It’s no secret that—from a functional standpoint—lighting is really important in interior design. But did you know that choosing the right fixture and placing it strategically can enhance the ambiance of your space, too?
It’s only fair to leverage the full potential of a lighting fixture—and for our post today, specifically a floor lamp. Floor lamps can provide convenient lighting solutions wherever you go. Beyond that, they can make a design statement in your space, provided you use them the right way.
And that’s what we’re here for today. Keep reading to learn all about decorating with floor lamps; by the end of this post, you’ll have a bunch of amazing options to choose from + know-how on how to decorate with them.
6 Rules for Decorating with Floor Lamps
The way you decorate with floor lamps has a major say in the ambiance of your interior. The right placement can actually make or break the space, so it’s important to know the tricks for decorating properly.
Pay Attention to the Scale
As with anything else, you want to make sure the size of the lamp you’re using suits the space—especially in terms of size. For example, if you have a compact corner, placing an oversized lamp may make the space feel cramped. In contrast, a small lamp would look odd in a large room. So, you want to think about the size of your room, and then compare it with the build of the lamp, before purchasing.
For the size of the lamp, a good rule of thumb is: the lampshade should be ½ — ¾ the size of the base. (And, of course, it should be covering all the lamp’s internal hardware).
Consider the Style of the Floor Lamp
Adding a floor lamp can enhance your existing decor, so paying attention to the style of your lamp makes a difference. If you have a boho interior, you’d want a beige floor lamp with plenty of texture (bonus points if there are tassels), and the same applies to other design stories.
Learn About the Different Shapes of Shades
There’s really no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lampshades, as there are so many different shapes. However, knowing the different types can help you make up your mind on which one you prefer. These can include, but are not limited to:
Oval
Coolie
Bell
Cylinder
Drum
Empire
Square
Rectangular
Hexagonal
Octagonal
Combine the Right Base and Shade
Your lampshade should complement the lamp base. Manufacturers make all sorts of pairs when it comes to the base and shade—but there are a few combinations that work well in all settings. Typically, you will find three types of lamp bases, and these go well with the following shades:
Round: works with round or hexagonal shades
Square: complements square or rectangular shades
Candlestick: works with virtually any type of lampshade (this is because it combines elements from both round and square bases)
Note that a square base can sometimes be called an angular base.
Take a Look at the Technical Specs
When buying a lamp, you want to look out for the following specs—
Maximum bulb brightness. This is measured in wattage, and determines the intensity of the lamp.
Number of bulbs. Some lamps have more than one bulbs. This lets you adjust the light level.
Type of switch. Lamps typically have one-way (on/off), three-way (low, medium, high), or rotary (dimmable) switches.
You can choose your lamp based on the maximum brightness you’re looking for, plus whether or not you require dimming features.
Consider the Floor Lamp Placement
We’ve agreed that floor lamp placement can affect its decorative presence. But where exactly do you place it? The possibilities are truly endless… but you can typically find floor lamps creating a statement in the following places—
Cozy up your reading nook with a floor lamp. It can be hard to concentrate if you’re not feeling cozy. Plus, a floor lamp can provide just the right illumination, reducing the strain on your eyes. This helps double your floor lamp as task lighting.
Brighten up your corners. A vacant corner can put off the design of the space. And a quick fix is adding a floor lamp, which can add some light and make the nook inviting.
Shine up your favorite artwork with a floor lamp, allowing it to work as accent lighting. You can do so by putting the artwork on a sideboard, and placing a floor lamp nearby. This will truly highlight the piece!
Light up your workspace. An arc lamp focused on your workstation can provide functionality and add sophistication and style to the space.
Add some luxury to your vanity. You can truly bring your makeup desk to life by placing a floor lamp beside it.
Top 6 Floor Lamps to Buy
You now know all about decorating with floor lamps. But wait, where do you get one from? Here are some of our top picks—read right through to find your next best match.
Eichholtz Cassini Floor Lamp
Price: $3,500
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
If you’re looking for a luxury fixture for your space, look no further. This floor lamp features antique brass and can create a radiant focal point. Plus, its dimmable LED lights let you control the light level. This one makes for a great piece if you’re looking to subtly illuminate your artwork.
Emsworth 2-Light Floor Lamp
Price: $423
Shop: Lights Online
This one will illuminate right, left, and center! We love the dual bulbs of this lamp—and their varying heights—making it an incredibly unique piece. Its black color will simultaneously add luxury to your space.
Luna Bella Chairside Arc Floor Lamp
Price: $549
Shop: Nova of California
We love this modern arc lamp for the organic forms it adds to the interior, all while keeping it sleek. It makes for the perfect addition to your cozy reading nook.
Four Hands Isabella Floor Lamp
Price: $1,199
Shop: Alchemy Fine Home
If you’re looking to add warmth to your space, this Scandi-style piece will do. Its tapered wood base and textured shade come together to make the ambiance inviting. Plus, it’s a great way to bring natural materials into your home.
West Elm Telescoping Adjustable Floor Lamp
Price: $299
Shop: West Elm
If you’re looking for a classic piece, this floor lamp is just the right pick. Its white lampshade and black and gold base combine to create a unique piece. And it also happens to be the most economical on our list!
Interior Icons Glow
Product: Glow
Price: $349
Shop: Interior Icons
We love the idea of this simple globe lamp, especially for its simplicity, size, and the amount of light it brings to the living room. The spherical diffuser is made from opal white glass, and its minimalist stem is made of steel.
Final Words
And, that’s a wrap! We hope you can now make the most of your floor lamps… and find the one that complements your space best 😉
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