Are struggling to light up your floating furniture layout?

Tricky rooms with awkward architecture, like multiple doorways or competing focal points, often have furniture floating in the center of the room, or at least away from walls. This is because floating configurations are usually the best solutions for your room’s traffic flow and for positioning furniture towards a focal point.

Maybe you've tried running cords along the floor or relying solely on overhead lighting, but nothing seems to work quite right.

Without easy access to power outlets, it can be a real hassle to create the ambiance you want in your home, right?

Here’s the good news: there are a ton of battery-operated and rechargeable lighting solutions that can help your no outlet lighting challenges, so you can create a cozy and inviting space.

With the right lighting, you can transform your floating furniture layout into a warm and welcoming spot for relaxation, socializing, or whatever else you have in mind. Whether you want to read a book, watch a movie, or just unwind after a long day, these innovative tricks offer plenty of options to help you achieve your desired effect.

Say goodbye to tangled cords, awkwardly placed lamps, and limited lighting options!

Embrace the freedom and flexibility of battery-powered and rechargeable lights and discover a whole new world of creative possibilities for lighting up your space without relying on plugs and awkwardly placed cords.

1. Battery-Operated Lamps:

Battery-operated lamps are a great option for lighting up your floating furniture layout.

These lamps come in various sizes and styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage. Simply insert the batteries, and you're good to go. Some battery-operated lamps even come with a timer feature, allowing you to control when the light turns on and off, so good!

This stylish floor lamp is a great reading or accent light. It’s modern, clean lines, unfussy. I can see it working in any style of room, which means it’s very versatile.

How great would it be to have no messy cords strung across the floor. With this lamp, that’s the reality! No eyesores to contend with.

I picture this lamp as a fun accent.

The mushroom lamps of the 70’s have made a HUGE comeback in the last couple of years. This one is so fun and retro looking.

What a great accent for a small hall table or dark nook without a power source.

Yes, this lamp is marketed as an “outdoor” lamp. But, if you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ll know that I’m a fan of using pieces in different ways. In this case, I think this lamp is so pretty and it definitely can be used as a table lamp inside as well as outside.

The concrete gives it an “industrial” edge, but the shape is eclectic. I can see it going in a transitional room or outside on the patio for a classy and sophisticated feel.

2. Rechargeable Lamps:

Rechargeable lamps are another excellent option for lighting up your floating furniture layout.

These can be charged via USB or a power bank, allowing you to use them for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.

Many rechargeable lamps also feature dimming capabilities, giving you full control over the brightness of the light.

This lamp is so pretty. It has a timeless shape and a beautiful crackle glaze finish. It also comes in black, for a modern and sleek look.

It’s also one of the rechargeable options and can light a room for 32 hours on a single charge!

That’s enough time to read “War and Peace.” Well, maybe not… But that’s plenty of time to squeeze in a long weekend of movie nights and a get together with friends!

3. Portable Power Bank:

If you're using plug-in lamps, a portable power bank is a must-have device.

These handy gadgets allow you to charge your lamps, phones, or other wireless accessories on the go, without the need for a power outlet.

Simply charge the power bank ahead of time, and you'll have enough power to keep your lamps running for hours.

What if you want to use your own plug-in lamps?

Well, this is one of my favorite hacks for using corded lamps without power outlets.

Power banks are great for camping trips or remote cabins without power. But they’re also great for using in the house when you have a seating configuration in the middle of the room and no floor outlets.

With an AC adapter plug, you’ll be able to plug in a table or floor lamp with the power cord and use the light as you normally would.

Power banks are usually small and will fit discreetly behind a table, or under a sofa. So, give this one a try and use your favorite lamps as they’re intended!

Here’s another power bank option, marketed to busy traveling professionals.

It’s a super handy gadget to take on trips, especially in countries with different power plugs and adapters. But this can easily serve the same function as the last one.

This one is so small you could even hide in under a lamp with an open base.

This option isn’t wireless or cord free, but I think it’s a much better option than an extension cord. Say you have one power outlet and it’s far away from the seating arrangement…

Well, with this extending outlet, you’ll be able to run power without having to have a bunch of messy cords laying across the floor.

(On a side note, in my last post I talked about creating a faux wall for my TV focal point.)

I’d like to mount my TV to this wall and having a power source like this that I can install discretely behind the TV is going to be perfect.

I can hide the cord behind the faux wall and have power to the TV without a surface conduit. Perfect!

4. Rechargeable Light Bulbs:

If you're looking for an easy way to add light to your floating layout, consider using rechargeable light bulbs.

These bulbs can be charged up via USB or a standard light socket and can be used with any lamp or light fixture.

Some rechargeable light bulbs even have remote control features, allowing you to adjust the brightness and color of the light with a click of a button.

How about a completely self-contained light source?

These light bulbs are great if you want to use a bulb in different ways. You can place this inside a glass container and instantly turn it into a lamp.

Maybe you’d like to create your own wall sconce, pendant light or lantern. A rechargeable light bulb is just the thing to help you stretch your creative muscles!

This bulb will actually light up with a metal binder clip attached to the plug prongs.

What?? I know, science!

How great is that though?

You can let the cord fall to the floor or fold it up close to the lamp base with the clip attached and have light anywhere you need it to be.

5. Rechargeable Wall Sconces:

Wall sconces are a great way to add light to your floating furniture layout without taking up floor space.

Rechargeable wall sconces are even better, because you can install them anywhere without worrying about electrical wiring or power outlets.

Many rechargeable wall sconces come with adhesive strips, magnets or mounting brackets, making them easy to install and remove.

If you're looking for a stylish and functional lighting solution for your floating furniture layout, why not try using battery-powered hanging pendants?

They come in lots of shapes and sizes, from sleek and minimalist to bold and colorful. Simply hang them from the ceiling using a hook or a mounting bracket, and you'll have a beautiful and practical light source for your space.

I liked these sconces because they can literally go anywhere. They’re small but they throw a ton of light at 3 different intensity levels.

They’re also USB rechargeable.

The best is that they can swivel 360 degrees so you can shine light anywhere you need it. They can be task lights, up-lights, and spotlights. So versatile!

I wanted to see if there was an Edison style bulb that was battery operated or rechargeable.

I found this one on Wayfair and it seemed to be the right look.

I was searching for a bulb alone, so that you could put it a lamp or pendant, but alas, ‘twas not to be. However, this one is a self contained and stylish.

It’s marketed as an outdoor pendant, but don’t let that stop you… It’s a great option for interior use as well.

So, lighting up a floating furniture layout without a power outlet is not as challenging as it may seem. And, with these newer innovations, it’s getting better all the time!

With the variety of battery-operated and rechargeable lighting solutions available today, you can easily create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your space.

Whether you choose to use battery-operated lamps, rechargeable wall sconces, or portable power banks, the key is to experiment with different lighting options until you find the ones that work best for you.

So, go ahead and brighten up your floating furniture layout today!

Now it’s your turn, have you struggled with lighting up a floating layout in your house? How about a dark, gloomy corner that has no power outlet?

What have you tried that’s worked well? Do you think one of these solutions could be better?

Leave me a comment below and tell me all about it!

Join the Fun!

If you enjoyed this post and you want to keep seeing my weekly blog, the best way to do that is to subscribe.

You can subscribe by downloading my 11 Secrets Only Designers Know to Make Your Space Rock. If you’re curious about how decorators and designers make a home look magazine ready, you’ll love taking a gander at these 11 secrets. You’ll learn how to style your room from the floor up and it will work for ANY space you have.

I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

I’d love to connect with you!

“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”

— Karen B.

“Michael was very knowledgeable and guided us, with great patience and good humor, through the process of designing our dining room and helping us find the perfect sleeper sofa. He offered really helpful advice when we asked questions - which was often - but at no time did we ever feel pushed. He helped me when I felt like I couldn’t make one more decision. When my new furniture finally arrived I realized everything down to the pillows was perfect. I couldn’t be happier!”

— Sarah H.

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.

Blog