Floor lamps are some of the most versatile fixtures out there. And this is the reason why we love them so much. From downlighters to torchiere lamps, let's see how you can incorporate them into your space.
Types of Floor Lamps
There are several types of floor lamps to consider, each serving different needs and aesthetic preferences:
- Arc Floor Lamps: These lamps feature a long, curved arm that extends from a base, perfect for placing over sofas or reading areas. Their sleek, modern design makes them a popular choice for contemporary spaces.
- Torchiere Floor Lamps: Characterized by an upward-facing shade, these lamps direct light toward the ceiling, creating soft, ambient lighting that brightens up a room without being harsh.
- Task Floor Lamps: Designed with functionality in mind, task lamps provide focused lighting, ideal for reading, crafting, or any other activity that requires direct light.
- Tree Floor Lamps: Featuring multiple arms with individual lights, these lamps provide adjustable lighting options, making them great for larger spaces or creating multiple light sources from a single fixture.
- Ambient Floor Lamps: These are designed to enhance the overall mood of a room, often featuring diffused light that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Floor lamps for living room
In the living room, floor lamps can be an excellent way of enhancing your lighting scheme using the principle of layering.
Layering is the use of three different types of light: ambient, task, and accent.
Ambient light is the light used for general illumination, task lighting is used to perform specific tasks or activities, and accent lighting is used as decorative.
Floor lamps in the living room can fall under the first two of the three categories.
You can use uplighters like torchiere lamps to direct the light to the ceiling, where it will be reflected across the entire room. Or you can use them in a corner pointing the light downwards to create a cozy mood.
Floor lamps for bedroom
In the bedroom, floor lamps can be used next to the bedside table as task lighting. They are super practical as they don't take up valuable table space.
Consider using similar colors to the walls to make your floor lamps blend in nicely with the rest of the bedroom.
Torchiere lamps can also be placed in a corner for ambient light.
In any case, choose warm lampshades that create an intimate atmosphere!
How to buy the perfect floor lamp
Purpose: When buying a floor lamp, first of all, you need to consider the purpose of the lamp. Will you use it for ambient light, task light, or as a decorative piece?
This will help you select the right type of lamp between the ones we discussed above.
Placement: Then, you need to consider where you will place it. Will it be in a corner or next to the couch or other furniture? The placement of the floor lamp is very important, as it will help you decide on the right size.
Size: The height of the floor lamp is a parameter you need to consider because you don't want it to either overwhelm or get lost in the space. Choose a height that fits the surrounding area and furniture and follow the rule of thirds.
Put simply, the rule of thirds states that you divide the space into three horizontal layers of equal height and you want each of these layers to have balanced lighting. Your floor lamp will belong to either the top or the middle layer depending on its height. Use this information to combine your floor lamp with the rest of your lighting fixtures.
Hide the cords
One of the drawbacks of plug-in floor lamps is the ugly cords all over the place. To hide them, you can use a simple cord cover with adhesive if you need to walk over the cable.
If you won't need to be stepping over the cable, you can use a rug as well!
About lampshades
Lampshades can truly transform the feel of your floor lamp. You can even change them every now and then, which is a cheap solution if you get bored of your lighting easily.
For ambient lighting, where you want to illuminate the entire room softly, choose a drum or empire-shaped shade with a wide opening at the top and bottom. Also, go for transparent materials like glass. These shapes and materials work well and allow light to spread evenly in all directions.
For task lighting, such as reading, a shade that directs light downward, like a cone or cylinder shape, is ideal. Choose a solid material with little transparency. This focuses the light where it's needed most.
The shade should be in proportion to the height and width of the lamp base.
A general rule is that the height of the shade should be about one-third the height of the lamp, and the width of the shade should be roughly twice the width of the lamp base.
The shade should be large enough to cover the bulb and socket without looking too bulky or too small.
Finally, for a modern look, consider a drum or rectangular shade in solid colors or minimalist patterns. For a more traditional or classic feel, bell or empire shades in warm tones or textured fabrics work well.
Consider the finish of the lamp base when selecting the shade; a metallic or sleek base might pair well with a crisp white or neutral shade, while a wooden or ornate base might be complemented by a more detailed or colored shade.
With this guide in mind, go through our awesome selection of floor lamps and choose the one you love!