What to Look for When Buying a Floor Lamp

Floor lamps are one of the most versatile lighting options for any home. They can provide practical light for reading or tasks, add soft ambience, or even become a statement piece that elevates the style of a room.

A lamp is just as much a decoration as it is a source of light, so it's not as simple as choosing any old design. You need something that will fit your decor and not look out of place. Here are some of the aspects you should think about when it comes to picking out a floor lamp.

Purpose and function

Before you start browsing, think about what you want your floor lamp to do. Do you need it for reading, task lighting, or creating a soft ambient glow? Maybe it’s purely decorative, adding a modern edge or completing a room’s style.

The function of the lamp will dictate its type, size, and positioning. Task lighting requires focused beams, while uplighters and ambient lamps spread light more softly across a room. 

Types of floor lamps

Task lamps

Task lamps are designed with function in mind, great for specific activities like reading, sewing, or working at a desk. Most come with adjustable arms or pivoting heads, so you can direct the light exactly where you need it.

They’re ideal beside a sofa, armchair, or work table where you want concentrated light without lighting up the entire room.

Uplighters

Uplighters cast light upwards towards the ceiling for a soft, ambient glow that reflects into the room, making it feel bigger and brighter. They work particularly well in living rooms or corners that need general illumination without glare.

Some designs also have a secondary reading light built in, giving you the best of both worlds.

Arc lamps

Arc lamps are great for adding a modern, sculptural look to your room while still being practical. With their curved arm and suspended shade, they’re perfect for positioning light over a seating area or dining table without the wiring.

Tripod lamps

With their three-legged design, tripod lamps give a bold, balanced look that works well in both classic and contemporary interiors. They tend to give off softer light depending on the shade you choose, making them a solid option for living areas and bedrooms.

Reading lamps

These lamps provide targeted light that’s easy on the eyes, ideal for placing next to your favourite chair or bedside, giving you clear, comfortable light for reading or other close-up tasks. They often come with adjustable arms or flexible necks so you can direct the light without disturbing anyone else.

Placement and room layout

The size of your room will impact how many floor lamps you will need, as well as other types of fixtures. Naturally, the bigger your space is, the more light you will need to light the room in full. Most rooms need at least three light sources to provide adequate lighting, for example, a ceiling light, table light and wall light.

Where you position your floor lamp can also make all the difference. The best spot depends on how you use the space. In living rooms, try placing it beside the sofa or armchair to brighten darker corners. In bedrooms, it can work as a softer alternative to a bedside table lamp.

Avoid placing it in high-traffic areas or where it might block walkways. And if you’re pairing it with other lights, you want an even spread of light across the room rather than everything focused in one area.

Shade style and material

Lampshades are much more than a decorative piece for your lamp, playing a crucial role in diffusing light and setting the mood of a room.

Ask yourself whether you want a design that stands out or complements your decor? Either can achieve great results. For the most visually appealing outcome, you'll want to consider how the material and colour of the shade will interact with the light.

Shades come in a wide range of styles from classic bell-shaped designs to modern drum styles, each adding a unique touch to your interior decor. Made from fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk, each material has its own way of diffusing light, which can alter the mood of a room.

Lamp style and design

As with other light fixtures, there are plenty of design styles to choose from. There are traditional floor lamps that offer something timeless for classic, cosy settings. And then there are modern floor lamps with sleek materials that are perfect for contemporary spaces.

When it comes to choosing a style, think about how the lamp will fit with your existing décor. It should complement the room without feeling out of place, whether that means blending seamlessly or standing out as a feature piece.

There are so many great designers to choose from as well. Brands like Nkuku, for example, stand out for creating handcrafted pieces that bring an artisanal touch to any space. If you prefer a more minimalist approach, designers like Dar offer sleek and simple designs that focus on form and function.

Switch and control options

Think about how you’ll control the lamp. Foot switches, inline switches, or touch controls all have their benefits. Features like dimmer switches or smart bulbs can be particularly useful in letting you adjust brightness depending on the activity or mood. Ideally, the lamp you choose should be easy to turn on and off from where you’ll be using it.

Whether you prefer something modern or traditional, there's a floor lamp to suit your taste in style. No matter if you want something to spruce up your bedroom or to add a new element to your living room, beautiful designs are plentiful.

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Our writers like to find the latest trends for the home and garden. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.