Tired of stumbling around in the dark at home? You’re definitely not alone. Maybe you need a guiding glow for midnight bathroom trips, or a light in your linen cupboard or pantry so you can actually see what’s in there.
IKEA’s new $6 Ankarlägg motion-activated night light takes care of all that. And the best part is you can put it absolutely anywhere. Think dark cupboards, under the stairs, down a hallway — anywhere you’ve ever wished the light would just turn on by itself.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- IKEA’s ANKARLÄGG nightlight is $5.99 and requires no wiring or installation tools It automatically turns on in the dark when it detects movement within 3 metres, and switches off after 30 seconds of no movement
- Battery-operated, so it can go anywhere — hallways, stairs, wardrobes, cupboards
- Batteries last approximately 6 months based on 10 activations per day
- It produces 1 lumen — a soft guiding glow, not a harsh light
- Experts say sensor lighting is now a key part of layered home lighting design
How IKEA’s Ankarlägg motion-activated night light works
Choose a spot anywhere in your house and stick the light to the wall, using the adhesive sticker pad. Put in two AAA batteries, and your light is ready to use.
When the room is dark, it detects movement within 3 metres and automatically switches on the light. Once you’ve moved on and there’s been no movement for 30 seconds, it switches itself off.
During the day — or whenever there’s already enough light in the room — it stays off, so it doesn’t chew through batteries unnecessarily.
Who would benefit from the Ankarlägg motion-activated night light?
IKEA’s motion-activated light is perfect for anyone who needs a little more light in their home without hiring an electrician.
It’s battery-operated (no wiring or mains connection) and can be placed anywhere in your home. Think stairs, inside a wardrobe, a dark hallway corner, a cupboard. Any spot where a plug-in light simply isn’t an option.
What the experts say
Christine Gough is the Life at Home expert at IKEA Australia. She says IKEA designers and lighting experts have been championing layered lighting for years, and homeowners are finally embracing it.
“Instead of relying solely on general ceiling lights, people are using sconces, floor lamps, LED strips, joinery lighting, and accent lighting to create depth and soften night‑time environments.”
KEA Ankarlägg vs. Kmart’s motion sensor light
If the Ankarlägg sounds familiar, that’s because Kmart has been selling a very similar product that recently went viral here in Australia. The Kmart Motion Sensor LED Magnetic Vertical Lamp does much the same job at $12 — it sticks to surfaces, requires no wiring, and lights up automatically when it detects movement.
The key difference is that the Kmart version is USB rechargeable and doubles as a portable torch, while the Ankarlägg runs on replaceable batteries with an estimated lifespan of six months.
Why choose sensor-activated lighting
Sensor lighting has come a long way from the cold, clinical feel it once had. Now, they are the missing piece to a layered lighting system that makes your home feel warm and welcoming.
“Warm‑tone LEDs and smoother fade‑in behaviours mean motion‑activated lights now create a gentle, welcoming glow rather than a harsh burst of brightness,” says Christine. “Designers are also using them more thoughtfully as subtle guides along hallways, staircases, and entryways rather than as stark overhead beams.”
How to layer lighting at home
Want to layer the lights in your home but aren’t sure where to start? Christine says: “Think in terms of layers. Every well-designed room uses a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to build atmosphere.”
- Ambient lighting creates an overall softness—this can come from ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, or floor lamps that bounce light around the room.
- Task lighting supports specific activities—like reading lamps, bedside lighting, vanity lights, or under-cabinet LEDs in the kitchen.
- Accent lighting adds depth and drama—picture lights, directional spotlights, or small lamps that highlight architectural details or décor.
IKEA’s Ankarlägg motion-activated light FAQ’s
Based on 10 activations per day, the batteries last approximately 6 months. IKEA recommends using LADDA rechargeable AAA batteries (HR03 1.2V 750mAh), which are sold separately. Two batteries are required.
The ANKARLÄGG produces 1 lumen of light, which is intentionally soft and dim.
Because it’s battery-operated, it can go anywhere — hallways, bedrooms, staircases, inside wardrobes or cupboards.
The light automatically switches off 30 seconds after detecting no movement, helping to preserve battery life.
