Hi there! I’m Sally Elshorafa — Home and Garden Editor here at BuzzFeed, and I’m here to shed some light on your options when it comes to floor lamps.
Are you still relying on that one sad overhead light to illuminate your entire room? It’s time for an upgrade, my friend. Enter the floor lamp — the unsung hero of home decor that does more than just brighten up a space. Whether you want a cozy reading nook, needing to highlight that Instagram-worthy gallery wall, or just want to stop bumping into your furniture like it’s an Olympic sport, a good floor lamp can do it all.
From modern and sleek to quirky and bold, I’ve rounded up the best floor lamps that’ll light up your life (and your room). Trust me — by the end of this, you’ll wonder how you ever survived in the shadows.
But first, a quick rundown of the most common types of floor lamps:
Arc lamps have a long, curved arm that extends over a seating area or table, creating overhead lighting without the need for ceiling fixtures.
Tripod lamps feature three legs for support, offering a stylish, modern look while providing general lighting.
Task lamps are designed with adjustable arms and shades, and focus light downward for reading or other specific tasks.
Club (standard) lamps are the classic floor lamp design with a single light bulb and shade, providing general ambient light.
Torchiere lamps have an upward-facing shade that directs light toward the ceiling, providing ambient lighting for a room.
Tree (multi-light) lamps include several arms or branches, each with its own bulb, allowing for adjustable and customizable lighting.
Swing arm lamps have a flexible arm that allows the light to be directed where needed, making them great for both ambient and task lighting.
Shelf lamps combine lighting with built-in shelves for extra storage, often used for small spaces.
