Floor Lamp Styles

When choosing how to illuminate your living space, it is important to consider all of the options available. General lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting all work together to create the perceived space of a room. Floor lamps are considered an important part of the lighting puzzle. Choosing just the right floor lamp can bring intimacy to the expanse of a loft apartment or highlight an architectural element in a smaller room. Many floor lamps can also be used with dual functions such as task lighting and general lighting.

Torchiere Lamps The term "torchiere" used to refer to the enormous candleholders that once lit the hallways of manors and castles. Today, it refers to a floor lamp with an upward-facing shade. These conical floor lamps bounce light off the ceiling for a soft, diffused glow. Traditional Floor Lamps Traditional floor lamps are basically table lamps with altitude. Most function in much the same way a table lamp would, with a downward-facing shade muting the light to create general atmosphere. Another popular style of floor lamp features three branching arms with smaller shades at the ends. This lets you focus the lamplight up, down, and on your book all at the same time.

Floor Lamp Task Lighting
The Anglepoise lamp of the mid-century has provided inspiration for functional floor lamps. This variety of floor lamp features adjustable arms and shades that rotate and swivel. They perform the function of acting as ambient lighting when needed, as well as assisting in specific tasks like reading. Position one of these floor lamps next to your favorite chair for maximum versatility.

Table Floor Lamps
If space is an issue, you may want to consider the fusion between a floor lamp and a table. These popular floor lamps feature a small table midpoint up the shaft as a stand for drinks or your favorite books. Other floor lamps have a cabinet at the base for storage of small items like photo albums or remote controls.