Design floor lamps – how to find the right model for your home
- Types of floor lamp – from classic to unusual
- Reading lamps in detail
- Bulbs, light colour and light distribution
- Summary
1. Types of floor lamp – from classic to unusual
There's a wide choice of floor lamp designs. Models with a fabric (1) or opal glass shade are the classic choice. Beyond these, from functional reading lamps (2) and timeless arc lamps (3) to modern uplighters (4), there's the right design for every interior.
To choose the right type of floor lamp, the key questions are when you'll use it and where it will stand. If the floor lamp is going next to a sofa or armchair and needs to provide light for reading, a reading lamp with direct light is ideal (2). A flexible reading lamp is also a good choice as a task light next to a desk. If you mainly want the lamp to create atmospheric light, choose a classic floor lamp (1), ideally a dimmable one. For (additional) general lighting in a room, on the other hand, an uplighter (4) is perfect: the ceiling acts as a projection surface, creating a beautiful light that even appears brighter at the same wattage.
"If there's no ceiling outlet for a pendant light above your dining table, an arc lamp is an easy alternative. It lets you light your dining area perfectly while adding a striking highlight." - Viktoria, interior expert
2. Reading lamps in detail
Reading lamps stand out for their direct light and various adjustment options, although how flexible they are varies from model to model. Some design floor lamps (1) pivot at the base, which changes the angle of the whole lamp, while on other models (2) only the head swivels. There are also reading lamps with several swivel joints (3) or an adjustable height (4). Depending on the adjustment options, some reading lamps can also act as uplighters, adding to or even replacing your general lighting.
3. Bulbs, light colour and light distribution
Depending on the type of design floor lamp, the light it creates varies in intensity. Reading lamps create direct light. Uplighters create indirect light by directing it towards the ceiling. Classic floor lamps with a fabric or opal glass shade create soft, diffused light that gently illuminates the room without glare. With black floor lamps, always bear in mind that they absorb a lot of light, whereas light-coloured paper shades let through as much as possible. Combination lamps, on the other hand, can provide a mix of direct and indirect light, and some can even be switched separately – giving you the right light for reading and a pleasant atmosphere.
The classic bulbs for floor lamps are LEDs, halogen bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs. With most lamps, you can choose freely between these three types, regardless of whether they are dimmable. Some models have built-in LEDs, as these have a lifespan of 15,000 to 50,000 hours – that's 14 to 45 years if used for three hours a day.
Light colour plays a very important role when choosing a bulb, as it has a major influence on the atmosphere in a room. Neutral and warm white bulbs create cosy light, making them perfect for a floor lamp in the living room, dining area or bedroom. Cool white light, by contrast, comes closest to daylight, so it is particularly good for working and helps you concentrate. That makes cool light colours ideal for a floor lamp in your study.
4. Summary – what to look for when buying a floor lamp
- From classic design floor lamps with a fabric or opal glass shade to reading lamps, arc lamps and uplighters, there's a wide choice of models. When choosing the right type, it's especially important to consider which piece of furniture the lamp will stand next to and what you'll use it for.
- Reading lamps stand out for their flexibility: some pivot only at the base or the head, while others have several swivel joints or an adjustable height. Some reading lamps can also be used as uplighters.
- Floor lamps differ significantly in how they distribute light: reading lamps, for example, create direct light, while classic floor lamps create indirect light. Combination floor lamps let you create a mix of both.
- Most floor lamps can be fitted with LEDs, halogen bulbs or traditional incandescent bulbs. A special type is the LED floor lamp, where the light source is already built in and lasts for decades.
- Floor lamps with a dimmer are a useful option for adapting the lighting to the mood.
- Light colour has a major influence on the atmosphere in a room. Neutral and warm white bulbs create cosy light that is perfect for living, sleeping and dining areas. Cool white light helps you concentrate, which makes it ideal for the study.
Buy design floor lamps online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- high-quality floor lamps – originals from top design brands
- personal support from our customer service team
- fair delivery costs
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Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy a design floor lamp online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
