How to safety-proof your rechargeable alfresco glow

Summer has officially arrived, and with it, the undeniable urge to live our best lives out in the sunshine. There is nothing quite like a lazy evening picnic that stretches beautifully past dusk, or a lively alfresco dinner party illuminated by the warm, soulful glow of a few portable lamps.

Thanks to the absolute magic that is cordless technology, we can now bring proper, atmospheric interior style to even the smallest urban balconies and tucked-away patio corners — completely free from the complications of trailing wires and distant sockets.

While our rechargeable lamps are designed to help you make the absolute most of the golden season, a little bit of summer care goes a long way. Because these clever lights are packed with innovative technology, treating them with the right respect ensures they keep shining safely for many summers to come.

Here is our essential guide to keeping your portable Pooky lights happy, healthy, and safe during the warmer months.

The Sunshine Warning: Keep an Eye on the Katherine

It is easy to assume that outdoor-friendly lighting can bask in the sun all day long, but placement requires a bit of thought. Take our beloved Katherine cordless lamp, for instance.

With its beautiful, thick glass structure, the Katherine effectively acts like a giant magnifying glass when exposed to direct sunlight. If left sitting in the path of intense, midday sun rays, it can concentrate the light to dangerous temperatures.

To keep your spaces safe, never leave the Katherine lamp in direct sunshine for extended periods. Try to position her in a shaded spot, or bring her out only when the sun begins to set and the real magic of evening entertaining begins.

Caring for Your Genesis Cells: High Temperatures & Hard Drops

At the heart of our cordless collection is the Genesis rechargeable cell. These brilliant little powerhouses rely on high-quality lithium batteries to give you hours of uninterrupted, wireless glow. However, like the battery in your smartphone or laptop, lithium cells require careful handling.

Our Chief Creative Officer Jo wants to remind everyone to never leave your Genesis bulbs outside in extreme temperatures. Whether it’s a scorching, heatwave-level afternoon or an unexpectedly chilly, damp night, extreme weather can degrade the lithium battery, shorten its lifespan, or cause it to overheat. When the party wraps up, always bring your Genesis cells indoors to a cool, dry room.

Furthermore, because these are sophisticated pieces of technology, they don't much care for rough handling. We know that accidents happen, especially during bustling garden gatherings, but impact can damage the internal battery structure.

If your Genesis cell is dropped from a height greater than 30cm, even if there is no external damage please stop using it immediately. Instead, contact our customer service team, and we will happily arrange a replacement for you.

Making the Most of Your Glow

With just a few sensible precautions, your rechargeable lights will easily become the MVP of your summer hosting.

To maximise your alfresco ambiance, we love using them to create distinct zones. Plonk a few portable lamps directly onto your outdoor dining table to act as a glowing centrepiece, or scatter them along low walls to softly define the edges of your garden. Because they don't rely on plugs, you can even pack them up with a blanket and a bottle of wine to instantly elevate a late-night park picnic.

Enjoy the long days and the warm nights — just remember to bring your Pooky beauties inside with you when you call it a night!

Ready to create your own alfresco glow? 

Explore our full collection of Rechargeable Lighting, browse our range of Rechargeable Table Lamps, or discover the elegant Katherine Rechargeable Table Lamp that inspired this guide.

With beautiful cordless designs for every space, it's never been easier to bring warm, atmospheric lighting wherever the evening takes you.