Floor Lamps: Light Where You Need It
Most rooms rely too much on one ceiling light. Floor lamps help fix that. They add light at a different height, which makes a room feel warmer and more relaxing.
Where to Place a Floor Lamp
- Behind an armchair – light falls over your shoulder for reading.
- In a dark corner – makes the room feel bigger.
- Beside a sofa – frees up the lamp table for drinks.
- In a bedroom – soft light without a bedside lamp.
Choosing a Finish
Brushed steel feels modern and bright. Matt black suits industrial and contemporary rooms. Matt white looks clean in Scandi spaces. Decorative designs, like palm leaf styles, become a feature in their own right.
Getting the Height Right
For reading, the bottom of the shade should sit just above your shoulder when seated. Extra large and arc-style lamps reach over a sofa or chair. Check the base footprint fits the space without becoming a trip hazard.
Layering Your Light
Combine a floor lamp with table lamps and a ceiling light. Put them on different switches or smart plugs. Then you can dim the room in the evening and brighten it for tasks.
Bulbs and Safety
Use warm white LED bulbs in living spaces. Check the maximum wattage. Run cables along walls, not across walkways. Make sure the base sits on a flat, stable floor.
Explore our full lighting range, including wall lights and chandeliers. Browse living room furniture to complete the room.
Floor Lamps: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a floor lamp go in a living room?
Behind or beside an armchair or sofa, or in a dark corner. This adds layered light and makes the room feel bigger.
How tall should a reading floor lamp be?
The bottom of the shade should sit just above your shoulder when you're seated, so light falls on your book.
Are floor lamps safe around children and pets?
Choose a lamp with a heavy, stable base, keep cables tidy along the wall, and place it out of busy walkways.
Do floor lamps need an electrician?
No. Floor lamps plug into a standard socket, so no installation is needed.














































