The Ultimate Floor Lamp Buying Guide

For bringing extra light to larger rooms, there's nothing that beats the convenience of a floor lamp. Floor lamps can be set next to a chairs, couches, or tables for task light. They can be easily moved into dark areas to provide lighting. They can change their look quickly, just by replacing a lamp shade.

There are thousands of different floor lamps available in styles, colors, and material. With variety like that, you're sure to find the perfect lamp to complement your home's décor.

Console Floor Lamp A console floor lamp is the most classic type of design. A single pole set upright into a round base, with a cloth shade or glass globe at the top. Many console floor lamps use a single bulb, but some are made with either two light sockets or three light sockets to provide greater illumination.

Torchiere A torchiere is a specific type of lamp which uses a bowl-shaped shade, whether glass or metal, to focus most of the light upwards. It is good for providing ambient light, as the strongest beams will reflect off the ceiling of the room.

Tray Lamps Tray lamps are practical items to place near a chair, eliminating the need for an end table to hold drinks or books.

Reading Lamps A reading lamp will often have a central light source and an arm that branches down to provide more light to a reader who is sitting in a chair.

When you are buying a floor lamp, the first thing you'll want to think about is the purpose of the lamp. Are you looking for a lamp that will provide strong, clear light in a specific spot? Do you want something that sheds as much light as possible? Do you want a floor lamp that will give aesthetic pleasure even when it's turned off? Or are you looking for something that can do all three?

You may also want to consider the height of the lamp and whether it uses a shade, globe, or reflector to house the light bulb. Ideally, any lamp shade should reach down far enough to conceal the entire bulb when you are standing near it. This prevents any annoying glare from the light bulb from reaching your eyes most of the time.

Style

Another consideration is style. You may want to choose a decorative style that complements the rest of your décor. Here are some of the most popular decorating styles:

Colonial Style Colonial-type lamps are elegant and practical, recalling the simplicity and refinement of 18th Century America.

Arts and Crafts Style A reaction to the Victorian style, the Arts and Crafts movement favored a simple, crafty look.

Mission Style Strong geometric shapes characterizes the traditional Mission style.

Art Deco Style Art Deco style conjures up the energetic industrial designs of the 1920s through the 1950s.

Victorian Style Like the Victorian age, Victorian-style lamps are large, elaborate, and grandiose.

Asian Based on Asian designs, paper lamps convey both classic simplicity and modern verve.

Tiffany Style Tiffany style emulates the colorful, whimsical stained glass work made famous by Lewis Comfort Tiffany.

Materials

In addition to wood, paper, and bamboo, there are a variety of metallic lamps. The finishes available include brass, bronze, steel, nickel, iron, and silver.

Lamp Shades Just because your floor lamp comes with a shade doesn't mean you are stuck with it. Shades are sold in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Lighter lamp shades provide more light; darker shades are good for creating subtle mood effects.

Lamp and Shade Collection is proud to offer plenty of bargains on floor lamps. The vast majority of our name brand lamps can be purchased in the $450-$800 price range. Contact us for all your floor lamp needs. you'll be glad you did.