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Plug-in and no-hardwire lighting for renters

Most lighting guides assume you can rewire. Renters can't — so every pick here plugs into an existing socket or runs on battery power, no electrician required.

Best overall: Argos Rayner Plug-In Wall Light — ~£19

Black or brass finish, plugs straight into an existing socket — mounts to the wall like a hardwired fixture but needs no electrical work at all.

Step-up pick: Dunelm Fulton Plug-In Wall Light — RRP ~£32

Rustic pine finish, 1.8m cable. Often discounted in Dunelm sales — worth checking the live price before buying rather than assuming RRP.

No socket nearby? Go battery

Rechargeable LED wall lights and rechargeable battery bulbs skip the cord entirely — useful in a corner with no plug socket. Slightly more expensive per unit than plug-in, but zero visible cable.

The one thing to plan for

Plug-in lights have a visible cord. Running it behind furniture or using a cord cover is the difference between 'renter hack' and 'obviously renter hack.'