When it comes to setting a vibe, looking your best or simply making your place feel more luxurious, the smartest and easiest thing you can do is turn off “the big light.” You know, the large overhead light that maybe came with your place. You didn't choose it and all it does is provide harsh, surgical-level illumination from above.

Instead, go for smaller lamps, scattered around your room that provide warm pockets of light, at the right scale and in the right direction. Of course, there are spots where some light would be nice, but you don't have the clearance for a wire or an outlet to plug it in. That's where a new breed of lamps comes in clutch. Portable LED lamps have become something of a trend—and for good reason.

Untethered and available to be placed anywhere—including outside—these handsome light sources provide optimal freedom, not to mention plenty of light right where you need it. Use them for desk or task lamps, add some style and extra visibility to your kitchen counter or take them out to your balcony or backyard for dinner and drinks after sunset. We love working them into spots where lights wouldn't normally work (without the skilled wiring of an electrician), like tucked into a bookcase or bar cart and placed in the center of a room, like on the coffee table. No wires to worry about.

Most are rechargeable and will provide power for the better part of a week before needing to be juiced up. And best of all, they come in a wide range of styles and colors, to suit the personality of your place. Really, the most challenging part is finding the right one for your personal style. We've collected some of the coolest styles to help you out.