen from the 1920s. The coordinated shades shield the light source. The light is refracted and scattered in the layers of opal glass, allowing it to enter the room softly. The Gubi Multi-Lite, based on Louis Weisdorf's 1972 design, relies on change instead: its rotating shade allows you to shape the lighting effect. As rechargeable lamps, these design classics make their lighting concepts tangible even without a socket at the location.

Nine cordless design table lamps in comparison

The prices and product specifications are current as of October 7, 2026.

Louis Poulsen Panthella 160 Portable V2

The Louis Poulsen Panthella 160 Portable V2 is the smallest Panthella and features a metal shade. In the color coral, it is reduced to €189 instead of €365. Its diameter is 16 centimeters, and its height is 23.2 centimeters. On the windowsill, it adds a colorful accent. Its metal shade directs the light downward so that you can emphasize the surface with a calm point of light.

Louis Poulsen Panthella 160 V3

The Louis Poulsen Panthella 160 V3 costs €200 and offers an acrylic shade as well as nine color variants, including beige opal. With a diameter of 16 centimeters and a height of 23.2 centimeters, it works with a 2.5-watt LED at 2700 Kelvin. It is dimmable in three stages. The battery life is approximately 8.5 hours at full brightness. On the bedside table, it remains compact; in the evening, you can select a lower dimming level.

Louis Poulsen Panthella 250 Portable

The Louis Poulsen Panthella 250 Portable has an opal white acrylic shade with a 25-centimeter diameter and is 34.6 centimeters high. For €365, you receive a rechargeable lamp with a six-watt LED at 2700 Kelvin. The settings are 0, 10, 33, and 100 percent. At full brightness, the runtime is five hours. On a spacious side table next to the sofa, its larger shade shape shows to good advantage.

Louis Poulsen PH 2/1

The Louis Poulsen PH 2/1 costs €1,250. Its three-layered shade consists of white opal glass, and the frame is made of metallized brass. The colors are listed as chrome or gold. The shade diameter is 20 centimeters, and the height is 36 centimeters. On the sideboard, the shade design has room to have an impact. Place the lamp next to a low bowl so that its silhouette remains visible and the opal glass can be appreciated.

FLOS Gustave

The FLOS Gustave made of aluminum is available in Smooth Black or polished silver and costs €415. It measures 15.5 centimeters in diameter and 23 centimeters in height. Its 18650-type lithium-ion battery is replaceable, and it charges via USB-C. Using touch control, you can adjust the brightness steplessly from 0 to 100 percent. At the dining table, the Flos Gustave can be dimmed appropriately from dinner to the subsequent conversation.

Gubi Multi-Lite

With the Gubi Multi-Lite, a rotating shade in the center changes the lighting effect. The portable rechargeable lamp measures 15 centimeters in diameter and 30 centimeters in height. It has an output of 1.6 watts, is available in four variants, and costs €399. Place it on a side table next to your armchair. There, you can conveniently rotate the shade and change the light effect from your seated position.

Belux Oto

The Belux Oto features a glass diffuser and costs €250. The height and diameter are both 16.5 centimeters. It is dimmable, can be switched between 2200 and 2700 Kelvin, and is charged via USB-C. There are four colors to choose from, including pastel blue. On a small coffee table, it leaves room for a book and a cup. Switch to 2200 Kelvin late in the evening if you prefer warmer light.

Grau Fire

The Grau Fire costs €499 and is available in two versions. It measures 11.8 centimeters in diameter and 32.5 centimeters in height. Up to 50 hours of battery life are specified. With sunset dimming, the light becomes warmer as it is dimmed; additionally, there is a 30-minute sleep timer. By the bed, the increasingly warm light accompanies you as you wind down. With the sleep timer, you don't have to reach for the lamp again to switch it off.

Audo Copenhagen Carrie Table Lamp

The Audo Copenhagen Carrie Table Lamp by Norm Architects costs €200. It combines a powder-coated steel base with opal glass and a brushed brass finish. With 3.2 watts and 2700 Kelvin, it is dimmable in three stages. Using the detachable handle, you can carry it from the dining table to the sofa. There, place the lamp on the side table and select a lower brightness level for the rest of the evening.

Rechargeable lamps for the terrace and balcony

The large Fermob Balad by Tristan Lohner is a hangable outdoor lamp with a handle. It measures 28 centimeters in diameter and 38 centimeters in height, offers USB and eight colors. Its price is €179.

The Stelton Pier LED lamp 25 cm costs €159 instead of €179. It offers three brightness levels, a top handle, and USB. Outdoors, it can be used in dry weather and at temperatures above freezing. The charging time is approximately ten to twelve hours. The Kartell Mini Geen-A by Ferruccio Laviani is also intended for indoor and outdoor use. For €240, it offers a dimmer and a 1.2-watt LED at 2700 Kelvin.

Which cordless table lamp fits which room?

At the dining table, low lamps keep the view of your companion clear. By the bed, accessible controls are pleasant. On a shelf, give the shade some space so its shape remains visible. On the terrace, the respective outdoor conditions apply. In the home office, a warm point of light complements the workspace lighting.

When the days get shorter, such points of light make your familiar places more inviting. At architare, you will find all rechargeable lamps in the shop. Many pieces are available immediately, and part of the range is significantly reduced as tested showroom items. In the showrooms in Nagold and Stuttgart, you can touch the lamps and evaluate the light live.