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- The IKEA Ankarlägg is a battery-operated light that you can stick anywhere
- Previously only available in Europe, it's now on sale in the US for $3.99
- It detects movement within 10 feet, and switches off when motion stops
If you struggle to see to the back of your closet, or you don't like trying to find your way around in the dark when you're heading for the bathroom, you need the IKEA Ankarlägg — a motion-sensitive LED light that you can stick anywhere, with no wires and no drilling required. Best of all, unlike typical smart light setups, there's no hub or Bluetooth connectivity necessary either. Just insert batteries, stick it up, and it's ready to go.
The Ankarlägg is also a great choice for dark kitchen cupboards, where it will nicely illuminate all your ingredients as soon as you open the door, and turn off automatically after you close it again. The light deactivates after 30 seconds if it doesn't detect any further movement, helping the replaceable AAA batteries last around six months if it's activated 10 times per day.
Reviewers have reported that the light isn't too bright, so they're not dazzled at night if they use it on the stairs or in the bathroom, and it's handy for rooms without windows. They say its "cute" design is a bonus as well.
"I purchased this nightlight to place in my hallway," wrote a reviewer from Canada. "I have no electricity sockets in there and it is really dark at night time. When we have guests staying who are not familiar with our layout (we have a cupboard in the hallway) they were bumping into the cupboard.
"With this light as soon as they open the bedroom door, the light comes on. It is not bright but does have enough light to show where to go. I have ordered a second one for stand by. I really love the light and would recommend it to anyone who needs a little light in a dark space."
Real-world battery life will depend on how often the light is triggered, but when used with IKEA's rechargeable batteries, even frequent use isn't a problem. The most common complaint is that the light's battery compartment is held closed with a screw (likely to prevent children accessing the batteries if it's used as a nightlight in their room), so make sure you have a crosshead screwdriver to hand when it's time to swap them out.
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➡️ Read our full guide to the best smart lights
1. Best overall:
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance
2. Best budget:
Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb
3. Best for parties:
Govee Curtain Lights
4. Best for bedtime:
Philips Hue Twilight
