With portable lamps only growing in popularity, Indesign takes a look at six lamps that could serve as the finishes touches on your next project.
With strong battery lives, variability and designer style, it’s little wonder why portable lamps have been growing in popularity across the residential and commercial design markets. The newly launched, portable Flowerpot lamp by &Tradition from Cult is a prime example of how and why portable lamps are becoming increasingly coveted by designers and design lovers far and wide.
The Flowerpot lamp by Verner Panton was first unveiled in 1968, and quickly became a must-have in the world of lighting. The following decades only saw its design become more iconic and in 2021 this design is now available for the first time as a portable piece.
The Flowerpot lamp is a vividly coloured item that embodies the experimental attitude of renowned mid-century designer, Verner Panton. Reimagined by Danish design brand &Tradition, this iconic modernist design is now available as a portable lamp suitable for indoor and outdoor use – exclusively from Cult

Lightweight and cordless, this new iteration of the Flowerpot lamp is intended to function as a multifunction piece, able to easily transition from bedside to dining table to terrace. Flexible by nature, the Flowerpot Portable features a dimmer which allows for three different light settings, dependent on the mood.
The new portable Flowerpot lamp is a definite highlight in Cult’s offerings of portable lamps – but the trend is not exclusive to &Tradition’s reissue of Panton’s classic design. The team at Cult have curated an iconic collection of portable lamps that are suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Here are a few that we covet the most.
The Como SC53 is a charming mushroom shaped portable lamp crafted from anodized aluminium. Designed by Space Copenhagen, Como’s sturdy base tapers up towards a softy curved, mushroom-shaped cap. The battery-powered lamp can operate for nine hours at the highest setting, with an extra battery option that allows additional operating.
Recalling the classic shape of a hand held lantern, the elegant Lucca lamp was named for its design inspiration – the golden glow of the Tuscan city of Lucca. Mimicking the warmth of the city’s nocturnal light, Lucca easily transitions from indoors to outside use, operating for up to 12 hours before needing to be charged.
Seta is the Spanish word for mushroom, and that was the design inspiration for this portable lamp. Diminutive and cute, this quirky table lamp can be placed anywhere inside or out. The discreet gold dimmer and a stylish upward curve on brim make add an elegance to the lamp.
Pierre Charpin’s PC Portable Lamp from HAY is a refined example of contemporary portable lamps – suitable for indoor and outdoor use alike. Constructed using a robust plastic and featuring a matte scratch and water resistant finish, its battery-powered design gives the freedom and flexibility to move it anywhere. Available in a variety of colours and in both downlight and ambient output varieties, PC is suitable for residential projects as well as at cafés, restaurants and other public areas.
This Louis Poulsen portable lamp lights up any space harmoniously and without glare. The portable table lamp is available in opal, and the transparency of the shade and the reflection of the downward light on the inner side of the shade provides a gentle light and subtle ambience.
The popularity of portable lamps speaks to the trend of modularity and variability in contemporary design. The appeal of being able to move light around a space – indoor or out – is clear for the end-user, but as designers these lamps offer a huge amount of freedom too. Cult’s broad selection of portable lamps ensure any project can benefit from their use.
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