Illuminating Dark Chicago Days with Stylish Floor Lamps: how to choose the Perfect Floor Lamp
Mohid Tahir: Unsplash
I recently went on a huge redecorating binge for my office with fresh paint, new curtains, and a new rug. When it came time for the final touches, the lighting was especially important to me because I knew how much time I would spend there.
Take it from me (someone who does interior design for a living) when I say lighting is tricky. You have to analyze how much natural light is being filtered into the room, and then determine the best lamps that will provide optimal functionality and style. In my case, there was one corner by my couch that not only needed an interesting space filler, but I also wanted to add some lighting so I could use the couch for reading. I ended up purchasing a 3-light fixture with a mid-century modern appeal. The purpose was not only to provide extra light for reading but also to provide some beautiful backlighting to give my space a warm and cozy feel.
I consider floor lamps pieces of art worth the investment. If you add a basic floor lamp just for functionality, you can alter the space in an undesirable way. Therefore, spending money on a floor lamp is the best way to…
Enhance the character of your space
Add a touch of interest in a corner
Provide lighting on dark days
As we embark on Daylight Savings time, we’ll need every bit of that extra lighting we can get, and investing in a floor lamp is a great way to spruce up your home, while adding texture and ambiance.
Here are some handy tips for choosing the right lighting for your home:
PRO TIP #1: THINK ABOUT FUNCTION
Assess the area where you would like to add some lighting.
What is its purpose?
Do you need direct lighting for reading or tasks?
Do you prefer a moodier vibe with ambient lighting?
You can always do both, but think about the function and how you want the lamp to operate in the room!
mk.s: Unsplash - This lamp provides gorgeous ambient lighting!
PRO TIP #2: ASSESS THE SPACE
Kat Kuziel for Urban Lark - Midcentury style lamp with 3 lights allows light for reading as well as for ambiance. This versatile lamp also has a slender profile for small spaces!
How much floor space can you use to accommodate the lamp? Tripod lamps deceivingly require a larger area of floor space while a torchiere floor lamp (which is long and narrow!) might be a better option for narrow areas. Determine the floor area for positioning the lamp and its proximity to your furniture. Lamps with large floor bases should be for larger rooms, while lamps with narrow or smaller bases can work well in smaller rooms. Makes sense!
Assess the shade of the lamp to make sure you have enough proportion to the surrounding furniture. A shade that is too big might overwhelm the area or bump up the walls. Make sure there is at least 12” - 18” of wall space between the shade and walls.
Consider the height of your ceiling as well. Generally speaking, a floor lamp should be approximately 48” - 58” in height. Don’t put a tall floor lamp in a room where the ceiling is low. Higher ceilings can accommodate taller lamps, but if you are using the lamp by a couch or chair, think about where the bulb hits your eye so you don’t get annoying glare.
You may be wondering: How many floor lamps should I have in a room?
Because floor lamps should be thought of as sculptural pieces of art beyond functionality, never use more than one in a space. There shouldn’t be an overuse of floor lamps either. Whether you use these for a bedroom as a task lamp for a reading chair, or in a living room, don’t overcrowd your home with a floor lamp in every room. You want the lamp to be special and have an aesthetic appeal that speaks to the story of the room. Repeating the story of a floor lamp in every room will make the character of the house feel dull.
PRO TIP #3: CHECK YOUR STYLE
Ekaterina Astakhova: Pixels - Antique floor lamps give the room vintage charm.
Floor lamps exist in every style. Are you mid-century modern, traditional, post-modern, or eclectic? A reminder: ALWAYS think of floor lamps as art sculptures for the room despite their functionality. Either blend the lamp into the existing style of the room or use it as a statement piece to make the room pop with character.
Let’s look at some of my current favorite floor lamps that I think are worth the money, starting with the one below…
Why I love it?
Flos Lighting was founded in 1962 in Italy. All of their lighting is designed by designers and architects with an eye on sleek, minimal design. This floor lamp would provide beautiful ambient lighting while acting as a geometric sculptural piece. I love its simplicity which can work well for everything from midcentury modern to contemporary spaces.
IC Lights in Polished Chrome by FLOS
2. Nouveauté 3-Light Metal Floor Lamp with Linen Shades by Athena Calderone
Why I love it?
Crate & Barrel has really upped their game in design and style recently by bringing on designers like Jake Arnold and tastemaker, Athena Calderone. This floor lamp below by Athena Calderone has a Deco French flair that can make a statement in modern homes but can also add character to a home with vintage furnishings. The gorgeous wavy lines also add sculptural interest to a space.
Athena Calerone for Crate & Barrel
3. Mayette Large Offset Floor Lamp by Visual Comfort
Why I love it?
This floor lamp below is part of Visual Comfort’s Signature Collection which is made up of their highest-quality designer brands. Designed by AERIN, the Mayette floor lamp has a midcentury modern vibe with a contemporary twist. It can easily fit in with many styles of modern design and is specifically designed as a task lamp. The handsome form of the shade makes this piece a standout and totally, if you ask me, worth the investment.
Mayette in Black & Gold by Visual Comfort
4. Arbor Floor Lamp by School House
Why I love it?
With an array of color choices from Persimmon (shown here) to Green, the Arbor Floor Lamp below adds a touch of whimsy to any room. Using a pop of color in a neutral room via a floor lamp can instantly add a subtle pop of character. The minimal design makes the color you choose the main event of the piece. Schoolhouse is a brand out of Portland, Oregon known for its straightforward minimalist design and handcrafted pieces.
Arbor Floor Lamp come in an array of colors by Schoolhouse
Why I love it?
I love all things vintage and this lamp is totally versatile! Adding a touch of vintage to a contemporary or eclectic space keeps the mood interesting and exciting. Designers like Jake Arnold and tastemakers like Athena Calderone are borrowing inspiration from these vintage pieces as well. Why not own an original to make your space unique?! Need I say more?
Antique Floor Lamp sold on Chairish
and If you’re searching for interior designers in Chicago to help you illuminate your space in these dark days ahead, here’s how I can help:
And if we haven’t met yet, it’s nice to virtually meet you – I’m Kat, an interior designer and founder of Urban Lark. I turn spaces into statements and I’d love to do that for you. Here’s how we can connect:
Browse my services. From total home makeovers to color clarity sessions, I help clients of all kinds create spaces they love. Hopefully, your home is next!
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