The 15 Best Floor Lamps for Every Space, According to Design Experts

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Impeccable lighting may just be the unsung hero of great design. A well-chosen floor lamp can prevent a room from feeling unwelcoming or dim. Balancing functionality with aesthetics, floor lamps not only ensure that a spacious living room or quaint study is well-lit but also create interesting focal points that instantly elevate the space.

With that in mind, Atlanta-based designer Laura Jenkins points out that people often tend to leave lighting as one of the last things they consider when designing a room. She says, "I think lighting can be such an overlooked thing in designing a space, and I think it's really one of the most important things and really can just level up your space. And I think, for lamps, their form and function is most important, but it's [also] a great opportunity for sculptural elements."

Rather than making your floor lamps an afterthought, begin thinking about lighting choices as a necessary, and at times playful, thing that will bring a room together and let it shine. To guide you on your lighting journey, we've put together a list of the best floor lamps, all hand-selected by Jenkins as well as VERANDA editors, that you can buy online right now. Whether you're giving your study a little refresh or trying to find the perfect dining party lighting, there's undoubtedly a lighting fixture on this list that will speak to you.

Hackney Bridge Arm Floor Lamp

Jenkins says you can never go wrong with a lamp from Visual Comfort—and we couldn't agree more. The Hackney is a favorite among designers for its classic silhouette and versatility. It feels right at home behind a plush sofa and provides ambiance in a cozy gaming corner. With finishes like brass, bronze, and nickel, you're sure to find the perfect match for your decorating style.

Juniper Design THIN Floor Lamp

If you're searching for a floor lamp that blends effortlessly into any space, consider the sleek design offered by Jupiter. Jenkins frequently recommends this for spots requiring focused light, particularly for reading or work. She says, "It can easily sit next to anything, any style. It feels very contemporary, but it just it goes with whatever you put it next to."

Castiglioni Arco Modern Arch Floor Lamp

The Arco lamp designed by the Castiglioni brothers has captured the hearts of Hollywood and designers for decades—and with good reason. Its sculptural arc acts as a statement art piece, while its timeless design ensures it remains fresh for today. Jenkins has one in her own home and enjoys incorporating them into her clients' homes, noting, "I love putting [this lamp] next to a more traditional sofa; it adds the perfect amount of style tension."

Twinky Cordless Floor Lamp

We simply can't get enough of Pooky's range of cordless lamps. The Twinky is not only lightweight and rechargeable but also effortlessly portable, meeting all your lighting needs as you move it around the room. Plus, the dimmable feature lets you set the mood just right. With at least ten hours of light on a single charge, it's ready to shine all night long.

Gubi 9602 Floor Lamp

The Gubi 9602, originally designed by Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell for the Hotel Aulanko, remains sought-after for its elegant and airy design that suits any living room. We are especially fond of the wicker shade, which introduces texture and a hint of tropical flair. However, the shade is also available in bamboo and canvas, providing options to match different styles.

Allegra Rattan and Linen Task Floor Lamp by Jake Arnold

For a budget-friendly choice, Jenkins recommends this floor lamp designed by Jake Arnold for Crate & Barrel. Its linen-covered, dome-shaped shade diffuses light gently, casting a warm glow. This versatile piece fits perfectly in a bedroom, beside an armchair, or even next to a desk.

Aisa Floor Lamp

A modern twist on midcentury silhouettes, this stunner from Mitzi mixes in well in both traditional and contemporary interiors. With its white linen, shell-shaped shades, it delivers focused light exactly where it's needed, whether that's brightening up a game table or creating ambiance in a den.

Rose Tarlow Three Legged Floor Lamp

While the top of this lamp has a traditional vibe, the three-legged base adds an unexpected element that suits a library oozing with bookshelf wealth or a brilliant sunroom. Additionally, it is available in three different wood finishes—pale mahogany, crackled lacquer with chinoiserie base, and Macassar ebony—ensuring it can easily be incorporated into your home.

Akari Model 3A Light Sculpture by Isamu Noguchi

Artist and designer Isamu Noguchi is renowned for his midcentury lighting creations that double as sculptures thanks to their intriguing silhouettes. The paper used in his designs softly diffuses light, casting a warm glow that enhances the ambiance of any room.

Pascal Floor Lamp

If you're in search of a piece that packs a punch in a room, this burnished-metal marvel is a perfect choice. Its iridescent-like finish gives the impression that the lamp glows without even being lit. Compared to others, this lamp weighs a substantial 55 pounds, so it's wise to choose a permanent spot where it can continue to shine without the need to move it.

Cynara Floor Lamp - Ivory White

Ideal for lovers of neutral shades, this OKA lamp may appear quite simple, but its leafy base adds the whimsical touch every living room needs. Each lamp is handcrafted and painted by skilled artisans, infusing it with a unique creative flair.

Shielded Medium Floor Lamp

A standout at this year's High Point Furniture Market, this modern masterpiece from Visual Comfort makes a powerful statement. It has just the right amount of masculine edge that will bring a little drama to any space. Coming in with built-in three-way dimming, this floor lamp is perfect in a study, game room, or bar area.

Timberline Floor Lamp

Regarded as one of Danish lighting designer Mads Caprani's hallmark creations, the Timberline lamp draws inspiration from the transitional zone of the tree line, where wood gives way to stone. Its combination of materials—bentwood, cast iron, and canvas—allows the piece to mingle with a multitude of other textures in a room.

Currey & Company Tropical Floor Lamp

Invite nature into your space with this whimsical design from Currey & Company. The meticulously crafted, lifelike brass leaves add a dynamic element to any room. This piece would particularly stand out in a home with a tropical or maximalist vibe, but it could also serve as an eye-catching conversation starter in a more traditional setting.

Cressida Bell 'Bamboo' Floor Lamp

The hand-painted floor lamp by British designer Cressida Bell is not just a source of light but also a standalone work of art. Its geometric pattern is striking without being overpowering or distracting. It would look particularly stunning positioned next to a well-stocked bar cart.

What should you look for when buying a floor lamp?

When shopping for lighting, you should think not only about aesthetics but also functionality. Consider the lamp's role in the room, its materials, and its placement. For task lighting, like next to a reading chair, choose a slim lamp that blends with the decor yet offers ample light. For a decorative touch or a warm glow, select a sculptural base with a patterned or linen shade.

Ultimately, Jenkins believes that whatever lamp you pick should be something you'll want to have for years to come. She says, "It's a lot of thinking about where it's going, what's it next to, but also buying things that are timeless. For me, if you're buying something that is designed well, you can mix it in anywhere, every house you move to you're going to move it try it in a different spot. Buying those timeless quality pieces, there's always going to be a place for it."

What light bulb should you be using for floor lamps?

Jenkins suggests choosing light bulbs with a 2700K color temperature for an ambient glow. For brighter light, opt for clear bulbs instead of those with an amber tint or frosted.

She also advises against using dimmable bulbs in your lamps. She explains, "Don't use a dimmable light bulb in your lamp unless you have a specific lamp that has a three-way switch because it tends to flicker."

Meet the expert.

Laura Jenkins is the founding principal of Laura W. Jenkins Interiors based in Atlanta.

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