14 Cordless Wall Lighting Ideas To Brighten Your Home

There's a popular trend on social media about bemoaning the ceiling light, which some creators have begun to jokingly call "The Big Light." The trend gets at the idea that turning on "The Big Light" can make a room feel too bright, which is overstimulating and provides far less comfort and ambiance as compared to simply having calming light coming from lower sources in the room. In order to accomplish a more comfortable lighting situation, it's a great idea to invest in some wall lights that can brighten up your room. But if those lights have cords, this can cause a cluttered look, which is why cordless, battery-operated wall lights may be the best option.

Below, we've gathered together some of the best cordless wall lighting options so you can add brightness without hanging more lights from your ceiling. This method is cost-effective, too: typically, a new ceiling light costs a homeowner an average of $568 due to the cost of the fixture plus any electrical work. With these selections, you can reduce your budget dramatically while also ensuring that installation is a breeze. Furthermore, some of these choices are great options for renters who can't drill into their walls, as they attach with an adhesive backing. 

If your main focus is function, there are plenty of simple, chic, and cordless wall sconces on the market that will give you exactly what you desire. For instance, Costco's cordless wall sconces are easy to install and will provide an extra burst of light to any modern home. Some of these sconces, including those from Costco, also come with multiple brightness settings, so you can control exactly how illuminated your space is based on the time of day and ambiance needs. 

With a rotating sconce, you can add a personalized lamp to your wall that's perfect for reading or setting the spotlight on your favorite decor so that it shines in a whole new way. If you placed one (or two) of these above your bed, for instance, you would be able to adjust the position of the light according to your needs. The Koopala LED Rotating Sconces are a great option for renters, as you can stick the backing to just about any surface and enjoy hours of rechargeable LED lighting. The light also comes with different temperature settings including warm white, natural light, and white light.

If you want to add some texture and warmth to your space, consider using full fabric wall sconces. Fabric sconces are ideal for minimalist, modern, and bohemian interior design styles, but because they have such a simple and streamlined look, they could work in just about any home. If you like this option, check out the PRTILOUD Battery Operated Wall Sconces, which come loaded with rechargeable batteries. With these, you use a remote control to turn them on and off as well as adjust the dimness and color. 

Of course, if you don't want to opt for a sconce, you can always go with battery-operated fairy lights that are controlled by remote to add a trail of light around your walls. There are many different types of fairy lights available, from ones with flexible wires and tiny lights to color-changing options or ones with large bulbs. With the flexible types, you could twist the wires into special designs or loop them around features like a railing or mantle so that they form to your space more organically. 

For an unconventional wall sconce that provides a lot of light, consider one that doesn't feature a shade but that completely illuminates. This will provide more light to a larger space instead of pointing the light towards a specific direction. A good example is the STOFTMOLN LED ceiling/wall lamp from IKEA which can go on walls or ceilings, adding a burst of light to any space. The STOFTMOLN is compatible with IKEA's smart home products. You could buy a handful of these lights, place them all around a room, and control them with the same handheld device all at once. 

For extra functionality, you can get LED lights that are activated by motion, perfect for places like staircases or basements. They can also be used to provide safety as night lights in a hallway, as they'll automatically turn on when someone gets up to use the bathroom. The Cornesty Night Light Motion Sensored Wall Lamps turn on whenever they detect movement within 13 feet. These types of lights can also help save money on electricity, since they will only stay on if they detect movement. 

Create a gorgeous vintage look when you use a wall sconce with a glass lampshade that's in the shape of a flower. These are perfect for cottagecore, maximalist, vintage, and glamorous styles. One example is the Shenmoyl Vintage Battery Operated Wall Sconce with Amber Tulip Glass Lampshade that provides light softening and refractory effects. The head also rotates so you can light up any part of the wall or room. You can switch the light bulb color between warm, natural, and cold lighting and select amber, pink, green, or a colorless lamp shade. 

If you don't want to spend any money on a cordless wall sconce, make your own with an easy DIY that illuminates mason jars to light up your home. You can use decorative items to adorn the empty jar, but just leave enough transparency in the jar so that the light is able to shine through. Then, place fairy lights in the jar, being sure to hide the battery pack in the center for the best look. Once you're done, hang the jars on the wall to illuminate dark corners.

To create a ultra-modern look and stray away from ornate elaborate sconces, opt for long, skinny types like the KARTOOSH Battery Operated Wall Sconces. These lights allow for a 350-degree adjustment so you can display the light bar in whatever direction you want — either vertically along a window or horizontally above a painting or bookcase. The battery-operated sconces are controlled by remote and touch, so you can turn them on and off with just a quick tap. If you're wanting a high-end look without spending too much money, this may be a great option.

Want to make a personalized sconce that adds character to your home and looks high-end? Discover how to DIY a stunning wall sconce on a budget with the IKEA VARIERA plastic bag dispenser. You'll simply attach a remote-controlled puck light inside, cover the exterior with your fabric of choice using hot glue, add any embellishments like fringe or other decorative items, and attach it to your wall. The light will shine through the fabric, casting a warm glow over your space.

Already have an old sconce that perhaps no longer works, or just don't want to have to do any electrical work to create illumination in your space? Simply hang the sconce like normal and place a puck light inside it. You'll want the puck light to be battery-operated and remote-controlled so that you can easily turn the light on and off. Also ensure the light isn't showing to maintain an elegant look in your home. If you want to create a unique look, choose a puck light with color-changing features.

If you're going for a farmhouse-chic look, choose a wall sconce with a rounded metal shade, like the Bailoch Vintage Rechargeable Battery Operated Wall Sconces. The black and gold color combination means that these sconces could also work for other interior design styles like modern or glam as well. These lights have multiple brightness settings, so you can make the lighting warmer or colder based on how you want to set the mood in the room you're in. The lightbulbs are rechargeable and easy to install, making this a great option for those who want to keep things simple.

Really want to make a statement with an unexpected wall lighting option? Consider getting a custom light made that spells out whatever you desire. For instance, you could choose the AKOLENM Custom LED Neon Signs, which come in various font, color, and battery options. You'll have to pay a bit extra to make sure it's remote-controlled and battery-powered so that you avoid the hassle of placing it near an outlet or hardwiring your space, but it's worth it in the long run to be able to take this sign wherever you want. 

To light up your rooms while also putting a spotlight on your art, use horizontal painting lights like the FULEN Picture Lights for Wall. These can emulate sunlight and offer warm brightness to your walls, giving your paintings the exact type of lighting they need to thrive. Like others on the list, these lights are rechargeable and you can use a sleek remote that allows you to dim them. They come with sticky tape on the back so it's not hard to place them right where they need to be and remove them when you move. They can also be tilted so you can adjust exactly where the light shines.