Where do floor lamps work best?
Floor lamps are very versatile and can be moved easily from room to room as your needs change.
Living room floor lamps
A floor lamp in the living room brings soft extra light next to the sofa or armchair. A living room floor lamp can work both as a reading light and as mood lighting, complementing ceiling lights, wall lights and table lamps.
Reading floor lamps by an armchair or sofa
A reading floor lamp is usually placed behind or beside an armchair or the end of a sofa. An adjustable reading light with a directional head lets you focus the beam directly on your book or knitting without dazzling others in the room.
Floor lamps in the bedroom
In the bedroom, a floor lamp creates gentle, relaxing light. It can be placed near wardrobes, in a corner or by a chair to make the space feel cosy and comfortable. A warm white LED floor lamp is ideal when you want soft, calm light in the evenings.
Floor lamps for the home office
Next to a desk, a floor lamp with an adjustable reading arm can provide extra task lighting for your work area. It can supplement desk lamps and ceiling lights, especially in darker corners of the room.
How to choose the right floor lamp
When choosing a floor lamp, think about both how you’ll use it and how it fits your interior style.
Purpose: reading, general light or mood?
For reading and working, choose a floor lamp with an adjustable arm or a built-in reading light (often called a reading floor lamp).
For ambient light, a floor lamp with a fabric shade or an uplighter that reflects light off the ceiling creates soft, indirect light.
Brightness and colour temperature
For reading and tasks, slightly brighter, more neutral light (around 3000–4000 K) works well. For relaxing in the living room or bedroom, a warm white LED floor lamp (around 2700–3000 K) creates a calm, inviting atmosphere.
Height and proportions
A floor lamp should be in proportion to the room and furniture. Next to a sofa or armchair, the light source should usually be roughly at, or just above, head height when you’re seated. In larger living rooms, an arched floor lamp can make a real statement over a coffee table or seating area.
Switch and ease of use
A convenient switch makes everyday use much easier – for example, a foot switch on the cable or a switch on the pole within easy reach. Many LED floor lamps now include a dimmer, allowing you to adjust brightness to suit the time of day and activity.
LED floor lamps – energy efficient and modern
LED floor lamps are a smart choice when you want comfort, good design and low energy consumption in one.
Advantages of LED floor lamps:
low energy use
very long lifespan
instant, flicker-free light
often built-in dimming and colour temperature control
A LED floor lamp is especially suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and workspaces where the light may be on for many hours. Some models have integrated LEDs, while others use replaceable LED bulbs (for example with E27 sockets), giving you flexibility in style and maintenance.
Style – modern, Scandinavian or classic floor lamps?
Because a floor lamp is tall and visible, it has a strong influence on the overall interior.
Modern floor lamps
Sleek lines, black or white metal, slim poles and integrated LEDs suit modern and minimalist homes. A modern floor lamp blends well with contemporary furniture and neutral colour palettes.
Scandinavian floor lamps
Light colours, wooden details and softly diffused light create a calm, natural atmosphere. Scandinavian floor lamps are easy to combine with light floors, natural textiles and simple furniture.
Classic floor lamps with shades
Floor lamps with fabric shades, brass or chrome details and warm, diffused light suit traditional and timeless interiors. They are popular choices for living rooms and bedrooms where you want a cosy, homely feel.
Whether you’re looking for a discreet standing lamp for a corner or a bold design piece that becomes a focal point, our range of floor lamps offers options for every style.
Practical tips for placing floor lamps
In the living room, place a floor lamp so that it supports how you actually use the space – reading, watching TV, talking or relaxing.
Avoid placing floor lamps in the middle of main walking routes. Give them a clear position in a corner or next to seating.
Consider socket locations and cable length so the cord doesn’t become a tripping hazard.
In larger rooms, combine more than one floor lamp – for example, one reading floor lamp by the sofa and one uplighter in a dark corner.
Frequently asked questions about floor lamps
What kind of floor lamp is best for reading?
For reading, choose a reading floor lamp with an adjustable arm or separate reading light. A LED floor lamp with a focused beam and sufficient brightness works well. Ideally, the light should come from slightly above and behind your shoulder to avoid glare.
Can a floor lamp be the only light source in a living room?
In a small room, a single floor lamp can sometimes be enough, but in most living rooms it’s better to combine a floor lamp with a ceiling light, wall lights and perhaps table lamps. Layered lighting is more comfortable and flexible than relying on just one light source.
Are LED floor lamps better than traditional ones?
In many ways, yes. LED floor lamps are usually more energy efficient, longer-lasting and cooler to the touch than traditional halogen or incandescent options. Many LED models also offer dimming and adjustable colour temperature, so you can adapt the light to different activities.
How tall should a floor lamp be?
Next to a sofa or armchair, the light source of a floor lamp should typically be around seated head height or slightly above, so that it lights your book or conversation area without shining directly into your eyes. Uplighter-style floor lamps can be taller, so they can reflect light off the ceiling.
Can I move a floor lamp easily from room to room?
Yes – that’s one of the biggest advantages of floor lamps. Plug-in floor lamps are easy to move between the living room, bedroom and home office as your needs change, as long as there is a nearby socket and the cable can be routed safely.
