Floor lamps are amazing. They don’t just serve a practical purpose; they can bring elegance and height to a room, somehow making the space feel both taller and cosier as a result. But you have to place them properly. So, how do you know which floor lamp will suit your space, and where to place them for the maximum impact?
How to Get the Best from Your Floor Lamps
Why everyone needs floor lamps in their life
What was your thought process when you last shopped for a floor lamp? Did you have a dark corner you wanted to brighten up? Or a reading nook that needed a little more illumination? Maybe you’re one of the many with an abhorrence of overhead lighting. People buy floor lamps for all kinds of reasons – to define zones in a room, to create mood through layering, or even just to add interest to a space, which is where lights like the Altos Alta often come in. But whatever the reason for their purchase, people soon realise that the placement of their lamp is just as important as the type of lamp they buy.
What to think about when choosing the right floor lamp
Purpose
Why do you want to buy a lamp? What are you going to use it for? This should influence the style of floor lamp you choose.
· Ambient lighting? Look for upward-facing or diffused designs like the Endon Monaco or the Elstead Feiss Opera.
· Task lighting? Lamps with adjustable arms or directional shades, like the Nordlux Clyde, work best.
· Accent lighting? A decorative lamp with a soft glow, like the Endon Elegance, can highlight a corner or bring warmth and character to a room.
Design and Style
When you’re choosing a floor lamp, you need to find a design that suits the current style of your room. For a modern look, think sleek metals and minimal lines, like the Endon Briar. For boho, you’re probably better choosing something with a rattan or fringed shade, or a playful shape, like the Interiors 1900 Sullivan Tiffany lamp. If industrial chic is more your thing, then look to lamps with a matte finish and exposed bulbs, again like the Alta. While mid-century style can best be complemented with lamps with tripod legs, globe shades, and warm tones, like the Endon Mathias.
Size and proportion
Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling where you’ve unboxed an item only to find that it looks significantly bigger or smaller when it’s in your home? You can avoid that by planning ahead. A good rule of thumb is to choose a lamp that is at or just above eye level when seated for a reading lamp. Or 147–163 cm for ambient lighting. Choose a shade shape that works with your décor. And check the base size, to ensure that it will fit where you want it to go.
Finding the right place for your lamp
So, now we come to placement. What do you need to think about?
Utility
First and foremost, you need to place your floor lamps where they are going to be most useful. So, that usually means by a sofa, armchair, desk, or in place of your bedside lamp. Just don’t position it directly behind you because you’re likely to create shadows.
Aesthetic
The most important aesthetic consideration is that you don’t create an obstruction with your lamp, either physically or visually, which is why most people choose to place their lamps by other furniture. And that also happens to be a good way to avoid trailing cords, which is always a bonus.
Choosing a beautiful lamp is just the start. If you’re going to get the best from it, you also need to find the perfect place to put it, so it really works with your room. So, next time you go lamp shopping, think pretty. But don’t forget to think practical too.
Looking for floor lamp inspiration? View the complete First Choice Lighting collection.
