Since 2017, my original cut-out-n-keep guide to portable lights has grown to this, the fifth in the series—which is not really surprising, because over this period, LEDs and battery technologies have advanced enough to enable them to be more efficient, weigh less and cost less.
But, above all, it makes sense because they are so convenient! Since they don't need to be plugged in, they can go anywhere. The two most common types (the stereotypes) are (1) those designed to go in the centre of a dining table, and (2) those designed to be carried around, like a lantern or a Tilley lamp (we didn't have mains electricity when I was growing up in Westmorland). This means that they are ideal for outdoor use, but also for indoor use. We personally use several to brighten dark corners (e.g. under the TV)—it is no more hassle to put them on their chargers as you go to bed, than it is to plug in smartphones, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, keyboards, mice, etc., etc. to recharge them.
So, what are the trends? In other words, how have things changed since I posted the original guides to portable lights (click here)?
Flos In Vitro Unplugged
Let's look at this new introduction by Philippe Starck for Flos, because it shows both of the main current trends.
It is part of a larger family. The effect of this is that the basic design was not originally created for a portable light (and therefore to fit one of the two stereotypes). Click here for the brochure about the In Vitro family.
It is mostly a clear glass vessel, yet you can't see the lamp. This is because the LEDs (and the related electronics and batteries) are concealed in the frame—in this case, in the top:
Actually, the In Vitro Unplugged also shares another positive development: it is available in seven colours/finishes:
Brokis Knot Battery
Another glass vessel, this time with the light in the bottom. And, as you've guessed, part of a Knot family (click here to see it). Actually, this one works so well, the design could easily have been created specifically to be a portable light.
IP44.de Qu
One of the very finest outdoor lighting companies, IP44.de, is bringing out a series of portable lights. This one is called Qu [sic] —click here.
Another glass vessel, but with a different approach to the light source. Here, it is a rod running up the centre. It does not create any glare. Qu is not part of a family; it is a development of the Dia, surely one of the very finest (and few genuinely different) contemporary wall lanterns:
IP44.de enable Qu to be hung up, either by a rubber loop:
or on a wall hook:
I'm surprised more makers don't make it possible to do this. Fortunately, Blakes from Tekna can also be hung from a wall bracket:
Brokis Ivy Battery
Lucie Koldova has added this cordless table light (click here) to her important and useful Ivy family for Brokis. It results in an unusual shape. You can hold it by the branch that extends upwards, and control it by a button on the end of that branch. The image above shows the three glass colour options. The structure can be matt white or anthracite (which is becoming the new graphite, BTW).
Luceplan Nui Mini
Yes, Luceplan's Nui Mini (click here) is part of a NUI family. It's H28cm and, like the In Vitro Unplugged, the light and related electronics are in the top. I'm not sure what I think about this one. It looks top heavy to me—almost as disconcerting as the unsupported windows in the intercolumniations of that façade of Hampton Court Palace:
But maybe that really is just me.... Maybe it looks OK in use:
except that it raises the issue which you should always bear in mind when specifying lights for table centres: does its bulk get in the way, making it difficult to see the person opposite?
So, are there any recent cordless lights that aren't part of an existing collection? Yes!
Arturo Alvarez Hipatia
Hipatia (click here) honours the first lady scientist, and is made from Arturo Alvarez's signature material: painted steel mesh...
Lladro Ice Cream
...whereas Lladro's Ice Cream (click here) is made from their signature material: delicate porcelain.
IP44.de Fil
As you'd hope, IP44.de continue to push boundaries, and so to come up with something original. This is Fil, that is available in two sizes (H48cm and H71cm). The structure is black, and the diffuser is white outdoor fabric. It is rated IP65.
Click here for all IP44.de's portable luminaires.
But suppose you want a floor-standing cordless reading light? Quite useful outdoors, it would be indispensable indoors, where so often you'd like to provide task lighting to someone sitting in a chair or a sofa in the middle of a room, far from any wall socket.
Well, there aren't many, other than Giulietta from Catellani & Smith and Parrot from Tobias Grau, that we saw in the original cut-out-n-keep guides to cordless lights. So, to find some more, it is necessary to go to two brands that have made a serious commitment to cordless lights, Anna Lari and Estro.
Anna Lari Emily
Click here for Anna Lari's cordless light catalogue (floor-standing versions are at the back). This is Emily...
...that, like their other cordless floor lights, comes in a choice of nineteen (19!) different metal finishes.
estro Read
Click here for Estro's latest cordless light catalogue.
It includes this unassuming floor-standing reading light, called Read:
...as well as a table version, which is that rara avis, a cordless desk light:
They also make available a more traditional-looking portable table light, the Alena, with a wood base in wengé or walnut:
H32cm.
So everything in this post, combined with the portable lights in my cut-out-n-keep guides (click here), gives you a wide range of options for wherever, indoors or out, on land or sea, you'd like to put a light that is freed from the tyranny of the wall socket!
If you'd like more detail, or to buy any of them for yourself or a project, do get in touch.
