Floor lamps are the latest thing in the interior décor scene, and there are some fascinating options out there.
These interesting additions not only elevate the existing setup but also provide much-needed accent lighting. Sometimes, when you’re trying to create a mood in your living space or bedroom, overhead or wall lights are not enough. Floor lamps also work in your workspace or studio, to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, the floor lamp can work as you warm light while a neutral, natural light in the architectural lamp can provide efficient light for your studio.
With floor lights, you get more room to experiment, and honestly, the effect they create is nothing short of mesmerizing. So, if you’re looking for an attractive option, you have arrived at the place.
After a lot of research, we’ve collated a list of 27 types of floor lamps for you to choose from. And we promise you, they’re all well-lit.
So, without further ado, let’s begin with the types of floor lamps.
1. Torchiere
Torchiere is the crème de la crème of floor lamps and, as such, one of the most popular types. It has a distinctive shape that resembles a ‘torch’, and hence, it’s named so (torchiere is French for torch).
It may not be the latest design on the market, but it has stood the test of time. The slender build with the lighting fixture on top looks quite sophisticated, creating a vintage charm. The upright, column shape takes up minimal space, which is an advantage in compact interiors.
We like how discreet it is, seamlessly blending with the existing décor without any parts awkwardly sticking out. This bit alone makes it a top choice among homeowners, and honestly, we agree with them.
As for its lighting capacity, much like torches stuck on walls, the lighting direction is upwards, where it diffuses and spreads around the lamp. That said, the soft gleam can create a warm and cozy ambiance in your home without leaving a glare. The whole effect is nothing short of mesmerizing, and you’ll enjoy the change a mere flick of a switch can make.
Some models include a dimmer switch, which allows you to control the light intensity. This is a handy feature when it comes to ambient lighting, as you can then use the lamp in combination with other indoor lights.
Based on your existing décor and sense of style, make sure to pick a torchiere that’s stable enough and won’t tip over. Ideally, it’s best to buy something with a weighted base as that will keep your lamp grounded.
You can choose either a traditional or a modern lamp; regardless, it should sync with your setup and provide the desired amount of light. However, torchieres are primarily meant to enhance the décor and cannot be used as a main source of illumination.
2. Club Lamp
Club lamps are pretty standard as on-floor accessories and have been around for quite some time now. These essentially have a sleek structure with a lamp perched on top.
Usually, you can find a wide range of options in this style, and there’s a lot of variety in both the column shape and lamp type. Depending on your budget and requirements, you can invest in a model with a decorative pole and a modern light fixture.
Ultimately, it comes down to the effect you want to create. Be it classy, chic, or casual, this lamp can do it all while upping the style quotient. Even the ones with a plain-looking pole can enhance your décor if they provide the perfect amount of area lighting.
Unlike a torchiere, the light from a club lamp emanates from the sides. This is mainly because the lamp is topped with a shade, which also increases light coverage. Therefore, if you want more illumination from your floor lamp, this might be a great idea.
These generally have a twin or 3-way socket, which can be operated by a pull chain. However, the most recent models can be turned on via a switch or knob.
3. Swing Arm Lamp
Wouldn’t it be great if you could customize your floor lamp as per the lighting requirement? We’ve read your mind, and that’s why we recommend buying a swing arm lamp. These modern lighting accessories allow users to adjust the position of the fixture and change the illumination angle and path.
This way, you can change the lamp position and throw light in a particular direction. Therefore, you don’t need to move the entire structure when you can bend the light at an optimal angle. Frankly, we like how practical it is, keeping things simple. So, if you’re interested in something contemporary yet ergonomic, we suggest opting for this option.
4. Glass Tray Lamp
If a club lamp seems too plain, we recommend buying a glass tray one. These are an improvement on the club-style models and, as such, feature a glass tray at approximately table height.
It looks quite elegant, adding a sophisticated touch to the overall structure. Besides, it’s not all about looks as the glass tray comes in handy for keeping small items like keys, ashtrays, miniature décor pieces, etc.
So if your bedside table is taking up a lot of space, you can use this floor lamp, which combines both. Besides, it’s super stylish, instantly elevating the bedroom décor.
5. Tower Floor Lamp
Lately, the urban interior décor has become all about – ‘less is more’. So, if you also relate to this particular style, the tower floor lamp will greatly appeal to your taste. The best part is that you can also use it as a décor piece during the day, as the tower adds more depth and definition to your room.
There are plenty of options in this style not just in terms of design but also shape. You can find Oriental-style lanterns and even modern, structural ones. You can use them as accent pieces to enhance your living space or bedroom décor.
You can even experiment with an unconventional model and use it as a focal point of your interior setup. These lamps produce a gentle glow and light up the entire structure, emphasizing the different design elements.
6. Adjustable Club Floor Lamp
Floor lamps can be inconvenient for some users if they are too low and don’t produce enough light to illuminate the surrounding area. That’s where the adjustable club floor lamp comes into the picture, instantly making things more streamlined and straightforward.
Simply put, you can adjust the height of the lamp to suit your lighting needs. These models usually come with a telescoping pole, which can be shortened and extended, while the lamps are covered with shade.
As you can see, the light unit features a sturdy base, which is a significant advantage over other styles. Lastly, these are particularly suitable for ambient lighting, and we recommend using them in common spaces like living rooms, corridors, receptions, etc.
7. Floor Table Lamp
A floor table lamp is not the same as ordinary table lamps, but if you don’t understand the difference, let’s start with that. The former is a multi-purpose light unit featuring a small table attached to the pole.
It’s one of the latest innovations in the home décor scene, and we’re sure you’ll be quite impressed with the concept. Simply put, the unit seamlessly combines a lamp and a table, thereby performing both functions.
Modern homes require appliances and furniture pieces that take up minimum space. Therefore, this is an excellent option for homeowners looking for more utility without much floor hogging. As shown in the picture, the table lamp is sleek and unobtrusive, so you can keep it in any corner and get the desired illumination.
Apart from the tabletop, you can access two other shelves, ideal for keeping small items instantly accessible. The number of shelves differs from model to model, but the idea more or less remains the same. That said, you can find floor table lamps of both glass and wood variety.
As for its lighting capacity, the lamp comes with a shade and is positioned higher compared to other models. Long story short, the light is diffused and soft, and hence, works exceptionally well for bedside needs.
8. Six-Way Floor Lamp
If you expect a higher lighting capacity from your floor lamp, consider getting a six-way model. Also called a mogul lamp, this unit features a three-way bulb, which is further supplemented by 3 surrounding bulbs.
Depending on the light intensity you require, you may use all of them or just the three-way fixture. So, if you want something to increase the lighting of a large space, be it a bedroom, living or dining area, these lamps will not disappoint.
The model shown in the picture has a six-way switch and six output levels, enabling maximum convenience and customization. Usually, the core light has a higher wattage than the surrounding bulbs, and each can be individually operated. Also, they typically come with a shade.
Another distinctive feature we noticed is how high the lamp is, adding more definition to its profile. So, if you’re keen on experimenting with a unique lighting appliance, get this right away.
9. Multi-Way or Tree Floor Lamp
A tree floor lamp is nothing but a lighting appliance featuring multiple bulbs. Also known as a multi-way lamp, this model sports a unique construction and looks quite fancy at the same time. Even though they are mostly used in dorm rooms and other common spaces, you can find sleek, sophisticated ones for your modern home.
The best part is you can adjust the angle of the lamps and reposition them as per requirements. This way, you can experiment with your light and use it in multiple ways to create more depth in the interiors.
If you’re bored with ordinary floor lamps, it’s time to get an interesting upgrade like this one, and we’re sure you can make the most out of it.
10. Candelabra Lamp
Candelabra lamps are the perfect option for anyone with a penchant for traditional décor items. It’s classy in an old-school type of way and looks great if you’re aiming for a vintage theme.
Much like a tree floor lamp, a candelabra also includes multiple bulbs; however, the lighting output is significantly lower. This is mainly because the lights on a candelabra are typically smaller, with a lower wattage.
You can use this model for accent lighting to further enhance the interior. While there’s very little going around with the light itself, you can choose from a number of lampshade options. Nevertheless, we’d suggest keeping it low-profile as you don’t want your light sticking out, among other things.
That’s the catch with traditional décor pieces, as most people tend to go overboard, ignoring the cardinal rule – less is more. So keep it simple and classy, and we’re sure you’ll land on your feet.
11. Down Bridge Floor Lamp or Task Lamp
A down bridge floor lamp is another adjustable variety that has won us over with its ease of use. Unlike a torchiere, these lamps face downwards and throw focused light in one direction. Therefore, these models are suitable for bedside reading and any other activities that require a strong light source.
It’s a highly reliable and excellent multi-purpose option that you can use anywhere around your home. Often called a task lamp, you can adjust the bulb to point in your preferred direction to get the illumination you need.
For instance, if you’re scanning through a page or working on a project, a task lamp will help you see better. Since it can be moved and pointed in any direction, we suggest that you position it in a place that’s immediately accessible.
Therefore, anywhere beside an armchair, bed, or couch is a good idea. Usually, both the socket and the shade can be adjusted, which may not be possible with other adjustable varieties.
Like here in the picture, you can find something contemporary and casual. But more than the design, you should focus on the light output as you’d want your lamp to supply a focused stream of light. Some models even include three-way bulbs, allowing users to control the light intensity with different output levels.
12. Arcing Floor Lamp
If you’re looking for something classy and unique, the arcing floor lamp is the way to go. These have a distinctive appearance, which immediately speaks volumes about your exclusive choice.
Featuring an extended arm attached to the lamp base, this light fixture is unlike any other you have owned. It creates a cozy and relaxing vibe in your home and, at the same time, takes your indoor décor up several notches.
You can use the long arm to your advantage and use it to throw light on your accent pieces or any furniture item you want to emphasize. Honestly, it’s the best lighting solution to create a dramatic effect by illuminating any sitting space.
For instance, you can station it by the couch or on the dining table. In the case of the latter, you can skip the usual overhead lighting and experiment with something new. Besides, the arced arm lends more definition to the lamp, further elevating the existing décor.
13. Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Pharmacy floor lamps are not popular for looks; instead, they are more purpose-driven. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t find fashionable options like the one shown in the picture.
But before we go into the aesthetics, let’s talk about the structure and function of this lamp. To break it down, this floor light has a small build, which makes it quite handy and portable. You can use it for direct lighting as the lamp head can be adjusted and moved in any direction.
Furthermore, you can also change the lamp height, thanks to the adjustable pole. Therefore, it’s truly versatile, offering convenience and high accessibility from the get-go. So, if your floor space is at a premium and you need something compact and efficient, consider this option.
14. Novelty Floor Lamp
Novelty floor lamps are essentially decorative lighting with a touch of funky and chic. They are unlike any other light fixtures, which can be categorized into one style or the other.
To explain further, you can find a type of novelty light that doubles as a sweeper and can be used to clean floors. The possibilities are limitless here, and you can find anything that lives up to your sense of quirky and fun.
Different Floor Lamp Styles
Now that you have browsed through the different types of floor lamps available, it’s time to check out all the unique styles. This bit is important for décor enthusiasts as you’d want your light to sync with the existing setup.
Here too, you can choose from a wide range of options and find something that best suits your requirements and interiors. The following are the common floor lamp styles available right now.
1. Scandinavian
Before you jump and think that we’re talking about IKEA, let’s just say that there’s more to Scandinavian or Nordic style than this Swedish Chain. Much like mid-century designs, this style in floor lamps is about minimalism and defined lines.
If you prefer keeping it spartan and want to avoid any OTT décor pieces, you might want to explore this option. Furthermore, the subdued look is very in at the moment as it allows you to experiment with multiple styles and design statements.
So, if you’re looking to play around with other ideas while keeping this accent piece plain, check this out stat.
2. Mid-century Modern
The mid-century style came into being in the 20th century and since then has made an enormous comeback in the 21st century. This was initially popular for its clean look and neat profiles, and as such, homeowners now dig the modest appearance.
The uncluttered look of these lamps makes them instantly more versatile, allowing users to keep them anywhere in the house. Furthermore, if you’re more concerned about function than aesthetics, this will undoubtedly make a great choice.
3. Mission Shaker
Mission Shaker lamps are the by-products of the ‘Craftsman furniture’ or ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement that took place in the 19th century. The key features of this distinctive form are clean lines and seamless geometric shapes.
If you have a penchant for artisanal décor pieces that invoke a sense of local culture and heritage, this is an excellent place to start. Also, chances are there won’t be a second copy of your lamp, which is a win-win if you want something exclusive for your living room.
4. Tiffany
Tiffany is a style named after the famous Louis Comfort Tiffany, who created a decorative, stained glass design in the 19th century. These are exclusive and premium décor pieces that can cost anywhere between thousands to millions of dollars.
No wonder they are coveted by celebrities and business people, looking for a piece of luxury in their star-studded lives. However, there’s no point breaking the bank for a lamp when you can get dupes for a fraction of the price.
Tiffany-style lamps are available online as well as in departmental stores, so you can easily find one of these gorgeous, colorful pieces for your home. You can choose from a wide assortment of glass shade options and find a copy that looks very much like an original.
5. Country
When we say country style, it’s open to different interpretations based on the existing culture in an area. Regardless, all forms share some commonalities such as muted colors, unpolished, rustic feel, and a worn-down look.
The vintage look lends it a cozy vibe, and you feel at home with such décor items around. That said, country-style lamps are great for rooms with an open plan. Large windows, high ceilings, and minimal furnishings are the basics for a country theme.
6. Industrial
Industrial style imbibes a typical rough-hewn, sturdy appearance, which is intrinsic in this form. These floor lamps are usually far more durable and can take a hit or two without completely falling apart.
More often than not, the construction material for these items is either unpolished wood or cast iron. However, this bit is not set in stone, and you can find industrial-style models made of aluminum, steel, copper, bronze, or other metal alloys. Besides, a simple Edison bulb is the trademark of this bare-bones style.
7. Bohemian
Bohemian style is not for everyone, as many find it to be chaotic and confusing. However, if you believe in this expressive form, you’ll find many options available on the market. So, ditch the monotonous pastels for some vibrant colors, patterns, and aesthetics.
Bohemian floor lamps are all about mismatched colors, creating a jumbled-up look that immediately demands your attention. Therefore, you can keep this as your centerpiece to emphasize your taste for all things eclectic.
Besides, when it comes to boho-style lamps, the shades usually feature a unique texture. It can be anything from upholstery fabric, and wicker rattan to beads, and shells.
8. Contemporary
The word ‘contemporary’ is a blanket term for designs and styles that came into being from the latter half of the 20th century until now. Contemporary is not a straight-jacket style and can be interpreted in different ways based on location, culture, current trends, etc.
Nevertheless, if we had to find some similarities among them, then it would be sharp lines, well-defined shapes, and soft colors. However, there are exceptions to that, and you can find something more upbeat and interesting in the same category.
Floor Lamp Shades
Floor lamps do not always come with shades, but still many do, so it’s best that you know all about them as well. Lampshades are not permanent parts of the light unit; you can replace them if they look worse for wear or simply because you want something new.
For instance, you can give your old lamp a whole new avatar with a new shade, and nobody will be wiser. Following is a guide to buying the perfect lampshade that will come in handy sooner or later.
1. Size
When you’re looking to get the correct size, focus on the height as well as the width of the lampshade. The dimensions in entirety matter as you don’t want to end up buying a bulky shade for a slender lamp. If you’re still not too sure, follow these basic rules.
Rule One
Make sure that the lampshade covers the light and the socket entirely. If the shade is too small for the lamp, it just looks weird and distasteful.
Rule Two
Find a shade that is roughly 1/3rd or 1/4th of the height of the floor lamp. Anything slightly smaller may seem forcefully fitted with the model. At the same time, a larger shade would look over the top and wouldn’t match the light either.
Rule Three
As for the lampshade width, make sure that the cover is not wider than the broadest part of the lamp base.
To avoid burning the shade, buy something at least 3 inches wider than the bulb. The bottom line, the wider the shade, the more light it can disperse. However, the shade width should be proportionate to the lamp.
2. Shape
Speaking in general terms, the shape of the lampshade should take after the lamp itself. To explain further, a round-shaped shade will perfectly sync with a curved lamp or a lamp with a base made of stacked balls. Meanwhile, a quadrangle shade will match better with a sleek bulb with straight lines. Go with your instinct here and find something that reflects the lamp’s shape.
3. Material
The material of the lampshade has a key role to play in the effectiveness of the light unit. After all, this will determine the brightness level of a floor lamp. On that note, the more opaque it’s gonna be, the less light the lamp will produce.
If you want to make the most out of your lamp, it’s best to get a shade that’s either translucent or see-through. For instance, loosely woven wool, cotton, or linen will work perfectly well.
4. Color
Not just the material but the color of the shade also determines the illumination capacity of a lamp. A dark-colored lampshade will reduce the light intensity while anything light or pale will allow more light to seep through.
If you don’t find the ideal lampshade at stores or online, you can always go down the DIY route and make your shade.
Floor Lamp Size
We don’t want to leave any stone unturned to help you find the best floor lamp. That’s why we also want to emphasize the ideal floor lamp size.
Anything too tall is a big no-no for rooms with low ceilings; you don’t want your lamp to awkwardly stand out among other furnishings. On the other hand, something too small will probably go unnoticed in a large room with high walls and ceilings.
If you are worried that your bulb or socket can be visible at a certain angle, we recommend buying a 68-inch model or higher. With a floor unit that high, you won’t be able to see the bulb while standing or sitting near the lamp.
However, if you’re not so hung up about the bulb being visible, you can pay attention to other factors. For instance, you can compare the relative height of the other furnishings and match it with the lamp’s height. After all, you’d want it to sync with other lamps and furniture pieces in the area.
As a rule of thumb, your floor lamp should be of the same height as other table lamps or light fixtures positioned on a surface. When you match the heights, it brings more balance and harmony to your décor. Ultimately, it’s more visually appealing and subtly hints at your zeal for perfection.
Floor Lamp Materials
The build material of a floor lamp has a lot to do with its overall look, durability, and price. However, the best part is that there are enough options for everyone, so you can buy something based on your budget and requirements.
The following are some common materials used to design floor lamps.
1. Metal
Nothing speaks durability and grandeur, like a metal floor lamp. These showpieces are designed to enhance décor while adding to the visual appeal. Imagine an arcing lamp made of shiny copper or chrome. Now that’s more like it.
However, if you like to keep things low-key, get a sleek metal pole model that can seamlessly blend with the rest of the furniture.
2. Wood
Wooden floor lamps have a wide range, in the sense that they can either look contemporary or invoke a rustic charm. How you’ll classify one depends on the way the wood is carved or treated.
Long story short, an unpolished wood lamp is perfect for a country-style setup, while sanded varieties are great for casual and chic décor.
3. Stone
Stone floor lamps are in a different league altogether and, as such, more expensive than other materials. They tend to be a little bulkier as their bases are set in stone, literally. More often than not, the base is usually made of marble, while the pole and lampshade are made of lightweight materials.
The overall look is nothing short of impressive and speaks volumes about your refined taste. So, if you want to spruce your home décor, consider this option.
4. Ceramic
Ceramics is another option if you don’t want to deal with the weight of the stone. These floor lamps are usually quite dainty, but you can also find something more full-bodied, as shown in the picture.
Usually, ceramic is combined with other materials to form a perfectly balanced lamp. Either the base can be entirely made of ceramic, or part of the unit can have a ceramic design. The former usually has a larger footprint and serves well as accent pieces.
5. Paper
You’d be surprised to know that tower floor lamps are usually made of thin tissue or rice paper, wrapped on a wire base. Therefore, they are relatively lightweight and easy to transport from one room to another.
Different Types Of Floor Lamp Light Bulbs
Picking the right bulb is essential to the proper functioning of your floor lamp. Here are some of the options you can choose from.
1. CFL
CFL bulbs were introduced to reduce high power consumption, and as such, most floor lamps these days are powered by these lights. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) are compatible with the same socket as incandescent ones. Therefore, if you have an old floor lamp that used incandescent bulbs earlier, it can be modernized and made more efficient with a CFL.
They consume less energy to produce the same light output and last longer than most other motions. However, the only drawback is that they contain mercury, so it’s crucial to dispose of or recycle the used bulbs properly. Also, CFLs produce a cool-toned light, and that may not work with all indoor décor themes.
2. Incandescent
The incandescent bulb invented by Edison in the 1800s is the inspiration behind modern lighting innovations. Although these bulbs are outdated and considered less efficient, you can still find one in a departmental store.
They are pretty cheap and typically produce a warm glow. However, the main reason these bulbs are no longer viable is their lack of energy efficiency. Besides, they don’t last very long. That said, smaller incandescent lights are still used in candelabras and chandeliers. So, if you want to create an old-world charm, this might be a good option.
3. LED
Both incandescent and CFL bulbs are miles behind when it comes to the energy efficiency of LED lights. If you have a floor lamp with a standard socket, we’d recommend using an LED bulb.
Firstly, an ordinary LED light can last for up to 20 years, using minimal energy compared to incandescent and CFL bulbs. Furthermore, they do not contain mercury, making LED a far more environmentally conscious choice.
Initially, these bulbs were quite costly, but with increased production and supply, you can now get a whole pack at a reasonable price.
4. Xenon
Xenon bulbs, too, fall under the incandescent category; however, they derive some amount of energy from xenon gas. Generally, they are used for car headlights, but some floor lamp models also require xenon lights.
For one thing, these bulbs have a longer service life compared to standard incandescent lights. Also, they don’t heat up like halogen bulbs. Therefore, xenon lights might be a good choice, after all, considering that they last up to 10,000 hours.
5. Halogen
Halogen bulbs, although an unconventional choice, might be the required source of lighting for certain floor lamps. Usually, these models feature a different socket, which only accepts halogen lights.
As the name suggests, these bulbs contain halogen gas, which makes them more energy-efficient than incandescent varieties. However, they heat up rapidly and can pose a burn risk for users. If you have small children at home, who can easily reach a floor lamp, we suggest using a cooler lamp instead.
That’s all, folks. Now that we’ve discussed all the different types of floor lamps, we hope you could find the most suitable option. But before you go ahead and buy something, here’s some advice. Make sure that your floor lamp scores high on energy efficiency, especially if you plan to keep it on for several hours.
Also, pay attention to the adjustability factor as you’d want your lamp to be more flexible and convenient. Other than that, it should produce enough light to enhance the surroundings, so you can achieve the desired effect.
That said, buying a floor lamp is not rocket science. We’re sure you got this. On that note, we’d like to sign off.
Till next time! Keep it lit!
