14 Ways To Add Light To Your Home Without Hiring An Electrician

From wireless and magnetic to solar-powered and battery-operated, these bulbs are low-investment and easy to install.

Skye Sherman is a freelance writer with more than six years of experience covering travel, transit, and all things Florida. As a (rare) fourth-generation Floridian, she has intimate knowledge of America's zaniest state. Her keen insight has been shared in publications such as Travel+Leisure, USA Today, Atlas Obscura, The Epoch Times, and many more. She is also a contributing writer and occasional contributing editor at Palm Beach Illustrated, the leading luxury lifestyle publication of South Florida, where she resides. Though she travels with her husband on a regular basis, she calls West Palm Beach home when she's not jetting off to explore.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Good lighting makes a world of difference in the look and feel of any space. If yours is dim and poorly lit, it can affect everything from curb appeal to your overall mood. But rewiring (or hiring an electrician to do so) can be a daunting task that demands more time and money than you’re willing to invest. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some of the best (and easiest) ways to add light to your house, no electrician needed.

From wireless and magnetic to solar-powered and battery-operated, these affordable home upgrades and lighting solutions are impactful, easy-to-install, and relatively low investment with prices starting just under $30.

Lumens

No, it's really not recessed lighting! Though it provides all the illumination power of a recessed fixture, this low-sitting light can be easily mounted to a ceiling to provide extra brightness in rooms and hallways. There's a sleek aluminum ring with an opaque acrylic diffuser plate to give all the light with none of the glare.

Price at time of publish: $77

Amazon

Your house can feel as fancy as a museum with the addition of this wireless battery-powered picture light. Not only can you rotate the light tube, it's also dimmable and you can set a timer to power it on or off (or operate it using a remote control). It's a lovely way to highlight your artwork, photos, shelf spaces, or even plaques and awards you want to show off.

Price at time of publish: $33

Amazon

The right wall sconce can really jazz up a place, but they can be a pain to install, especially if your room wasn't set up for them when it was still in the building stages. With this dimmable, battery-operated wall sconce, you can get the look with none of the hassle; there's no wiring or electrical work required. You will have to drill a hole and work with a few screws to get these mounted, but the minimal trouble is worth the elevated look they bring to a room. A wall sconce is especially lovely as a reading light or in an office, vanity, or bedroom.

Price at time of publish: $110

Amazon

These cordless table lamps work well on bookshelves, on a table, or even in a bedroom, and are perfect for entertaining thanks to the metal touch button adjustment that allows you to alter the lighting strength as you please from three different options. They can blend into almost any decor and have up to 20 hours of battery life. Wherever you want light, you can have it, even if there's no electrical socket in sight.

Price at time of publish: $64

Lights.com

Want to illuminate a pathway, flower bed, or patio without committing to an entire landscaping redo? These LED solar lights made of weather-resistant matte black stainless steel are a modern, minimalist answer to exteriors that could use a little extra light. Best of all, the installation couldn't be easier: They have rechargeable batteries and can be placed anywhere you can stick in a ground spike.

Price at time of publish: $70

Lights.com

These solar-powered outdoor lantern wall sconces are about as hands-off and hassle-free as you can get since they charge themselves and automatically turn on at dusk. They have nautical vibes but could work in a variety of home design schemes. Installation is easy with the mounting brackets and included hardware and they work as fence lights, wall sconces on a patio or porch, or around any exterior spaces, including a camper.

Price at time of publish: $30

Lights.com

Need a light for (almost) anywhere at any time? This versatile option goes wherever you put it, from an outdoor table to a patio, front entrance, stairs, and beyond. The open-frame design couldn't be simpler and yet it exudes an elegance that will instantly elevate whatever space you place it in. Plus, there's no need to worry about whether you’ve left it lit! While the candle looks remarkably realistic, it's actually a single LED powered by a discreet battery box hidden in the base. You can use the timer feature to ensure guests always feel welcome, even when they turn up unexpectedly.

Price at time of publish: $35

Amazon

String lights are one of the most eye-pleasing ways to make an outdoor space somewhere you’ll want to spend time, no matter where the sun is in the sky. This heavy-duty weatherproof option can go anywhere you need some added illumination, from a porch to an outdoor awning, and are dimmer compatible so you can set the mood accordingly.

Price at time of publish: $32

Lights.com

You might find it hard to believe this track lighting isn't really hardwired track lighting, but in this case, "too good to be true" is true indeed. Made of steel and finished in satin nickel or brushed brass, this fixture allows you to swivel the sockets for precise lighting and is easy to install to add some extra brightness to your kitchen, hallway, or living room.

Price at time of publish: $149

Amazon

Dim hallways or closets are not exceptionally welcoming places to be (or to organize and store your stuff). Solve that problem with this mountable light that has a built-in rechargeable battery. A 10-hour charge with the included USB cable will get you up to 3 months of uninterrupted use. It's super bright and can illuminate even places without electricity, such as basements, sheds, and more.

Price at time of publish: $35

Amazon

Step lights can make your home feel like you’ve done a major upgrade without spending a fortune. There are three different color temperatures to choose from and they can light your way along stairs from the front entrance of your home to the basement below. Best on patios, decks, and stairways, these step lights will add a whole new dimension to any space you mount them.

Price at time of publish: $54

Amazon

Want a glowing, ambient kitchen without the headache of a renovation or rewiring project? These light strips that you can mount on the underside of cabinets will do the trick. The soft lighting is great for cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms as well as stairways and other underlit places. It's super easy to install with an ultra-thin magnetic strip that you simply stick wherever you want the lighting to be.

Price at time of publish: $27

Amazon

These beautiful fixtures have an antique feel but don't require a trip to a thrift store. You can use them almost anywhere you need a little extra lighting, from hallways and stairs to fireplaces, bathrooms, and even beside your headboard. A modern yet classic pick, these sconces are intended to be hardwired but you can opt to put remote control LED puck lights in each of the shades instead.

Price at time of publish: $86

Lights.com

Floor lamps are a foolproof way to add more light to your home since all you have to do is plug them in, but because they take up precious floor space, you must choose them wisely. This fabulous, mid-century-inspired tripod floor lamp will make any space feel instantly more stylish and inviting. The warm satin brass finish and fabric drum shade are understated yet stunning, and it could work as an eye-catching addition to your home office, a corner lighting solution for a cozy reading nook, or in a pair on each end of your living room couch.

Price at time of publish: $199