Floor Lamps Buying Guide

For bringing extra light to larger rooms, there's nothing that beats the convenience of a floor lamp. Floor lamps can be set next to a chairs, couches, or tables for task light. They can be easily moved into dark areas to provide lighting. They can change their look quickly, just by replacing a lamp shade.

There are thousands of different floor lamps available in styles, colors, and material. With variety like that, you're sure to find the perfect lamp to complement your home's décor.

Console Floor Lamp A console floor lamp is the most classic type of design. A single pole set upright into a round base, with a cloth shade or glass globe at the top. Many console floor lamps use a single bulb, but some are made with either two light sockets or three light sockets to provide greater illumination.

Torchiere A torchiere is a specific type of lamp which uses a bowl-shaped shade, whether glass or metal, to focus most of the light upwards. It is good for providing ambient light, as the strongest beams will reflect off the ceiling of the room.

Tree Floor Lamp Tree lamps have three or more light sockets branching off of a central pole. The sockets will usually be set into reflective housings that can twist or pivot, allowing you to focus them in different directions. Pharmacy lamps are a specific type of arc lamp.

Arc Floor Lamp An arcing floor lamp has a bent, curving pole set into its base, creating a graceful, modern object that has a beauty all its own.

Shelf Lamp Some lamps are designed with shelving, making them very practical, especially for smaller homes or apartments. However, they are not easily moved.

Tray Lamps Tray lamps are practical items to place near a chair, eliminating the need for an end table to hold drinks or books.

Adjustible Lamps Some floor lamps are designed to adjust in height or other ways. These include gooseneck lamps, which twist to focus the light in a specific spot, and swing arm lamps, which are triple-jointed to allow the light to move in a horizontal circle.

Reading Lamps A reading lamp will often have a central light source and an arm that branches down to provide more light to a reader who is sitting in a chair.

Lamps with Magnifiers For tasks that involve delicate work or small objects, a lamp with a magnifier is a good choice. While designed for professional use, a magnifying lamp is useful for those readers who need help deciphering small print.

When you are buying a floor lamp, the first thing you'll want to think about is the purpose of the lamp. Are you looking for a lamp that will provide strong, clear light in a specific spot? Do you want something that sheds as much light as possible? Do you want a floor lamp that will give aesthetic pleasure even when it's turned off? Or are you looking for something that can do all three?

You may also want to consider the height of the lamp and whether it uses a shade, globe, or reflector to house the light bulb. Ideally, any lamp shade should reach down far enough to conceal the entire bulb when you are standing near it. This prevents any annoying glare from the light bulb from reaching your eyes most of the time.

Style

Another consideration is style. You may want to choose a decorative style that complements the rest of your décor. Here are some of the most popular decorating styles:

Colonial Style Colonial-type lamps are elegant and practical, recalling the simplicity and refinement of 18th Century America.

Arts and Crafts Style A reaction to the Victorian style, the Arts and Crafts movement favored a simple, crafty look.

Mission Style Strong geometric shapes characterizes the traditional Mission style.

Art Deco Style Art Deco style conjures up the energetic industrial designs of the 1920s through the 1950s.

Victorian Style Like the Victorian age, Victorian-style lamps are large, elaborate, and grandiose.

Asian Based on Asian designs, paper lamps convey both classic simplicity and modern verve.

Tiffany Style Tiffany style emulates the colorful, whimsical stained glass work made famous by Lewis Comfort Tiffany.

Materials

In addition to wood, paper, and bamboo, there are a variety of metallic lamps. The finishes available include brass, bronze, steel, nickel, iron, and silver.

Lamp Shades Just because your floor lamp comes with a shade doesn't mean you are stuck with it. Shades are sold in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Lighter lamp shades provide more light; darker shades are good for creating subtle mood effects.

Light Bulbs Your choice of light bulb can have a great effect on both your satisfaction with your lamp and your pocket book. The main types of light bulbs are incandescent or standard light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, and fluorescent light bulbs in a variety of shapes and sizes, including compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are extremely efficient in the amount of energy they use and don't need to be changed as often as standard light bulbs. For more information, you may want to read our Light Bulbs Buying Guide. Not all floor lamps use standard-sized bulbs. Be sure to check your lamp before purchasing bulbs to make sure you purchase the correct size.

There are plenty of bargains to be found with floor lamps, with dozens of practical or whimsical lamps to be found for under $50. While the vast majority of lamps can be purchased for $100-$250, there are thousands of different lamps available in the $250-$500 price range.

Prices rise steeply once you get above $500, with some lamps costing as much as $3,000 or $4,000.

Adesso
Boston Harbor
Bradburn Gallery
Dale Tiffany
ET2
George Kovacs
Holtkotter
Kalco Lighting
Kenroy
Kichler
LumiSource
Meyda Tiffany
Murray Feiss
Quoizel
Z-Lite Tiffanies