Review: Best Floor Lamps

A floor lamp is a perfect multifunctional piece as it adds light to your room and acts as a great decor element. There are many models available on the market that may be appealing to the eye, but all that glitter is not gold. So before buying one, you should look for important factors such as the types, materials, lights, height, and more to invest your money in the right product.

What are the types of floor lamps?

Tree lamps

Tree lamps have the same structure as trees. They come with multiple branches, each having a lampshade and a bulb. They are great at giving dispersed light over large areas and serve as perfect decoration pieces for your living room. Because of the many arms, you can angle the light to perfectly brighten your room.

Classic lamps

These are basic lamps with a tall body and a lampshade with a bulb in it. Their base is generally wide to provide stability and prevent it from falling and most of the classic lamps have a drum lampshade that gives ambient light in the room. Also, they are ideal decor items for your living rooms and bedrooms if you want to enlighten a particular corner. These lamps are the most common and add a bit more style than some other alternatives.

Arc lamps

These modern lamps are famous for their light weight and adjustability. Unlike their counterparts, they are easy to move from place to place. You can also adjust the height and position their neck at different angles for your needs. If you want to get focused light, you can pull down the stem easily.

Torchiere lamps

Torchiere lamps are known for their upright torch-like structure. The lampshades and the bulb in these items focus the light upward to illuminate the room's ceiling. Since there are many shapes of these floor lamps available in the market, you can buy one that matches the vibe of your room. These lamps work to illuminate an entire space without being distracting or hurting your eyes.

What are factors to keep in mind before purchasing the best floor lamp?

Material

The light of the floor lamp varies with the material used in the lampshade. If the material is opaque, then the light will be dimmer. So, look for a model with a lampshade that is made with see-through or translucent material, like cotton or linen, to get an adequate amount of light.

Also, consider the material of the lamp's structure. Metal, plastic, and other materials can make up the base and body of the lamp. Some materials will be lighter in weight, making them easy to move around, whereas others may be bulkier. The material can also add a lot to the lamp's style — metal can look more industrial or modern, but lighter, cheaper materials won't make your lamp look high-end and more like a dorm room.

Color

The color of the lampshade also influences the color of light. If you choose a dark-colored product, it will decrease the intensity of the light. On the other hand, a light-colored lamp will give a fair amount of light.

Height

You must know beforehand whether you need a short or tall lamp. Short items are best if you want focused and intense light whereas tall ones work perfectly when you want diffused light in the room. Some models also come with adjustable height features, allowing you to change the height according to your need, just like arc lamps.

Switch types

Various switches like knobs, footswitches, and remote controls are used in floor lamps to operate them. Knob switches are used to turn on and off the lamp, whereas footswitches are placed at the lamp's base to operate effortlessly with the foot. On the other hand, a remote control is the most convenient way as you don't have to leave your place to control the lamp. Some items also come with smart features like touch control to alter the intensity of the light just by sliding your finger.

Bulb types

Before getting your hands on a floor lamp, look for the type of bulb they use. Some lighting devices come with traditional bulbs that consume more electricity while others use LED lights that can save electricity up to 70%.

What is the price range for floor lamps?

The cost of the floor lamps varies from $40 to $500+, depending on their design and quality. You can find simple and minimalist designs made with plastic for under 50 dollars. But, if you want well-designed and classic pieces made with metal and good lampshade material, it may cost you from $60 to $70 or possibly more.

Floor Lamp FAQ

Q: Can I use a floor lamp to brighten up a whole room?

A: Yes, you can use a floor lamp to lighten up a whole room as it spreads the light wide, covering a large area. It is also a great decoration accessory that makes your room look classy. A floor lamp directed at the ceiling can bring height and light to the entire room if positioned correctly.

Q: What should be the height of a floor lamp?

A: A floor lamp should be 58-64 inches tall. When buying, remember that the bottom of the lampshade should be higher than the eye level of the seated person, making it perfect for reading purposes and other activities.

Q: How do I clean my lampshade?

A: To clean your lampshade, you need to follow these steps:

- Add some mild detergent or dishwashing liquid to warm water and mix it thoroughly.
- Take a microfiber cloth and dampen it in the soapy liquid.
- Rub the damp cloth onto the fabric of the lampshade in a gentle circular motion and wash it off with a damp cloth with clean water.
- Let it dry, and then place the shade back on the lamp.