FLOOR LAMPS FAQ

What do I need to consider before buying a floor lamp?

What do you need the light for?
Different activities require different levels of light. In a study or reading nook you may need brighter light for working by so an adjustable floor lamp or one with direction light might be best. In a living room or bedroom we generally like softer light for relaxing, watching TV or entertaining, so a floor lamp with a shade works better to diffuse the light.

How much natural light do you have?
If your room is naturally sunny, you may need fewer lamps than a darker one. Study how light moves throughout the room during the day so you can identify any dark spots, awkward corners and shadows that might benefit from a lighting boost. It ill also give you some idea of how many floor lamps you may need.

How big is your room?
The number of floor lamps you require depends on the size of the space, the existing levels of light and your desired lighting level. You can use multiple floor lamps to created layered lighting in combination with other lighting sources such as ceiling lights, wall sconces and table lamps.

As a rule of thumb, we suggest using one floor lamp per 100 sqft of living space.
Most rooms require at least three lighting sources (floor lamps, table lamps wall or ceiling lights) excluding daylight.

WHAT IS THE BEST FLOOR LAMP FOR A LIVING ROOM?

Design-wise you can choose any style of floor lamp that complements your interior decor and colour scheme – or be bold and opt for something that works against it to create visual impact.

If you want it to blend, choose a lamp from the same colourway. If you want it to stand out, choose one that contrasts. Generally, the stronger the design and the darker the colour, the more it will be a focal point as it will draw your eye.

For more information see our blog:
How to Choose The Right Floor Lamp for a Living Room.

WHAT SIZE FLOOR LAMP DO I NEED?

As with all lighting, it's important to consider the size and scale of the floor lamp in the setting it is required for. Generally, the larger or higher the space, the bigger and bolder your floor lamp can be. Tighter spaces look better with a smaller lamp inhabiting it.

Most standard sized floor lamps are around 160 cm tall without a shade so are ideal for most living rooms.

Smaller floor lamps are around 100cm tall without a shade, so are better for bedrooms, hallways or living rooms with low ceilings.

HOW MANY FLOOR LAMPS DO I NEED?

That depends on the size of the room, how dark it is and your desired lighting level. You can use multiple floor lamps to created layered lighting in combination with other lighting sources such as ceiling lights, wall sconces and table lamps.

One or two floor lamps are usually more than adequate to give an even spread of light in a small living room, while a larger one may need two or three spread around the room to ensure a well lit space.

As a rule of thumb, we suggest using one floor lamp per 100 sqft of living space.

HOW TALL SHOULD MY FLOOR LAMP BE?

Ideally, the bottom of the lamp shade should be at or above eye level for a seated person.

Most floor lamps are around 1-1.8m high excluding the shade which can add another 40 cm or so to the overall height.

WHERE IS THE BEST SPOT FOR A FLOOR LAMP?

Floor lamps provide both ambient and task lighting so are useful in any room in your home. Because they are plugged in, they can be easily moved wherever you need additional light.

Common places to put a floor lamp are;

Next to a sofa, arm chair or bed.
Used as a spotlight if it is adjustable.
Beside a desk or work area.
Next to a mirror for maximum impact.
Beside any side table or cabinet.
In front of an accent wall, or standing on its own in a corner as a decorative item.

WHICH FLOOR LAMP GIVES THE MOST LIGHT?

If you need general lighting, a standing lamp with a light-coloured, fine fabric shade like cotton or linen gives the most light as some of it will escape through the shade as well as from the top and bottom

The darker or thicker the shade fabric, the less light will escape from it.

Reading lamps or directional floor lamps are the best choice if you need light to work by as they give a more focused beam.

For style advice on suitable shades for a floor lamp - read our guide: Floor Lamp Shades

WHAT STYLE OF FLOOR LAMP IS BEST?

Design-wise you can choose any style of floor lamp that complements your interior decor. Decide if you want your lamp to blend with your colour scheme or stand out against it.

If you want it to blend, choose a lamp from the same colourway. If you want it to stand out, choose one that contrasts.

Generally, the stronger the design and the darker the colour, the more it will be a focal point as it will draw your eye.

Shop Floor Lamps 

HOW BRIGHT SHOULD A FLOOR LAMP BE?

That is up to you. You can use as bright a bulb as will fit into your lamp holder. Floor lamps are generally used to provide additional or ambient lighting, so do not need to be too bright.

Our standing lamps have a BC (standard bayonet) lamp holder that is designed to take a standard 3-6W LED bulb (50/60W old style).

Remember to pay attention to the colour temperature of your bulb. The ideal colour range for living room bulbs is between 2700K and 3000K - soft white.

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WHAT SIZE SHADE DO I NEED?

We generally follow the rule that floor lamps look better with a shade that is a quarter the size of the base.

To determine this, measure the height of the lamp base from the floor to the bottom of the bulb holder, then divide by four to get the approximate height for the shade.

For handy advice on how to size floor lamp shades, read our guide: How to Size Shades for Floor Lamps