What’s so standard about standard lamps? We think they’re rather amazing.
In fact, the name doesn’t have anything to do with them being ordinary or run of the mill, but comes from the old French origin of the word — ‘estandart’. Adopted in Middle English as ‘standard’, the original meaning of this word was ‘a flag raised on a pole, or an upright timber.’
With this in mind, the name becomes fitting — a lamp supported on a tall pole. But it still doesn’t do justice to what this type of lighting can do.
So without further ado, we’ve thought of 4 ways in which standard — or ‘floor’ lamps can add the wow factor to your room…
1.Use Standard Lamps to provide ambient, accent and task lighting
There are 3 main types of lighting in a room.
‘Ambient’ can also be known as ‘general’ lighting. It sets the overall mood and has the purpose of illuminating your whole room.
‘Accent’ lighting draws attention to particular objects or areas.
And finally, ‘task’ lighting provides a source of light appropriate to a task. For instance, for drawing, writing, reading, sewing, etc.
Standard lamps are extremely versatile, in that they can provide all 3 types of lighting.
2. Using Standard Lamps for ambience
Choosing an uplighter standard lamp, like this LED-compatible chrome floor lamp with inline switch, is ideal for creating an ambient light which reflects off white ceilings, and spreads its illumination around the room evenly.
Equally helpful for general light distribution, are floor lamps with semi-translucent shades. This ultra-modern, cylindrical floor lamp consists of a beautiful cut-out metal frame, in matte light grey, which allows an even diffusion of warm light to pass through it, creating a gorgeous, overall glow.
You can even team it up with its matching ceiling or table-top counterpart, to carry on the theme.
Paper lampshades omit a soft, warm, light that creates a calm ambience. Try this tall, 1.2m cylindrical paper floor lamp for a cosy mood and modern look.
3. Using Standard Lamps for task lighting
Lamps with a focused, angled head like this gloss white and chrome floor lamp are ideal for task lighting.
Also available in black, this is a contemporary, but classic model which provides the perfect light for reading, when positioned next to an armchair or sofa — and also looks, and acts, the part within a studio or office environment.
4. Use Standard Lamps to make a statement
Previously, we’ve spoken about the wonders of tripod floor lamps — how this unique style of lighting can really hold its own and add something special to a room.
And this tall, copper-legged, tripod lamp is no exception.
Copper has long been an interior design stalwart. In the last couple of years however, it’s really found its place in the home — no longer reserved for the trendiest of eateries and rustic bars.
Add this lamp to a corner space in your room and witness its long, copper legs bring a warm radiance and effortless, modern chic to any environment.
Statement tripod lamps work best with plenty of space — an area to claim as their own, because they stand out as a stylish feature, rather than sinking into the background noise of the room.
If you're looking to make a statement with less space to spare however, consider this show-stopping, sparkling acrylic crystal and chrome floor lamp with its trio of crystal globes, upon a tall, slender chrome base.
This delicate, five-light, glass flower lamp is stunningly elegant — its slender, organic lines and contrasting dark leaf detailing has art nouveau at its heart.
Find our full range of standard floor lamps on our website.
