Great lighting can transform a room. It adds warmth, creates atmosphere and makes even the most neglected corner feel properly considered.
The problem? Plug sockets rarely appear exactly where you need them.
You find the perfect place for a lamp, step back to admire your excellent decision and then spot the cable trailing across the room like an unwanted guest. Or worse, there is no socket nearby at all.
This is where portable lighting comes in.
Cordless and rechargeable lamps give you the freedom to put light where it actually works for your home. On a bookshelf. In the middle of a dining table. Beside the bed. On a hallway console. In that dark corner everybody has quietly given up on.
No rewiring. No extension leads. No rearranging the furniture around the nearest socket.
Just beautiful light, exactly where you want it.
At Love Frankie, we make portable lamps that work hard and look fabulous doing it. From striped statement floor lamps and checkerboard table lights to compact Glow Lamps and cordless designs with wooden bases, our collection combines practical lighting with colour, pattern and plenty of personality.
This is our complete guide to portable lighting, including how rechargeable lamps work, which size to choose and whether cordless or wired lighting is right for you.
Short on time? Jump straight to our portable lighting FAQs for sizes, charging times, bulbs and wired options.
Ready to order? Jump straight to the Portable Lamps collection to start picking your favourite fabrics.
WHAT IS PORTABLE LIGHTING?
Portable lighting describes lamps that can be moved easily around the home.
Some portable lamps are completely cordless and use a rechargeable LED bulb. Others are available with a traditional flex and plug, giving you the same decorative lamp with continuous power.
You may also see cordless lamps described as battery-operated lamps or rechargeable table lamps. With Love Frankie designs, the rechargeable battery sits inside the ES27 LED bulb. This means you get the freedom of cordless lighting without an integral cable or fixed electrical connection.
Our collection currently includes three distinct portable lamp families:
• Signature Portable Lamps in Shortie, Midi and Maxi sizes
• Compact Glow Lamps
• Cordless Lamps with handcrafted plywood bases
Each has its own shape, scale and personality, but all are designed to make lighting your home easier and far more exciting.
WHY PORTABLE LAMPS ARE SO USEFUL AT HOME
Portable lighting is having a moment because it solves real decorating problems.
It also looks rather marvellous, which helps.
LIGHT THE PLACES PLUG SOCKETS FORGOT
Homes are full of spaces that would benefit from a soft pool of light but have no convenient electrical socket.
Think shelves, alcoves, landings, mantelpieces, hallway consoles and the centre of a dining table. A cordless lamp can sit in any of these spots without trailing wires or electrical work.
CREATE LAYERS OF LIGHT
A beautifully lit room rarely relies on one overhead light. Using several smaller light sources at different heights creates a warmer, softer and more inviting atmosphere. A portable table lamp can add a gentle glow beneath eye level, while a taller lamp illuminates a dark corner.
It is the quickest route from “the big light is on” to “someone here understands ambience”.
MOVE YOUR LIGHTING WITH YOUR LIFE
A rechargeable lamp does not have to live in one permanent spot. Move it from your desk to a bookshelf when work is over. Take it from the bedroom to the dining table when friends arrive. Carry it into a reading corner when you settle down with a book.
One lamp can perform several jobs without your furniture arrangement becoming a hostage to the wiring.
MAKE RENTED HOMES WORK HARDER
Portable lamps are brilliant for rented homes because they add useful light without changing fittings, drilling walls or calling an electrician.
When you move, your lighting simply comes with you.
TRANSFORM AWKWARD CORNERS
Every home has one. The empty corner that feels unfinished. The landing that becomes a cave after sunset. The shelf that looks lovely during the day and vanishes at night.
A portable lamp gives these spaces purpose, warmth and personality.
BRING ATMOSPHERE TO THE TABLE
Cordless table lamps are perfect for dining tables, kitchen islands and home bars because there is no cable running across the surface.
Use one lamp as a focal point or group several smaller lights to create an intimate, restaurant-style glow.
TAKE THE GLOW OUTSIDE
Portable lamps can add instant atmosphere to a garden table, balcony or patio on a dry evening.
Unless a product is specifically described as suitable for outdoor use, it should not be exposed to rain, damp conditions or left outside. Bring your lamp indoors when the party finishes, or when the British weather remembers who it is.
MEET THE LOVE FRANKIE PORTABLE LAMP FAMILY
Portable lighting is not one single shape or size. Choosing the right lamp begins with deciding where it will sit and what you need it to do.
SIGNATURE PORTABLE LAMPS
Our Signature Portable Lamps are the full fabric-wrapped showstoppers.
The fabric continues from the shade down the base, creating one beautifully bold column of colour and pattern. Choose from Love Frankie favourites including Helter Skelter stripes, Checkmate checkerboards, Acid Drops smileys, leopard prints, tropical velvets and tactile bouclé.
They are available in three sizes:
| NAME | OVERALL HEIGHT | SHADE SIZE | WIRED FLEX LENGTH | PERFECT FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shortie | 35cm | 20cm diameter x 25cm high | 1.5m flex with inline switch | Bedside tables, desks, shelves and smaller spaces |
| Midi | 52cm | 30cm diameter x 20cm high | 2m flex with inline switch | Side tables, consoles, reading corners and living rooms |
| Maxi | 112cm | 30cm diameter x 40cm high | 3m flex with floor switch | Hallways, living rooms, bedrooms and statement floor lighting |
Flex lengths apply to the wired versions only. Choose the rechargeable LED bulb option for completely cordless lighting.
EXPLORE LOVE FRANKIE PORTABLE LAMPS
GLOW LAMPS
Our Glow Lamps are the compact members of the portable lighting gang.
Small, low and extremely cheerful, these lamps are designed for bedside tables, shelves, desks, children’s rooms and little corners that need a quick hit of colour.
The light source sits within the shade, allowing the complete lamp to glow from within. Depending on the design, you can choose from stripes, smiley faces, checks, animal prints and other Love Frankie favourites.
Glow Lamps are available as cordless rechargeable lights or with a statement twisted flex and UK plug.
| NAME | OVERALL HEIGHT | SHADE SIZE | WIRED FLEX LENGTH | PERFECT FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glow Lamp | 20cm | 20cm diameter x 15cm high | 1.5m flex with inline switch | Bedside tables, shelves, desks, children’s rooms and cosy corners |
The Glow Lamp is available with a wired flex and UK plug or a rechargeable ES27 LED bulb for cordless lighting. Flex colour varies according to the design.
CORDLESS LAMPS WITH WOODEN BASES
Our wooden-base Cordless Lamps combine one of our handmade drum shades with a smooth plywood base.
Unlike the fabric-wrapped Signature Portable Lamps, these designs have a simple natural base that brings warmth and contrast to bold velvet, bouclé and printed shades.
They are available in two sizes.
| NAME | OVERALL HEIGHT | SHADE SIZE | WIRED FLEX LENGTH | PERFECT FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titch | 31cm | 20cm diameter x 24cm high | No flex, cordless only | Bedside tables, bookshelves, desks and smaller side tables |
| Tall | 44cm | 20cm diameter x 38cm high | No flex, cordless only | Consoles, sideboards, reading corners and larger side tables |
Both sizes include a 20cm diameter x 3cm high plywood base and a white ES27 bulb holder. Choose to add the Love Frankie rechargeable LED bulb, or supply your own compatible rechargeable ES27 bulb.
If you already own a compatible rechargeable ES27 bulb, you can order the lamp without one. Otherwise, add the Love Frankie bulb and you will receive everything needed to get glowing.
EXPLORE CORDLESS LAMPS WITH WOODEN BASES
CORDLESS OR WIRED: WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Many of our portable lamp designs are available in two formats. Neither is better. They simply suit different rooms and different ways of living.
CORDLESS AND RECHARGEABLE
Choose the rechargeable option if you want:
• No visible cable
• Freedom from nearby plug sockets
• Lighting that moves between rooms
• A lamp for shelves, dining tables or central surfaces
• Remote-controlled lighting
• Adjustable brightness
• A choice of three light temperatures
• A timer function
Cordless lighting is ideal when flexibility matters most.
WIRED WITH A UK PLUG
Choose the wired option if you want:
• Continuous power without recharging
• A lamp that will remain in one place
• A statement twisted fabric flex
• An inline or floor switch
• The freedom to choose your preferred ES27 bulb
• Lighting for longer periods of daily use
The wired version is supplied with a UK plug. It is not permanently hardwired into your home and does not require an electrician.
HOW DOES THE RECHARGEABLE BULB WORK?
Our cordless lamps use a rechargeable ES27 LED bulb.
The battery is contained inside the bulb itself, which means the lamp can operate without a power cable. Charge the bulb using the supplied USB cable, fit it into the ES27 bulb holder and use the remote control to adjust the light.
The Love Frankie rechargeable bulb includes:
• ES27 fitting
• Maximum wattage of 6W
• USB charging cable
• Remote control
• Dimmable brightness
• Timer function
• Warm white light
• Natural light
• White light
• Approximately 2 to 4 hours charging time
• Approximately 6 to 9 hours running time
• Estimated maximum life of 20,000 hours
Running time will vary depending on the brightness setting and how the bulb is used. A brighter setting will naturally use the charge more quickly than a lower, ambient glow.
The remote makes it easy to switch the lamp on and off, dim the light or change the colour temperature without handling the bulb.
Very useful when you are already horizontal on the sofa.
SHOP THE RECHARGEABLE LED BULB
WHAT COMES WITH THE WIRED VERSION?
Our wired Signature Portable Lamps are supplied with a white ES27 bulb holder, twisted fabric flex cable, on-off switch and UK plug.
| NAME | FLEX LENGTH | SWITCH | PLUG | BULB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glow Lamp | 1.5 metres | Inline switch | UK plug | Not included |
| Shortie | 1.5 metres | Inline switch | UK plug | Not included |
| Midi | 2 metres | Inline switch | UK plug | Not included |
| Maxi | 3 metres | Floor switch | UK plug | Not included |
You will need an ES27 large Edison screw bulb with a maximum wattage of 60W, or a 9W LED equivalent. We recommend choosing an LED bulb and always checking the product information before use.
The flex colour varies by design and is chosen to complement the fabric. It is part of the look, not something we expect you to hide apologetically behind a plant.
Glow Lamps are also available with a twisted flex, inline switch and UK plug. Please check the individual product page for the exact flex colour and length.
WHICH PORTABLE LAMP IS RIGHT FOR YOUR ROOM?
| SPACE | BEST LAMP | WHY IT WORKS |
|---|---|---|
| Bedside table | Glow Lamp, Titch or Shortie | Compact sizes that provide a soft glow without taking over the table |
| Bookshelf | Glow Lamp or Titch | Small footprints that sit easily between books, artwork and objects |
| Desk | Glow Lamp, Titch or Shortie | Adds atmosphere and decorative light to a workspace |
| Dining table or kitchen island | Cordless Glow Lamp, Titch or Shortie | No trailing cable, making it easy to position in the centre of the surface |
| Console or sideboard | Midi or Tall | Extra height creates balance above larger furniture and helps illuminate displays |
| Reading corner | Midi or Maxi | A substantial pool of light from table or floor level |
| Hallway or landing | Cordless Midi, Tall or Maxi | Adds warmth and useful light where plug sockets are often scarce |
| Dark living-room corner | Maxi | Creates height, colour and a generous glow without needing a permanent position |
For detailed reading or desk work, position the lamp carefully and use an additional directional task light where needed. Always leave enough space around the shade and bulb for safe ventilation.
DESIGN-LED LIGHTING
Practical lighting has spent far too long looking apologetic.
Love Frankie portable lamps are handmade to order in the UK using the same bold fabrics, rich textures and fearless colour combinations as our statement lampshades.
Choose from:
• Helter Skelter diagonal stripes
• Checkmate checkerboards
• Acid Drops smiley faces
• Wild Leopard Prints
• Tropical velvets
• Textured bouclé
Our lamps are designed to look just as good switched off as they do illuminated.
Because a lamp spends plenty of time sitting in your room during daylight. It should earn its place then too.
LIGHTING THAT MOVES WITH YOU
Portable lighting gives you more freedom to decorate your home around the way you actually live.
It reaches the corners that fixed lighting misses. It lets you create atmosphere without rewiring. It moves when the room changes, when friends arrive or when you simply decide the lamp would look better somewhere else.
Very sensible.
The fact that it can also be covered in pink checkerboard, acid-house smileys or enormous leopard print is where Love Frankie comes in.
Whether you choose a compact Glow Lamp, a wooden-base cordless design or a full-sized Maxi, every lamp is made to bring together practical light and unapologetic personality.
No plugs where you need them? No problem.
No interest in boring lighting? Even better.
SHOP ALL PORTABLE, CORDLESS AND RECHARGEABLE LAMPS
Because great lighting should never be stuck in one place.
Portable Lighting FAQs: Quick Answers
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between a portable lamp and a cordless lamp? | A portable lamp is designed to move easily between spaces. A cordless lamp is a type of portable lamp that works without a power cable. Many Love Frankie portable lamps are available either cordless and rechargeable or wired with a UK plug. |
| Do rechargeable lamps need to be plugged in? | Not while they are being used. The rechargeable bulb is charged using the supplied USB cable, then powers the lamp without a flex or plug. |
| How long does the rechargeable bulb take to charge? | Allow approximately 2 to 4 hours for a full charge. |
| How long does a rechargeable lamp stay lit? | The rechargeable bulb provides approximately 6 to 9 hours of use. Running time will vary depending on the brightness setting and how the lamp is used. |
| Is the rechargeable bulb included? | This depends on the product and option selected. Some lamps can be purchased with or without the bulb, while other listings allow you to choose between rechargeable and wired lighting. Please check your selected option before ordering. |
| Can I use my own rechargeable bulb? | Our wooden-base cordless lamps can be ordered without a bulb if you already own a suitable rechargeable ES27 bulb. Check its dimensions and instructions to ensure compatibility. |
| Can I buy a replacement rechargeable bulb? | Yes. The Love Frankie rechargeable ES27 LED bulb is available to purchase separately. |
| Are the rechargeable bulbs dimmable? | Yes. The included remote control allows you to adjust the brightness. |
| Can I change the colour of the light? | Yes. The rechargeable bulb offers warm white, natural light and white light settings, allowing you to change the atmosphere to suit the room or time of day. |
| Does the rechargeable bulb have a timer? | Yes. The timer function is operated using the included remote control. |
| What bulb does the wired version need? | The wired version requires an ES27 large Edison screw bulb. Use a maximum of 60W or a 9W LED equivalent, and always follow the guidance supplied with your lamp and bulb. |
| Does the wired version include a bulb? | No. The wired lamp includes an ES27 bulb holder, twisted flex, switch and UK plug, but the bulb is not supplied. |
| Can portable lamps be used outside? | They can be taken outside temporarily in dry weather, but should not be exposed to rain, moisture or damp conditions unless the product is specifically described as suitable for outdoor use. Bring the lamp indoors after use. |
| Are Love Frankie portable lamps handmade? | Yes. Our fabric shades and portable lamps are handmade to order by the Love Frankie team in the UK. |
| Which portable lamp size should I choose? | For shelves and bedside tables, consider a Glow Lamp, Titch or Shortie. For consoles and side tables, choose a Tall or Midi. For a statement floor lamp, choose the Maxi. Always compare the measurements with your space before ordering. |
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