How to Tell If a Floor Lamp Is Right For Your Home

When shopping for a floor lamp, you’re likely to find plenty of options that appeal to different aesthetic tastes. Thankfully, there are some easy questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow your selection and make sure you’re buying a lamp that will work in your home.

What kind of light does it give?

Choosing a floor lamp that provides the right amount of light for your space is important to ensure your room is well-lit and bright enough for what you plan to use it for. There are a number of options, from tower lamps that provide a soft glow to torchiere lamps that focus the light directly on a single area. There are also adjustable floor lamps that can be adjusted to suit your lighting needs.

What are the most popular styles?

There are a variety of designs to choose from, including modern and traditional styles, as well as industrial and minimalist. Many of these styles come in various finishes, so you can easily match them with your decor.

What do I need?

If you want a basic lamp for overall ambient light, then a simple style is usually a good option. These can be tall, slender, or round. You can also choose from different lamp shades to match your decor and the style of your room. Drum shades are a popular choice, as they add ambiance while providing soft lighting.

What’s the size?

You’ll want to choose a floor lamp that fits into your space without feeling too large or bulky. Look for a model that’s around 70 inches high. This will keep the lamp centered and avoid a top-heavy feel, which can be uncomfortable to walk on.

What’s the wattage?

If you’re shopping for a basic floor lamp, then a good rule of thumb is to get one that uses a minimum of 60 watts. This is because it allows the bulb to last longer and use less energy than a higher wattage lamp, which means you’ll save money on your electricity bills in the long run.

How often will you be using the light?

If you plan on using the lamp in the evening to watch television, then it’s worth spending a little extra money on a model that offers dimming capability. This is also helpful if you’re using the lamp to read, since it can help you reduce eye strain and promote better reading.

What type of bulb does it use?

Choosing a floor lamp that uses a halogen or LED bulb instead of an incandescent bulb will help reduce your energy costs. These bulbs also produce a more natural, whiter glow that is a good fit for most rooms.

What are the different shades?

Unlike table lamps, which have just one shade that covers the whole body of the lamp, floor lamps have multiple shades that can be adjusted to direct the light. The most common types of floor lamp shades are cylinder and drum shades.