The Best Night Lights of 2022

A night light is no longer just a simple plug-in used to soothe a child’s fear of the dark. Night lights are small, low-power electric or battery-operated lights that illuminate dark areas of your home. Some add to the decor and work as clocks or sound machines, as well.

There are many reasons to consider different night lights before you buy one. Too much light or the wrong kind of light can negatively affect your sleep. Continue reading to learn the ins and outs of choosing the best night light for your needs—and don’t miss our roundup of top-favorite picks, below!

Types of Night Lights

You may think of a night light as little more than a low-wattage, plug-in bulb in a plastic casing, but there are many different types available today. The best night lights fall into the four basic categories explained below.

Plug-In Fixtures

Plug-in lights are what most people think of when they hear the term “night light.” They’re usually powered by a 120-volt electrical outlet and typically feature a flat or low-profile design, so they do not protrude far from the wall.

Plug-in lights come in various shapes, sizes, and patterns. They produce soft light that emanates around the outlet and sometimes a few feet beyond. They are typically the least expensive type of night lights.

Projectors

A projector night light displays images on a room’s walls or ceilings. Night light projectors are usually placed in bedrooms to create soothing and calming visual environments to help people relax and lull them to sleep.

Project lights are typically dome-shaped. You would usually place one on a nightstand or desk to project the patterned lights overhead. Some projector night lights also play music at timed intervals.

Tabletop

Tabletop night lights rest on flat surfaces, typically near a bed. They may look like standalone lights or tabletop lamps but often have added functions, including clocks, music players, and white noise functions.

Tabletop lights run the gamut of style and options. They can be battery operated or powered by 120-volt electrical outlets. You can control some with smartphone applications.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Night Light

Night lights have come a long way since their humble, plug-in-the-wall beginnings. When you select the best night light for your home, it’s important to consider efficiency and aesthetics. Choose one that matches your needs.

Night lights use a variety of bulb varieties, including LED, incandescent, halogen, and CFL. LED lights are the go-to choice for night lights because they are energy efficient and remain cool to the touch. LED lights are generally more expensive than other bulbs, but they use considerably less energy and last 40 times longer than the average incandescent bulb.

Design and Appearance

There are many night light styles from which to choose, including modern, contemporary, traditional, artistic, and whimsical. You should select a style that works with your decor and lighting needs, but there are factors you should consider.

A flat-profile night light is a top choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. Hall night lights are meant to be utilitarian and should blend in with the wall.

If you are buying a night light for a child’s bedroom, consider ones with whimsical styles such as ducks or balloons. The night light you buy for your bedroom can include an alarm clock, music player, sound machine, or various light settings. Choose one that suits your needs.

Child- and Pet-Friendliness

You should choose an LED night light for a home with a pet, child, or older adult because it stays cool and emits plenty of light. You’ll want to make sure the night light is shatterproof and does not contain small parts that can be swallowed by a child or pet.

Smart Features

If you are a smart tech fan, there are plenty of night lights with smart feature options. Smart night lights can be controlled with a smartphone app, allowing you to choose various brightnesses, colors, alarms, and sounds. Some smart night lights have motion sensors, and others respond to voice commands.

Our Top Picks

To make your search for easier, this guide categorizes the best night lights based on overall energy use, design, safety needs, and smart features.

Best Overall 1 MAZ-TEK Plug in Led Night Light Photo: Check Latest Price The auto dusk-to-dawn sensor in the MAZ-TEK night light is one of its most highly rated features. The light turns on at night, or when ambient lighting decreases, so you needn’t remember to turn on the light before bedtime. They’re also great for safety when you’re away from home. Each light in the pack of two weighs only 3.88 ounces and measures just 2.76 inches by 0.7 inches by 2.79 inches. That’s about the width of an average wall outlet and only half as high, so it won’t get in your way when you plug it in. The LED bulb with a 50,000-hour lifespan stays cool to the touch so it won’t burn your pets, family, or friends if they touch it. Product Specs Type: Plug-in

Plug-in Bulb Type: LED

LED Quantity: 2 Pros Turns on automatically in dark rooms

Slim; won’t block other outlets

Auto-sensor helps save energy

LED light stays cool to the touch

Battery lasts about 50,000 hours Cons Available only in a set of two Get the MAZ-TEK night light on Amazon.

Runner Up 2 Mr. Beams LED Stick-Anywhere Nightlight Photo: Check Latest Price From Mr. Beams, this night is designed to produce a year’s worth of amber light on one set of batteries. The amber color is conducive to sleep, so it won’t interrupt others’ rest while being bright enough to allow safe navigation of dark areas. The light is motion-activated from 15 feet away and illuminates 10 square feet. It automatically shuts off after 30 seconds of no motion. This light has LED bulbs so won’t burn kids, children, and others who might touch it. Four AA batteries power the Mr. Beams night light, so it’s ideal for RVs, dorm rooms, cabins, and homes, especially those with a shortage of outlets. You can install it in about five minutes with the included screws and double-sided adhesive. Product Specs Type: Battery-powered

Battery-powered Bulb Type: LED

LED Quantity: 1 Pros Motion sensing; light comes on only when needed

Runs on batteries and can be used without outlets

Amber-colored light conducive to sleep

LED lights feel cool to the touch and won’t burn

Runs for up to 1 year on one set of batteries Cons Less bright than other night lights Get the Mr. Beams night light on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Upgrade 3 Hatch Rest+ Baby Sound Machine Photo: Check Latest Price This is a portable night light, sound machine, and alarm clock all in one. There’s even a two-way audio monitor that allows you to listen and talk to your child from another room. Powered by a lithium-ion battery (included), the night light emits a soothing glow that changes colors. Weighing just over one pound and measuring 7.6 inches by 5.3 inches by 4.9 inches, this device won’t take up much space and can be positioned on a nightstand, shelf, or tabletop. Product Specs Type: Battery-powered

Battery-powered Bulb Type: LED

LED Quantity: 1 Pros Functions as a sound machine and alarm clock

Soothing color changes

Two-way audio

Runs on lithium-ion battery (no cord or plug) Cons Pricey Get the Hatch Rest+ night light on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best for Hallways 4 SYCEES Plug-in LED Night Light Photo: Check Latest Price The SYCEES plug-in night light has a built-in smart sensor that automatically lights up only when it senses an area is dark. The resulting light is bright enough that you can see where you’re going, but not so bright as to awaken others. These lights are sold in packs of six so you can use them throughout your home. These SYCEES lights use LED bulbs, so they are safe for pets, kids, and anyone else who comes into contact with them. Each of these lights measures just 2.17 inches by 2.17 inches by 1.61 inches and weighs under one ounce, so they only cover one plug on a standard outlet plate. SYCEES plug-ins are a great fit for homes, RVs, dorm rooms, or anywhere else you may need a night light. They’re also small enough to take with you while traveling. Product Specs Type: Plug-in

Plug-in Bulb Type: LED

LED Quantity: 6 Pros Motion sensing saves energy

Small enough for travel

Set of six offers great value Cons Only available as a set Get the SYCEES night light on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best for Bathrooms 5 Ailun Toilet Night Light Photo: Check Latest Price Rather than fumble around in a dark bathroom, clip this specially designed night light by Ailun to the side of your toilet bowl. The soft neck conforms to the bowl for a secure hold, while the light works automatically when it detects movement in the bathroom, remaining on for two minutes. You can select the light to display one of eight colors—pink, dark blue, red, purple, magenta, orange, light blue, or green—or rotate through each of them. The Ailun requires AAA batteries and you can use almost any household cleaner to keep it sanitary. The light measures just 1.18 inches by 1.57 inches by 2.36 inches and weighs 2.12 ounces, so guests will likely not notice it except at night. Product Specs Type: Battery-powered

Battery-powered Bulb Type: LED

LED Quantity: 2 Pros Designed specifically for bathrooms

Toilet bowl clip design saves space

Runs on batteries, so no outlet is needed

Affordable set of two Cons Clip may fall off some toilet rim sizes Get the Ailun night light on Amazon.

Our Verdict

Night lights add safety and even comfort for children and adults, and the MAZ-TEK plug-in light comes in a pack of two cool white LEDs that turn on automatically when a room gets dark. Anyone can benefit from the features of the Hatch Rest+ Baby Sound Machine, especially young kids and the elderly. This night light offers a sound machine, alarm clock, and two-way audio all wrapped up in a soothing night light.

How We Chose the Best Night Lights

Night lights now offer more than just a plug-in plastic device with a big bulb. Most now use LED lights, which burn cooler and more efficiently. That’s important for homes with children and pets. We also looked at how bright a light is to make sure users can find their way in the dark, and we considered the design and appearance.

Type of light matters, too. Plug-in flat-profile night lights make the most sense in high-traffic areas, and tabletop lights can add other features on a bedside table. With battery operation and small size, portable night light lights are perfect to take along while traveling. Smart night lights offer other features and can be controlled with a smartphone app, which is a bonus for flexible use.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers when it comes to using night lights in the home.

Q: What color night light is the best?

Red- and amber-hued lights do not affect your circadian rhythm, making them the best colors to use in areas where people sleep.

Q: Is it safe to leave a night light on all night?

Night lights are generally very safe to leave on all night as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take a few sensible precautions. LED lights are cool to the touch, so you needn’t worry about kids or pets burning themselves on them.

Q: Can night lights cause fires?

Generally no, but defective night lights can cause fires, burns, and electrocutions.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series, including This Old House and Bob Vila’s Home Again, he popularized and became synonymous with “do it yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila editorial team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Debbie Wolfe is an author and freelance writer in a variety of niches. She specializes in home, garden, DIY, and lifestyle topics. Debbie has written for leading online media outlets and online retailers. Her book, Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts, from Skyhorse Publishing, features a variety of practical DIY projects to beautify your garden and home. Debbie holds a degree in Creative Writing and Earth Science from Northland College. When not writing, Debbie spends her time reading, gardening, cooking, and keeping up with her active family in the deep South.

9 Fancy Night Lights for an Instant Room Upgrade

It’s one thing to add some soft lighting to your room at night. It’s another thing to add a glow so different from typical LED plug-in night lights that your room embodies a whole new world. Enter fancy night lights: Their gorgeous yet unobtrusive touches transform your nighttime sanctuary into a room full of subtle glamor. These designs go a step beyond the standard little white light, embracing unique fixtures, smart features, and even color-changing functions for a dreamy ambiance. Find some great fancy night light starting points below.

Fancy night lights perfect for a total room transformation

Whether you use fancy night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, or living room, you’ll see your space in a light equally opulent and soothing. Fancy night lights are also ideal for kids’ rooms, where they quell fears of the dark and set a royal vibe. The below fancy night lights are all perfect examples.

1. Wall night lights with built-in aromatherapy

Some night lights plugged into your wall can also spread a pleasant fragrance through your room. With a simple plug-in, you get both a soft glow and an aroma that instantly transports you to glorious lands far away. Use these fancy night lights in a bedroom, nursery, or bathroom to imbue your space with a low-key yet immersive sense of luxury.

2. Dimmable table lamp with remote control

Although table lamps are perhaps most closely associated with task lighting, dimmable table lamps are great for nighttime as well. They’re also among the fanciest of the models on this list: A big table lamp is a much more sumptuous touch than a tiny LED night light. To properly use a table lamp as a night light, make sure it’s dimmable and remote-controllable. This way, you get the right amount of light (as in, very little) and the ability to adjust it without interrupting your relaxation.

3. BlissLights

Think about your average night light. You’re probably imagining a tiny lamp glowing in a soft white or yellow hue hovering over a power outlet. These lights can be just what you need for your kids or baby, but as an adult, “fancy” might mean “effects-heavy” or “multi-colored.” BlissLights projectors check these boxes, and you can control their effects and colors right from your phone.

For starters, there’s the Sky Lite 2.0, which washes your room in two-color nebula clouds and glimmering laser stars. The BlissRadia is a great alternative for monochrome lighting in one of millions of colors. It can also emulate how the sky looks from dusk to dawn. You can control both these lights from your phone, giving you full, seamless control of how your room not just looks, but feels.

BlissRadia Smart LED Mood Light $49.99 From desktop to bedside, light the way to concentration, stimulation, or relaxation. Shop Now arrow_forward

4. Wall plug light

Picture it: A small wall fixture; a clear, dim Edison bulb; a wire oriented at an artistic, geometric angle. That’s the appeal of using a minimal wall plug light as a fancy night light. The fixture itself makes for great home decor, and the warm glow of the Edison bulb is ideal for nighttime use. Plus, the fixture is a supplement to, not a focal point of, your space, keeping both the decor and the lighting minimal.

5. Wall-mounted charger and night light

Wall sconces, wall lamps, USB-powered devices – they all work great as fancy night lights if you have the right power sources. To keep your setup simple, go for devices that you just plug in rather than wiring directly into your walls. Set them up flanking your bed or at your room’s corners to recast your space as something out of a home decor magazine. And then, use bulbs so dim they give off an after-dark sense of comfort and calm.

6. Themed night lights

Any night light can be fancy if it fits your room or event’s theme. Looking for Christmas-friendly night lights? Then the moving snowmen and Santas of the HolidayPort USB Christmas Light are a low-key, fancy touch like no other. Adding a nocturnal layer to a vintage-themed room? Go thrifting or vintage shopping for night lights that look several decades old. You’ll get just the lighting you need – and no more – while staying on theme.

BlissLights HolidayPort USB $12.99 Deck the halls with fanciful holiday projections. Shop Now arrow_forward

7. Himalayan salt lamp

Himalayan salt lamps are a beloved light fixture as known for their rocky shape as their modest lighting. Keep one at your bedside to elevate your room with a tiny touch of light that helps your body get ready for sleep. Alternatively, place your salt lamp at the corner of your desk if the nighttime urge to work on crafting projects unexpectedly strikes. No matter where or how you use your salt lamp, one thing’s for sure: It takes your room beyond the everyday to the upscale.

8. Fairy lights

A fairy light display can add a magical touch to your space that helps it transcend the everyday and reach the truly classy. Think about it: What says glamor more than your favorite decor piece surrounded in dreamy lighting? That’s the power of fairy lights as fancy night lighting. They’re both excellent accent lights and just soft enough to peacefully illuminate rooms with all the blinds drawn and doors closed.

9. Motion-activated night light

“Fancy” can apply to both how a night light looks and how it works. A night light can be fancy because it looks like it belongs in the royal palace or because its technology is unlike any other.

The BlissEmber is a great example.

More than an illumination source, the BlissEmber contains a light sensor that emits a gentle glow when it detects motion. This way, you know you’ll make it from your room to the bathroom in the middle of the night without bumping into anything. And as you get ready for bed, you can control the light from your phone or with voice control. With just one touch, you can change your night light’s color and personality – and see your surroundings in a whole new light.

BlissEmber Smart Multicolor Night Light $29.99 A guiding light, a source of comfort, a way to transform your space. Shop Now arrow_forward

Upgrade your night light

Fancy night lights are aesthetically opulent, technologically advanced, or both. They can help you relax or make your way around, and they can give your room a soft glow-up. BlissLights are great examples: You can control their brightness and colors from your phone to easily transform your surroundings at all times of day. Browse the BlissLights collection now to find the perfect, immersive fixture for your space.

14 Night-Lights So Cute They’ll Make You Smile—And Help You Find the Sink at 2 A.M.

Let it be known: Kids aren’t the only people who enjoy a good night-light. Anyone who needs to find their way around the house in the middle of the night—thirsty people, pet owners, parents, the jet-lagged, insomniacs, etc.—would be delighted to find the dark hallway actually navigable. And a softly glowing light can make falling asleep a dreamier experience all around. Better still if said illumination also looks nice in daylight hours, which is often the harder piece of the night-light puzzle to figure out.

One might be tempted to pick up a flat, innocuous plug-in that all but disappears against a white wall until the lights dim. But why not use the lowly night-light as a decorating opportunity? Behold, 14 super cute night-lights we actually like. Plug them in and sleep easy knowing you won’t stub your toe the next time you have to go to the bathroom at 2 A.M.

Aside from creating ~vibes~ Himalayan salt lamps are said to do all sorts of things like improve your skin or ease your allergies, but we’re not guaranteeing anything when it comes to the mini version. We’re sold on its tiny stature and soothing, warm glow alone.

Deep Scallop Sea Shell Nightlight $10 at Etsy

Our love of seashell decor has not faded with time, and neither will the ambient light provided by this single shell plug-in night-light.

Strawberry Energy Saving Night Light Lamp $19 at Etsy

Grown-up and kid-friendly, these sculptural strawberries emit a soft, rosy glow in various shades of pink and white and claim to be energy efficient to boot.

Mushroom-Shaped Energy Saving Sensor LED Night Light with Plug $9 at Amazon

Only slightly creepy and very magical, like your house is getting a little bit taken over by the landscape. A must-have for the cottagecore enthusiast.

Try not to smile when you look at this ceramic snail. Go ahead, we’re waiting.

Attach the tall, lantern-like handle and this portable LED lamp can go from room to room (or surface to surface) with ease.

Dew Drop Wired LED Lights $30 at Food52

String these tiny, twinkling LED lights around a doorway and it’ll read magic passageway instead.

A single LED light bulb provides all the ambient light you need when filtered through this amethyst stone. Bonus points for looking equally as fetching in the daylight hours as a table lamp.

Meet Miffy, the toddler-size pop-culture icon designed by artist Dick Bruna.

If you love Miffy but the two-and-a-half-foot version feels like overkill, you can try a slightly more palatable and portable battery-powered option.

Neon signs can be night lights too!

A best-seller in the MoMA Design Store, the Lumio book lamp “turns on” when you open it up (...like a book) and can be laid flat or propped up on its side.

A modern interpretation of Japanese lanterns, Akari table lamps come in a range of playful silhouettes and emit the perfect hazy glow.