Floor lamps – Grounding your ambient and task light
These tall lamps are extremely versatile and may light the entire room, augment overhead lighting or provide much-needed reading light. Due to their large scale, they’re often placed in the corner or behind sofas and lounge chairs. Some modern versions include touch controls, USB ports and storage compartments.
Console or shaded floor lamps – Traditional downward lighting
These large standing lamps are what you typically picture in your mind when you think of floor lamps – a tall body with some sort of shade. Their statuesque bodies are often straight pole-like spindles, but they can be more decorative or even have a tripod design. The bases are usually wide or heavy to provide stability. Most console floor lamps have standard drum shades and are used for general ambient light. However, pharmacy-style shades and swing arm floor lamps can adjust to provide ample direct light for reading.
Torchiere lamps – Uplifting illumination
These stylish floor lamps are similar to console lamps. The main difference is that they have inverted shades that direct light toward the ceiling, where it reflects and provides ambient light. Torchiere lamps generally resemble torches (hence the name), although the shade may take on a variety of shapes. Because their light is indirect, torchiere floor lamps are not particularly good for reading. They’re often placed at the edges or corners of the room, instead of to the side of chairs or sofas. On the plus side, they don’t have the glare that can occur with some downward shades.
Arc floor lamps – Lighting that’s ahead of the curve
These sleek modern standing lamps feature a long curving arm that gracefully arches up and out from a heavy base. Arc floor lamps are often found in living rooms to provide general overhead lighting for wide lounge areas with multiple chairs, sofas or even a sectional. Typically, they’re positioned behind a couch or table, so the shade hangs over the center of the seating area. The most iconic example of this type of light is Achille Castiglioni’s Arco Floor Lamp, one of the most recognizable pieces of mid-century modern lighting.
Track tree floor lamps – Branching out in new lighting directions
These dynamic lamps feature a main body that branches into three or more arms. These appendages can adjust to focus light in any number of directions. Track tree floor lights often include rotating and tilting shade heads, whose height can be adjusted individually. They can accent multiple decorative elements or provide direct light to an entire book club seated around the area. Variations are also known as octopus, spider and multi-arm floor lamps and are typically placed alongside seating.
Additional things to consider when evaluating floor lamps
Line of Sight – Height
The same rule of thumb used for table lamps should be applied to floor versions. The lower edge of the shade should be at eye level when seated if you are using a console floor lamp. Torchieres, arc lamps and track trees can be taller, but be mindful that they don’t obstruct your view of artwork or other decor. If you’re using a combination of table and floor lamps in the room, it’s a good idea to try to keep the tops within a few inches of each other.
Relative Proportion – Size
No shocker here – don’t get a massive lamp if you have a tiny room. Most standing lamps are narrow, so they can easily fit behind furniture and conserve space. However, if you’re using an adjustable swing arm or arc floor lamp, be sure that the arm can easily clear sofa and chair backs.
Traffic Flow & Activity – Weight & Design
If your floor lamp is placed out in the open, ensure it doesn’t obstruct the line of sight between spots where people might sit. Lighting should enhance the communal experience, not interrupt it. Be especially careful in high-traffic areas. An industrial tripod floor lamp might look amazing, but not if people continually trip over its legs. You might also want a lamp with a heavier base that can survive the brush of a stray knee or elbow.
Elevate your lamp options
Floor lamps are critical illumination sources, especially when overhead fixture lights are absent. Wall lamps are another option to brighten up a space. The next section of our guide takes a brief look at these handy out-of-the-way lamps.
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