Ok, let me start by saying it does have a plug. If you want to use the light for the table  it will have to be by the wall where there is an outlet , unless you have an outlet on the floor or use an extension cord . But great news !   I have a fix. I just ordered a battery operated light strips and took out the one that came with it and  replaced it.  Now I can have a gorgeous coffee table in front of  my couch and have it light up . You can see by my pictures how I replaced the light strip . I also painted the end where the cord went out , so that it matched the rest of the table . But you do not have to use the  light at all.  This easy fix took me 5 minutes to do and well worth it for me . This coffee table is gorgeous!