With so many types of lamps available, how do you know which style is right for your home? In our guide, we take a deep dive into lamps, touching on everything from their shape, style and placement.

Overview:

Floor Lamps
Table Lamps
Play Around With Lamp Styles
Customise Your Lamps
Choosing a Lamp Base Material

Floor Lamps

Floor lamps are one of the most popular types of lamps for homeowners. Their freestanding design allows them to be placed anywhere within reach of an electrical outlet. They don’t require complicated installation, mounting or wiring. And since they're not permanently attached, feel free to move or swap them out as you please to change your lighting.

Traditional: These standard floor lamps have a straight pole that extends from a single base. The shades can vary but tend to be a classic cone-shaped empire with light cast downwards.

Arc: This creative floor lamp has a single base and a long, curved arm. Its purpose is to extend across furniture or other hard to reach areas to shed some light.

Reading: TReading floor lamps are designed to help you get work done. This type of lamp has a single base and arm, with an overhead lamp that provides increased lighting in a specific area. Enjoy them next to a work desk or reading chair.

Swing Arm: These fun floor lamps have a stationary base but a flexible arm that allows you to swing, extend and move the light where you please. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some swing arm lamps are wall-mounted and require installation.

Uplighter: These are similar to a traditional floor lamp except the shade is U-shaped to send the light upward and outward, similar to a torch. Place them where a soft, warm glow of light is desired.

Tripod: Switch it up with this versatile type of floor lamp. The wide and sturdy three-prong base makes tripods work well with any decor, from modern to industrial.

Tree: Tree floor lamps have one base that branches out into numerous arms with their own lights. It’s a great way to maximise light in a limited space.

Column: These unique floor lamps resemble a column or tower. They are tall, rectangular, and beautiful sculptures that can either emit light throughout or from the top of the structure. Sometimes these lamps offer extra storage space inside the column.

Candelabra: Turn up the style with these intricate floor lamps. While the single base and arm may appear standard, the top of a candelabra depicts none other than a chandelier-inspired light. Expect to see shining crystal pendants and light glistening through sheer shades.

Table Lamps

Table lamps are oftentimes identical to their floor lamp counterparts, with the exception of being the perfect height to sit on a table, shelf or desk. Unlike floor lamps, table lamps are more distinct in the purpose they serve and the location where they should be placed.

Bedside/End Table

Accent lighting is a table lamp's primary purpose. They're perfect for nightstands and end tables where they can provide an illuminating yet peaceful glow. You can also place buffet lamps on serving tables at dinner parties – their slender necks and downcast lighting are perfect for helping guests to see what they’re adding to their plates.

Task

These table lamps provide task lighting so you can focus properly. Place them on a desk or by a reading nook where their downward-facing shades will provide direct lighting for the task at hand. While immobile, the stable arms of banker and arched lamps can project wide areas of light onto your work. More mobile options include desk and swing arm lamps that allow you to bend and twist the necks, molding them to the perfect position. Or try a personal clip lamp – with it, light will follow.

Play Around With Lamp Styles

Novelty: Looking for a lamp that’s a little more creative? Customise your space with a unique and eye-catching novelty lamp.

Lamp Sets: There are many advantages to a lamp set. These sets can add to your decor by introducing cohesion to a space. Typically ordered in pairs, lamp sets are sure to tie your room together while providing an illuminating glow.

Outdoor: Lamps can also be placed outdoors. Outdoor lamps are made to withstand certain elements such as rain water, so don’t worry about leaving these out on your deck throughout the year.

Customise Your Lamps

Take one step closer to finding the perfect lamp. Here are some common features you might be interested in.

Battery-Operated: Only available as table lamps, these cordless options are battery-operated so you don’t have to worry about nearby outlets.

Dimmable: Mood lighting is everything, so incorporate dimmable lamps that can help you achieve your desired ambience.

Outlet/USB or Wireless Charger: Not enough outlets nearby? Don’t let the need to charge your devices prevent you from lighting your space how you want it – just add a lamp with a built-in outlet or USB port or opt for a lamp with wireless charging.

Choosing a Lamp Base Material

Choose your lamp’s base material off of the aesthetic of your space. A few of the most popular types of lamp bases are metal, ceramic, resin, concrete and stone. For more info on each material and what style they work best with keep reading below.

Metal: A metal table or floor lamp looks sleek and fits in seamlessly with most interior design aesthetics. For a modern touch opt for matte black metal. A bronze or brass lamp highlights rustic and traditional styles. A silver lamp adds sheen to any room, and particularly highlights a monochromatic palette.

Ceramic: Ceramic table lamps add texture and contemporary style to a room. These lamps are great for bringing together a transitional space as ceramic lamps usually include elements of metal or glass in their design.

Resin: A resin table looks polished and chic, making for a great addition in glam, industrial and modern spaces. You can choose resin finishes that are smooth and glossy, porous and crisp, or lightly weathered and worn in – the versatility of this material lends to its popularity and many design options.

Concrete: Concrete adds a clean and simple finish to a lamp and can be found in many contemporary and neutral-leaning spaces. Add a matte black finished concrete table lamp into a glam space or give your rustic home texture with a concrete lamp base that has an etched pattern. This material is the perfect understated addition to a minimalist aesthetic.

Stone: A material like stone adds a touch of softness with both colour and texture. It's ideal for creating a modern or luxe feeling in your home. Choose a stone lamp to complete any aesthetic: Contemporary, rustic, traditional or glam.

Tip: Brighten up your home with more lighting tips and tricks:

• Choosing the Best Light Bulb Just Got Simpler
• Every Type of Lamp Shade, Explained
• Bring Hygge Into Your Home With These Scandi Lighting Ideas