LED lighting is available as functional indoor lighting, atmospheric LED table lamps, battery-powered lights and decorative string lights. With so much choice, comparing products isn’t always easy. A lamp may look appealing, but could still be unsuitable because of a short battery life, the wrong light colour or limited protection against moisture.
These buying tips will help you quickly identify which specifications matter and which LED light is right for your needs.
Wattage mainly tells you how much energy a lamp uses. It doesn’t tell you directly how much light you’ll get. So check the number of lumens too. For example, a 210-lumen table lamp is designed for focused or ambient lighting, not to light an entire room.
Fewer lumens may be enough for a cupboard, bedside table or decorative corner. For a worktop or dark storage space, you’ll usually need brighter, more focused light.
A cordless lamp is practical, but its run time depends on factors including battery capacity, brightness and the mode you choose. Check the following:
If a product uses AA batteries, also check whether they’re included. For example, 3 AA batteries of 1.5 V are not included with the M.TK string lights.
A product with an IP rating isn’t automatically suitable for every type of weather. In practice, IP44 means protection against splashing water and solid particles of a certain size. The product shouldn’t be left standing in puddles for long periods or exposed to heavy, unprotected rain.
A lamp rated IP20 is designed for dry indoor spaces. The Helio table lamps fall into this category, so they’re not suitable for a balcony, a very damp bathroom or outdoor use.
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin:
A lamp with several colour temperatures is more versatile. The 40 cm cabinet light offers warm white, daylight and cool white. You can adjust the setting to suit a wardrobe, kitchen shelf or bedroom.
Measure the space before you buy. A 40 cm cabinet light won’t necessarily fit under every shelf. Also check:
The 30 cm version of the cabinet light is 10 mm thick and, according to the product description, is attached with tape. This is handy for narrow shelves, but the surface must be clean, dry and flat.
A PIR sensor responds to movement within its stated range. According to the product specifications, the cabinet lights have a detection range of 3 to 5 metres. That means you won’t have to keep searching for a switch.
A dimmer is often more useful on a table lamp. The Helio lamps have a 3-step touch dimmer, 210 lumens and a warm 3,000K light colour. Check whether the LED light source can be replaced, though. The integrated LED in these models is not replaceable.
Why it suits this type of user: This set includes two compact lights for a cupboard, shelf or wardrobe. The USB-rechargeable battery and drill-free installation make setup easy.
The specifications list the dimensions, PIR sensor, charging voltage and battery capacity. That way, you know what you’re buying in advance instead of relying on the word ‘cordless’ alone.
Two 30 cm lights, 41 LEDs, three colour temperatures and a built-in 1100mAh battery.
Why it suits this type of user: This compact LED table lamp combines a metal and plastic body with cordless convenience. Its warm 3000K light is ideal for a sideboard, side table or dining table.
The product information specifies 210 lumens, 2W power, IP20 and an integrated 18650 lithium-ion battery. This clearly defines both the light output and where the lamp can be used.
210 lumens, 3-step touch dimming, USB-A connection and a height of approximately 21 cm.
Why it suits this type of user: These battery-powered lights are designed for decorating a party, garden or balcony, or for seasonal occasions. Their 8.3-metre length gives you plenty of ways to arrange them.
The string lights are specified as having 100 LEDs, a cool white colour temperature of 6500K, eight lighting modes and an IP44 rating. Keep the battery holder and connections away from standing water.
8.3-metre length, 100 LEDs, eight lighting modes with memory function and splash protection to the stated IP44 rating.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Lifespan varies by model and conditions of use. Check the manufacturer’s information about the LED module and battery. With a lamp that has an integrated LED, such as the Helio table lamp, the light source isn’t designed to be replaced by the user. Battery capacity and the number of charging cycles also determine how long the cordless function remains practical to use.
LED lighting generally uses little power, but the total running costs depend on wattage, hours of use and the power source. A 2W lamp uses less energy than a 10W lamp over the same number of hours. When comparing battery-powered lights, remember to factor in the cost of disposable batteries or recharging.
No. Always check the IP rating and safety information. A product rated IP20 is designed for dry indoor spaces. String lights rated IP44 may be suitable for decorative outdoor use where they could be splashed, but they must be protected from submersion, standing water and prolonged exposure to heavy rain.