Five Clever Ways to Use Rechargeable Bulbs

Improving the lighting in your home can make things more comfortable, and can even make dark areas safer, but adding lights without wiring can be expensive. Although there are some areas where adding a wired fixture is the best option, there are lots of places where you can use a wireless, rechargeable bulb or lamp instead of opting for an expensive wiring project. Here are some great uses for wireless light bulbs, and some of the best to choose from.

Emergency preparedness

One of the best uses for rechargeable lighting is in case of a power outage. Having an emergency light source built into your home can allow you to keep the lights on even when the power is out; rechargeable bulbs can also be used independently from a fixture as a flashlight or lantern. The best battery backup bulbs can be charged by putting them in a light socket for a conventional lamp or lighting fixture to charge. While the power is on, these bulbs will charge via the power source that the socket is using, but in case of an outage, the battery backup can be used to turn them on for up to 5 hours of light at about the same intensity as a conventional 60-watt bulb.

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You don't necessarily have to wire a new fixture to add light to a dark staircase or an area where people are likely to trip in the dark. Add some rechargeable lighting using a battery-operated light with a switch that can be installed without the need for a wired fixture, or you can use a rechargeable tap light to illuminate danger areas. These options cost between $20 and $35, so they're a major savings compared to adding wiring and fixtures.

Make any lamp cordless

A rechargeable light bulb can turn any lamp into a cordless one. Rather than rewiring an old or thrifted lamp, or running cords for a bedside table light, you can use a rechargeable bulb. Most rechargeable bulbs are pretty similar, but you should look for a dimmable one with at least a four-hour battery life to avoid charging for longer than the life of the bulb between uses. These bulbs don't need to be attached to a socket to function, and they recharge using a USB-C cable, allowing you to remove them from the fixture and use them as a light source wherever you like.

Create your own light out of anything

Because rechargeable bulbs don't need a socket to work, you can hang them anywhere, or turn almost any object into a lamp or light sculpture. Some rechargeable bulbs are also color-changing, and come with detachable, magnetic globes, making them great for creating mood lighting that doesn't need to be plugged in. You can place the charged bulbs in a vase, in an arrangement of spheres in a centerpiece, or in a jar or other container.

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In some cases, running power to a dark area is more trouble than it's worth. Garages, basements, and closets can all be spots where you might wish you had a little extra light, but don't have the wiring to add any, and a rechargeable bulb or fixture can be an inexpensive solution. When choosing the location of your rechargeable light, keep in mind that it will periodically need to come down to be recharged-so hanging them in an accessible place is a good move.