Classic Floor Light Styles
Defining The Floor Light
At its most basic, a floor light is an electric light fixture that is usually made up of a tall vertical rod capped by a switch, socket, bulb, and shading device near the top and balanced by a base resting on the floor. They are designed to project up or down lighting into the room from a vantage point that is between a high ceiling light and lower table light. Floor lights effectively provide ambient and task lighting to a space, and are often used as an accent light to add a layer of illumination to a living room, den, or office. They are an easy addition to any space since they do not require an electrician’s expertise to install. Just simply plug them into a wall socket.
Tips and Tricks to Selecting a Floor Lamp
As with any light fixture, a floor light should be considered an accessory of both form and function for the overall space it inhabits. Other considerations for a successful lighting outcome include:
The Room Décor – Is it modern, contemporary, industrial, rustic, or traditional? Is there a need to create a focal point in the space through additional lighting? The décor of the room should dictate the design of the lamp.
The Design of the Floor Light – Is it modern, contemporary, industrial, rustic, or traditional? Are you looking for something restrained and minimal, or something ornate that exudes luxury? Drum shades or slim bases, for instance project a modern aesthetic without competing in a minimalist décor. Another luminaire that fits well into modern, minimalist environments is the award-winning Neo Floor Light from Nemo.
Degree of Contrast – What degree of contrast are you comfortable with? Are you looking for a statement piece, or something that coordinates with its surroundings? What about the colour, texture, materials, and finish of the fixture? Employing a degree of contrast can effectively create a sense of harmony and balance in the space, i.e. it would not be advisable to place a luminaire made of oak next to an oak table. Instead choose a contrasting material, such as the metal Speers F Floor Lamp by B.lux.
Scale – Ensure that the height and scale of your floor light is appropriate for its surroundings. If you like the appearance of a particular fixture you might want to check to see if it is available in different sizes. A small lamp will get lost in a large room and a large lamp next to a small piece of furniture may overshadow it. Delightfull carries a vast assortment of adjustable floor lamps at every scale.
Task Illumination – Always ensure the lighting you choose is sufficient for the tasks and activities you want to accomplish in any given environment. Consider how much light you need the floor lamp to cast, if you want illumination for an entire room or just enough for reading. The BestLite BL4 Floor Light from Gubi is an effective and attractive task lamp.
The Placement of the Floor Lamp – The placement of a lamp in a room is one of the most important considerations. Two popular and effective options for floor lamps include placement in dark corners to create the illusion of increased space or next to an armchair or sofa as a reading light. While the placement options for task lighting are straightforward, the options for accent lighting purposes are unlimited, and could include defining an intimate conversation space with a coffee table and chairs, highlighting interesting features in the room such as a house plant, ornate ceiling, wall art or window treatment, or using luminaires to book end a couch or fireplace. Avoid placing a floor lamp or its cord in a high traffic environment or along a path of transit. The beauty of the floor light is its versatility: it can easily be relocated if spaces are redecorated, transforming a look with minimal effort.
When selecting a floor lamp fixture for a room ensure that you have a sense of its function as ambient, task and/or accent light and the décor of the room it is going to be situated in beforehand. You’ll find the time you invest in weighing the considerations outlined above will result in a luminaire purchase that truly performs and accentuates its environment.
Please connect with us for more help selecting the perfect floor lamp for your space. Need a floor light in a hurry? Check out our collection of quick ship floor lights.
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