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Your ultimate guide to choosing a floor lamp to suit your needs.
When you are looking to buy a floor lamp you’ll find that there are a lot of options available. Floor lamps offer a lot of versatility for your home as they come in so many shapes, styles, and sizes, making them a great addition to any room.
Providing your home with both ambient lighting and task lighting, floor lamps can act as functional lights as well as making a stylish statement in your home. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to think about exactly what you want from a floor lamp so you can find the perfect lighting to suit your needs.
TYPES OF FLOOR LAMPS
Although all floor lamps share the same structural elements, there are still a wide variety of floor lamp designs available. To find the perfect floor lamps for your home it’s important to understand what the different types of floor lamps are. Below are the main kind of floor lamps that you will find when you are looking to update the lighting in your home.
ARC FLOOR LAMPS
Arc floor lamps combine both form and functionality to provide you with directional reading light and the perfect ambient lighting. For a dramatic look, arc floor lamps are a great choice as they will create a statement in any room. Arc floor lamps are ideal for lighting large couches or for using instead of a chandelier over the dining table.
TRIPOD FLOOR LAMPS
Tripod floor lamps are structured differently to other floor lamps as the base is generally composed of three columns that hold the lamp shade and bulb up, rather than one column. These lamps give a unique look to any room while still providing plenty of functional, ambient lighting to your space.
TRADITIONAL FLOOR LAMPS
Traditional floor lamps, also known as club lamps or standard floor lamps, are one of the most common types of floor lamps that you will find. They are designed to provide area lighting for your space and come in a range of styles and sizes. Generally traditional floor lamps will feature the same base elements, including a solid base, a stick or a pole that holds the light bulb, and a lamp shade that softens the light.
TREE FLOOR LAMPS
Tree floor lamps, also known as multi-way lamps, are lamps that feature multiple lights. These lights can often be positioned at a variety of angles so that you can illuminate different parts of the room with ease. These are very functional, but still stylish, lamps that will work well anywhere in your home.
ARC FLOOR LAMPS
Arc floor lamps combine both form and functionality to provide you with directional reading light and the perfect ambient lighting. For a dramatic look, arc floor lamps are a great choice as they will create a statement in any room. Arc floor lamps are ideal for lighting large couches or for using instead of a chandelier over the dining table.
TRIPOD FLOOR LAMPS
Tripod floor lamps are structured differently to other floor lamps as the base is generally composed of three columns that hold the lamp shade and bulb up, rather than one column. These lamps give a unique look to any room while still providing plenty of functional, ambient lighting to your space.
TRADITIONAL FLOOR LAMPS
Traditional floor lamps, also known as club lamps or standard floor lamps, are one of the most common types of floor lamps that you will find. They are designed to provide area lighting for your space and come in a range of styles and sizes. Generally traditional floor lamps will feature the same base elements, including a solid base, a stick or a pole that holds the light bulb, and a lamp shade that softens the light.
TREE FLOOR LAMPS
Tree floor lamps, also known as multi-way lamps, are lamps that feature multiple lights. These lights can often be positioned at a variety of angles so that you can illuminate different parts of the room with ease. These are very functional, but still stylish, lamps that will work well anywhere in your home.
SHADED FLOOR LAMPS
Shaded floor lamps generally feature a single pole to keep them upright, a sturdy base, and a lamp shade that houses the bulb. Lamp shades help to diffuse the light more evenly so that the room will have the perfect, ambient lighting.
TORCHIER FLOOR LAMPS
Torchier floor lamps are aptly named for their torch-like shape and upward facing lighting fixture. These kinds of floor lamps do not take up a lot of floor space and provide the perfect ambient lighting thanks to the design of the lighting fixture. The torch-like shape directs light up towards the ceiling, allowing it to diffuse softly to provide general lighting throughout the room.
TASK FLOOR LAMPS
Task floor lamps are usually adjustable to make them easier to use while reading or working at a table or desk. Sometimes task floor lamps are also called downbridge lamps, but these kinds of lamps don’t have an adjustable light. If you are in need of task lighting for your space, task floor lamps are a great option, especially if you want the flexibility of being able to move them throughout the room.
PORTABLE FLOOR LAMPS
Portable floor lamps are designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to move light exactly where you need it. Their rechargeable nature makes them ideal for spaces without a powerpoint, for shifting focused light from room to room, or even for temporary outdoor use, offering all the aesthetic appeal and function of a standard floor lamp. From reading nooks to rental homes, their lightweight design makes them a practical choice for adaptable living.
PLACEMENT
Whilst floor lamps are mostly used in the living room, they can be placed anywhere in your home. To direct light inwards towards the middle of the room try positioning a floor lamp in the corners of the living room. If you need better light for reading you can place a floor lamp to the side of an armchair, making sure that the bottom of the lamp shade is at eye height to avoid straining your eyes. Make sure that your lamp is not in the middle of the flow of traffic, such as near doorways or in a narrow hallway, to avoid anyone tripping on it.
HEIGHT AND SIZE
Typically a floor lamp will stand at around 147-163cm tall, with the bottom of the lamp shade sitting at eye height. For smaller spaces it is a good idea to use a traditional or torchiere floor lamp to save space, whereas for larger areas of the home you can use arc lamps or tree floor lamps.
DIFFERENT INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES
When it comes to floor lamps there are a lot of different styles and designs to choose from, giving you plenty of options to suit the aesthetic of your home.
MODERN Simple colours and clean lines are common features in Modern homes. Avoid clutter by choosing items that are sleek in design that are made of materials such as metal, glass, and steel.
MID-CENTURY MODERN Functionality is key when it comes to mid-century modern design, with natural and organic shapes being a common feature.
HAMPTONS Hamptons homes have a very coastal feel, with lots of natural light and an airy colour palette. Inspiration is drawn from the ocean with Hamptons designs, with white and beige colours featuring prominently amongst elements of wood.
INDUSTRIAL Industrial designs draw inspiration from warehouses and urban lofts, featuring unfinished details that give a rawness to the space. With primarily neutral colour schemes and a focus on metals and wood, industrial homes are both stylish and functional.
ART DECO For Art Deco homes, glamorous and elegant homewares and furniture are a common element. This 1920s throwback style is designed to evoke opulence by focusing on streamlines shapes, sleek materials, and statement pieces.
INCANDESCENT
Incandescent bulbs generally last around 1,200 hours and emit a warm, yellow light. They use up a considerable amount of energy to light a space and are the least energy-efficient option of all the light bulbs.
HALOGEN
Halogen bulbs are long-lasting and produce a much brighter light than incandescent bulbs. They can last for up to 3,600 hours but run at a very hot temperature. Halogen light bulbs are generally used for spotlights and flood lights.
LED
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient and longest-lasting option for your home. They run much cooler and can last for up to 50,000 hours. They are more expensive to begin with but are a longer-term investment as they require little energy to run.
SMART LIGHTING
If you enjoy the functionality of being able to adjust the lighting throughout your home using your phone, then smart light bulbs are the way to go. With smart lighting, you can easily control the ambient lighting of your space while also ensuring you have access to plenty of illumination whenever you need it.
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient and longest-lasting option for your home. They run much cooler and can last for up to 50,000 hours. They are more expensive to begin with but are a longer-term investment as they require little energy to run.
If you enjoy the functionality of being able to adjust the lighting throughout your home using your phone, then smart light bulbs are the way to go. With smart lighting, you can easily control the ambient lighting of your space while also ensuring you have access to plenty of illumination whenever you need it.
At Beacon Lighting you will find a range of floor lamps to choose from in many different colours, shapes, and designs. Find the perfect floor lamp for your home from our stunning collection by shopping online now, or head into your local store to speak to one of our lighting experts.
Floor lamps work best when they support the way a room is used rather than simply filling an empty corner.
position beside seating so the light falls across the space, not directly into your eyes
keep the height aligned with seated eye level to reduce glare
allow enough clearance around walkways to avoid obstruction
use floor lamps to layer light with ceiling and table lighting, not replace it entirely
choose a scale that relates to the furniture, ensuring the lamp feels integrated rather than oversized
A well-placed floor lamp should feel intentional and balanced within the room.
How do I choose the right floor lamp?
Start with purpose. Decide whether the lamp is for ambience, reading or visual balance.
task-focused designs: with adjustable heads suit reading or work areas
arc lamps: extend light over sofas or occasional chairs without needing a side table
decorative designs: help soften darker areas and add another lighting layer
slimmer profiles: work well in smaller rooms where space is limited
finishes: that echo existing materials help the lamp sit comfortably within the scheme
Choosing based on function first makes styling decisions much easier.
How many watts should a floor lamp be?
With LED lighting, wattage is less important than brightness (lumens), as LEDs use far less energy to produce the same light output.
8–12W LED: (roughly 800–1,100 lumens) is suitable for reading or task lighting
6–9W LED: works well for softer ambient lighting
dimmable globes: allow flexibility to adjust brightness as needed
Always check the fitting’s maximum wattage rating and use compatible globes.
Is it safe to leave a floor lamp on at night?
Modern LED globes generate minimal heat and are designed for long operating hours, making them safe for evening use when fitted correctly.
For safe operation:
use quality globes within the recommended wattage range
ensure the lamp is stable and positioned away from curtains or fabrics
switch off when not needed for extended periods or when leaving the home
consider models with timers or smart controls for convenience
When installed and used as intended, floor lamps are a safe and reliable part of everyday lighting.
Where should a floor lamp be placed in a living room?
Next to seating is ideal, slightly behind or to the side of the sofa or armchair so the light supports activities without shining directly into your eyes.
Can a floor lamp replace overhead lighting?
Floor lamps are best used to supplement ceiling lights rather than replace them entirely. They add softness and atmosphere while reducing reliance on harsh overhead illumination.
What height should a floor lamp be?
The bottom of the shade should generally sit at eye level when seated. This provides usable light without causing glare.
Which globe type works best in a floor lamp?
LED globes are recommended for efficiency and longevity. Choose a warm white output for ambient lighting or a higher lumen globe if the lamp is used for reading.
Do floor lamps work in smaller rooms?
Yes — selecting a slim-profile design or an arc style can add light without taking up much visual space, making them useful even in compact areas.
