“Plug-in lights are a great option for renters or anyone who cannot hardwire in the place they’d like to install their lights,” says Sheva Knopfler, co-founder and creative director of Lights.com. The right lamp, sconce, or fixture can not only enhance your decor, but also provide multi-directional lighting to fill out the shadows created by overheads. Keeping usefulness, design, cord length, and versatility in mind, we’ve found the best plug-in light fixtures for every room and budget. Our top choice is the Taylor Mini Pendant from Possini Euro Design, a sleek and versatile light with a generous 18-foot cord. Read on for the best plug-in lighting options. Thanks to the 18-foot power cord, you can hang this light fixture from almost anywhere—even a sloped ceiling. This plug-in light takes a standard bulb up to 100 watts (sold separately), and swag hooks are included to make installation even easier. Extra points for the white power cord, which won’t stand out over your decor. Price at time of publish: $80 The lightweight material makes it easier to hang, and thanks to the 15-foot power cord, you can install it nearly anywhere in your home. The power cord is white, so it should blend seamlessly with your home decor. When you order this lamp, you will also receive swag hooks to install it. The brand notes that it can be installed on sloped and vaulted ceilings, adding to the pendant light’s versatility. It takes a 60W Max E26 bulb, which is sold separately. Price at time of publish: $19 In addition to its aesthetic appearance, it has a practical and versatile cord length of 15 feet, and the height is adjustable too, so you can hang it according to your exact preference. It’s worth noting, however, that it should not be hung on a slanted or sloped ceiling. The other detail to keep in mind is that it doesn’t come with a bulb, so you’ll want to be ready with one when it arrives, so you don’t have to delay a minute before you start displaying it. Price at time of purchase: $399 Plus, unlike some styles, it can be mounted on sloped and slanted ceilings, and the hang height is adjustable, too. Just make sure you have an extra bulb on hand (E26 40W) since it doesn’t come with one. Price at time of purchase: $50 Partial assembly is required, but it should be pretty quick. All you have to do is mount it to your wall, screw in a bulb, and plug it in—no electrician is needed. We also appreciate that it’s UL listed for safety. It takes a Type A 60W bulb, which is not included. Pair this with vintage, mid-century modern, or industrial decor. Price at time of publish: $70 One downside we can see to this option, however, is the shorter cord length. Seven feet may make placement tricky based on your home’s layout. And while it is compatible with a dimmer switch, the kit is sold separately. Price at time of publish: $22 You can mount the backplate directly to your wall without hardwiring it. This wall lamp has a brown 8-foot power cord, so it’s easy to plug in right next to your bed. There is also a handy cord cover to provide a more polished look, but you’ll have to buy it separately. It takes a standard 60W bulb, but you’ll also have to purchase that separately. Price at time of publish: $160 The golden metallic color paired with the creamy painted metal shade makes for an elevated vibe—but if that’s not the exact color combination you’re after, you might want to look elsewhere since no other variations are offered. One other potential downside is that some shoppers did express disappointment in the lightweight construction, expecting more sturdy for the price. Still, for its perfect arch and adjustable neck, we think it’s a worthy choice. Price at time of purchase: $119 This light comes with a long-lasting, energy-efficient LED bulb and has a built-in dimmer switch. Like the light, the cord is white, so it shouldn’t take away from the overall decor. IKEA does sell cord covers, so you can find an option to cover it if it still bothers you. It measures 8 feet, 2 inches, so you shouldn’t have trouble plugging it into an outlet. Price at time of publish: $35 While it doesn’t provide the brightest illumination, the Arpeggio is an excellent accent light with a built-in dimmer. The white power cord is 7.5 feet long, so it should easily plug into nearby outlets. If not, you can remedy any length issues with an extension cord. While it costs over $100, it’s 3D-printed and energy-efficient, making it well worth it. Price at time of publish: $148 Speaking of the sparkle, we do want to point out that the luxe-looking beads are made of acrylic and not glass. This surely contributes to the fair price and lightweight structure of the piece, but it’s worth keeping in mind. This is an easy and stylish addition to your home (with partial assembly required), as opposed to an heirloom. Price at time of publish: $58 You’ll need to buy a bulb separately, and since there’s no shade, we recommend finding something relatively warm and dim, like an Edison-style bulb (although this style isn’t as bright as other options). It’s very easy to install with the included swag hooks, and it can hang on sloped or vaulted ceilings. As a bonus, this light is compatible with a dimmer switch, so you can change the level of light whenever you want. Price at time of publish: $40
Cord Length
For the best results, ensure the cord on your plug-in light fixture is long enough to reach an existing electrical outlet. You can always add an extension cord if it’s too short, but this can quickly create unwanted cord clutter—leading to a trip hazard or an unappealing look. When it comes to safety, however, plug-in lighting rarely presents a hazard. “As long as your wires are not exposed and your outlet is safe, you should not have any danger,” Knopfler says.
Cord Color
When buying a plug-in chandelier, pendant light, or sconce, keep in mind that the cord will be visible. Pendant lights with visible cords can become a design feature that lends a graphic or industrial look to your space, with black cords strung up and draped or knotted stylishly on a swag hook. Wall sconces hung on white walls might look best with white cords that will blend in and keep the focus on the light fixture. Or you can look for plug-in lights with customizable cord options in metallics and bright colors.
Versatility
Plug-in lighting is less of a commitment than hardwired lighting, since it doesn’t need to connect to an electrical box and can transfer to other places easily. Epstein says this makes it “especially helpful in a temporary residence.” With that in mind, look for plug-in lighting versatile enough to use in another location so you can take it with you when you move.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Theresa Holland, a commerce writer specializing in home improvement, design solutions, and decor. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. She also consulted two experts for this story: co-founder and creative director of Lights.com, Sheva Knopfler, and lead interior designer Alex Epstein, of Purple Cherry Architects. With pointers from these pros in mind, we considered dozens of plug-in lighting options, narrowing them down to functional, versatile designs for every room and budget. If you’re installing a sconce, you’ll need to mount it to the wall before plugging the power cord into an outlet. You might add a ceiling medallion to give a plug-in chandelier a more polished finish. The Spruce’s Dena Ogden contributed additional research. With nearly 10 years of writing under her belt, her specialties include lifestyle, commerce, and culture topics.
