If you’ve ever bought a lamp on a whim and brought it home only to discover it’s all wrong — the height, the width, the footprint, the shade dimensions — you’re not alone. While they’re seemingly an easy impulse buy, there’s a lot to consider before clicking “add to cart.” The good news is that we’ve tapped the best designers in the industry to give us some quick tips for making your next lamp purchase a success.
Interior lighting 101
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize how transformative lighting can be. “Lighting has a huge impact on your space and is one of the most important elements of the room,” says Kristin Bartone of Bartone Interiors. “Overhead lighting has a large cone of light that spreads lumens (the measurement for light output) across the entire space to create general top-down lighting. This can create shadows, which is why you want to mix it with other sources like lamps to create various levels of lighting for the space.”
Mixing overhead lighting with table and floor lamps has lots of benefits, among them design sophistication, task lighting, setting a mood and emitting a general coziness. “Lamp lighting brings in elements of warmth and function to the space,” says Annie Kersey, lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects. “While the overhead cans can be dimmed for the evening or watching TV, lamps bring a sense of warmth to a smaller zone or provide reading light without adding excess glare to the room.”
Summing it up, Hudson Valley Lighting Group creative director Ben Marshall explains, “Lighting is everything! Table and floor lamps add personality and charm to the room — in most cases they add pockets of ambient light, and personally, they make me feel like I’m less alone in a room once they’re turned on.”
How to shop for table and floor lamps
Whether perusing your local Home Goods or shopping online to find your next lamp, you have to first assess how you want it to function in your space. Is it a table or floor lamp? And does it need to provide ambient or task/reading lighting? Depending on your answer, you’ll then want to keep dimmability, adjustability and lumens (also known as brightness) in mind.
“The lumens are important depending on the function of the lamp itself. If it’s a primary light source, you’ll want about 100 lumens per square yard,” says Jennifer Walter of Folding Chair Design Co. “We also like the ability to dim a lamp, especially floor lamps if they are used to light a room.”
Put simply, says Bartone, “Reading lights should have a smaller, more focused cone of light and a higher lumen output. Conversely, ambient floor lamps can have a larger cone of light; be directional up, down or both; and can have a lower lumen output.” Mainly, you want to check out a lamp’s total lumens prior to purchasing to ensure it will be bright (or subdued) enough for your space.
Next up: dimensions. This is where choosing the right lamp gets tricky. While every designer we spoke to reiterated the importance of having fun with design and picking something you love, they also admitted there are some general rules to adhere to. “Floor lamps can be petite and low, serving better as a reading light, or they can fill the room more, serving as a source of height and ambience in the space,” says Kersey. “Also watch how you turn the light on and off and the cording. Is it turned off at the top of the fixture or is it a foot switch on the bottom? You’ll want to make sure it is easily accessible and avoid the headache of one in the wrong place.”
For table lamps, Eleanor Trepte of Dekay & Tate breaks it down like this. “First, lamps should be no more than 1.5 times the height or width of the table they are on. Second, lamps should be eye level. And lastly, one of the most basic tenants of interior design is keeping things in balance with each other, so no tiny lamps on giant tables and vice versa.”
Adds Michael Erno, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams director of trade and virtual design, “The ideal lamp size depends on the surface it lives on and should never have a shade larger than the dimension of the surface below.”
Lastly, if it is a reading lamp you’re on the hunt for, nearly every designer we chatted with recommended finding a lamp that is adjustable.
How to style lamps in a room
A key principle of interior design is that there are no rules — this is a mantra that can be simultaneously freeing and paralyzing, especially when it comes to lamp placement in a big space. Gone are the days when we solely tucked floor lamps in dark corners, or only placed table lamps in pairs atop consoles.
“We like to select floor lamps that are a piece of the overall decor in a room and show them off,” says Kristen Fiore of Kristen Elizabeth Design. “Oftentimes we will place them between two chairs or right behind a seating area to help define the space, or to provide functional light for reading or other pastimes where you need a task light. Corners need light, too, so we try to spread the table and floor lighting in a triangle around a room to help balance the light around the space.”
“The best way to position a floor lamp depends on the layout of the room,” says Jordan Neman, creative director and co-founder of House of Leon. “For smaller rooms they should be tucked away in a corner to serve a more functional purpose, but for larger living rooms with multiple sitting areas, the floor lamp can be treated like a statement tree of sorts. Bringing back the idea of different height pieces in a room that draw your eye up and down which results in a space looking more interesting.”
Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of how to shop for and style lamps, it’s time to go shopping. Below you’ll find dozens of top picks from designers and our editors, all of which are sure to look chic in your space.
Table lamps
“I love this lamp because of its small-scale sizing and heavily weighted stone base,” says Bartone. “These little lamps are great for sofa tables and in open-plan environments where you don’t want to block the view from one room to another, but don’t have space for side tables.”
Mixing bleached wood with nickel accents, this geometric lamp is also diminutive, coming in at only 10 inches wide. “This reasonable and funky mid-century-modern influenced table lamp packs a punch for a nice price,” says Walter. “And 24 inches is a great size lamp for a small nightstand.”
“The Parasol table lamp is a great option for your dining room buffet due to its small footprint,” says Bartone. “It takes minimal surface space, but still has visual scale due to its taller height. I really like getting a layered effect in my spaces, so this lamp is a great option to layer over art, as it doesn’t compete with the artwork.”
Neutral but full of detail, this lamp from Safavieh comes in at 12 by 12 by 22 inches. “We’re always looking for smaller lamps to pop onto an entry or console table without stealing the show,” says Walter. “Clients have also asked for smaller lamps for their kitchens and closets! This cutie fits the bill and doesn't take itself too seriously.”
“I featured this stunning lamp in a sweet little jewel box of a living room,” says Noel Gatts, HGTV host of “What’s Wrong with That House?” and founder of Beam & Bloom Interiors. “It's brilliant next to the rich blue velvet and against the muted neutral walls, and brings in a modern element to jazz up the traditional quality of the furniture and architecture.”
“The earthy asymmetry of this piece is a perfect stand-alone option for the edge of a dresser or buffet, either balanced by a stack of books and anchored by a large wall mounted art piece, or flanking the dresser for a funky take on equilibrium,” says Gatts.
Beloved by Target shoppers, this ceramic vase from Studio McGee’s collab with Threshold is full of texture and stature (it clocks in at 18 inches tall and the shade is 16 inches wide at the bottom). We love the vertical ribbed detailing, the crisp white hue and the fact that the lamp is dimmable.
Infuse your space with some natural vibes via the Kerry lamp, which has a ceramic finish (in gray or white) and a bronze base. “I love the texture of this lamp, I would style it on a bedside table in a bedroom,” says Erno. To note, the dimensions are a bit larger, coming in at 19 inches in diameter and 28 in height.
Bargain alert! This set of two crystal lamps from Safavieh is a no-brainer for anyone looking to gussy up a table in their home. “My personal preference is to always accessorize in threes — two table lamps on a console with an object in the center, or a table lamp on a night stand with a picture frame and another small object,” says Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors.
“The Sadie Lamp from Arteriors is fit for the minimalist who is looking for a sleek illuminator for an office space, with a pin detail that allows it to swivel for precise direct light,” says Kate Feather, design director at Arteriors. “It also looks great dressed up on a bar cabinet with a little greenery.”
Sleek, chic and perfect for blending into pretty much every room aesthetic, the Laurel features a glass cylinder, a fabric shade and polished nickel or brass accents. The lamp has two sockets and a coordinating Laurel Floor Lamp is also available.
Cordless table lamps
A favorite (literally) of Oprah’s and Martha Stewart’s, Zafferano America’s collection of cordless lamps has landed the title of most popular brand in America thanks to its timeless design; warm, ambient light options; and more than a dozen color choices. Usable both indoors and out, the Poldino Pro is 15 inches tall, making it a great pick for a side table or an office desk.
These ultra-petite wireless lamps — just 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide — have three brightness settings, can hold a charge for 12 hours, exude a warm ambient light and can be used both inside and out. Whether you cluster them or place several around your house, these mini lamps are sure to add coziness wherever they land.
There are portable LED lamps, and then there is Carrie. Oozing with Scandinavian design details, the Carrie diffuses a warm glow wherever it lands, guaranteeing you’ll be getting hygge on the go this summer. Available in six finishes, the lamp emits three levels of light and comes with a USB charger. Chic enough for your office or nightstand, Carrie is also sure to lend sophistication to your outdoor gatherings, too.
Coming in at just 9 inches in height and 5 in diameter, this portable light from Marset can take batteries and has three dimmable light settings. “First, we love this lamp because it is portable. It can be styled anywhere in the house, but a dining room table in a group of three would be fabulous,” says Fiore. “And it’s multicolored for extra fun.” It comes in five colorways.
Dimmable floor lamps
Boasting three color temperatures (warm yellow, warm white and cold white), this Soarz floor lamp is an Amazon favorite because it also has stepless dimming from 5% to 100%, making it ultra-customizable. “I love the functionality of this reading lamp, I own it myself,” says Helena Brana of Brana Designs. “It has two lamps, both adjustable in angles, it has light warmth, it’s dimmable and has a remote. It’s an amazing reading lamp!”
This Dorchester comes in three finishes and offers an abundance of soft white task lighting, all of which is dimmable to boot. “This reading floor lamp has multiple adjustment arms to get the perfect location for your lighting needs,” says Bartone. “It takes up minimal floor space so is great for placing adjacent to your favorite lounge chair.”
Simple and eye-catching all at once, this slim floor lamp features an angle-adjustable arm, a low-profile circular head that can twist from side to side and dimming push button on its base that can toggle between three temperature settings. “I like that this is minimalistic, adjustable and has color warmth set up, making it ideal for reading,” says Brana.
Similar in pharmacy style to the Dorchester, this Amazon option from O’Bright comes in at a fraction of the price. “As someone who likes mixing the old and the new, the brass details of this lamp bring something of old-world elegance to a space,” says Neman.
Reading floor lamps
Finding an inexpensive task light is no easy feat, but this adjustable option from Amazon will get the job done. “This is a budget-friendly way to add big personality and super useful task lighting in an office,” says Gatts. “Using a floor lamp for desk lighting helps clear up workspace, and adds a stylish touch to an overall design.”
Ultra-customizable, this lamp from West Elm comes in three finishes (antique brass, dark bronze and polished nickel), two linen shade colors (clear or milky) and two shade heights (6.5 or 11 inches). “The large milk glass shade softens the light and doubles as a floating lit sculpture,” says Gatts. “I love it anchored by a jewel-toned velvet chair and a sweet marble side table, creating a perfect reading corner.”
Available in brass or black, this floor lamp from Target brand Project 62 is a steal for anyone in need of task lighting. “We used this floor lamp in a nursery since it was well priced, it’s a nice subtle lamp behind a rocker for nighttime feeds,” says Megan Unger of Megan Robertson Design.
First debuting way back in 1979, the Funiculi Floor Lamp is a designer’s favorite due to its simple design and classic colorways — but fear not, its adjustable stem and 360-degree head make it a task-lighting powerhouse. “I always love a dedicated reading lamp sitting low by the armrest of a chair or sofa,” says Fiore. “We would pair two on either side of a neutral sofa for a whimsical, but classic touch.”
Full of clean lines and warm light, the Pepin from Rejuvenation is available in three iterations and is sure to add major style to your space. “This lamp by Rejuvenation is simple and chic, and would make a great addition anywhere light is needed in the home,” says Trepte. The lamp comes with two LED bulbs and is equipped with retro-esque on/off pull chains.
Arc floor lamps
Available with a white or charcoal gray cotton-blend shade, this steel-base arc lamp has a retractable pole, an on/off dimmer switch at the base and a translucent cord. “I will use floor lamps to define a reading area, these lights will be lower and closer to the reading chair and often be situated so part of the base is under the chair to provide direct light onto the reading materials,” says Helft.
Modern and sleek, this arc lamp from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has a black nickel finish and a linen shade, as well as an on/off floor switch. “I enjoy the height of this lamp, it reminds me of a hanging pendant on a floor lamp, I’d style this over a sectional,” says Erno.
Sculptural floor lamps
Perfect for a nursery or any room where the furniture dimensions skew petite, this chrome lamp mixes clear crystal balls with a chic cream-colored fabric shade. “This floor lamp is very petite, making it the perfect choice for next to a low seat," says Jillian Hayward Schaible of Susan Hayward Interiors.
Made from an ebony-hued Paulownia wood, this stunning floor features tons of texture and is sure to stand out in your space. “This is a fantastic lamp in person, and it is offered in a few formats,” says Walter. “It has a hefty shade, and a nice sturdy bottom, perfect for rooms with kids or pets!” It comes with a table lamp format, too!
Harkening back to colonial times, the Berkshire lamp’s standout detail is that oversized shade. “There is something oddly comforting about the long shade on this lamp that draws me to it and makes it the perfect fixture for reading,” says Neman. This floor lamp is tall and narrow, coming in at 67.5 inches in height and just 10 inches wide.
Yes, the Horatio is a splurge, but it’s also a standout piece that is chock-full of incredible craftsmanship. “I love how the Horatio Floor Lamp weaves overscaled natural fibers for a dramatic effect,” says Kate Feather, design director at Arteriors. “This confident piece complements an airy space, like a sun room, or provides contrast and dimension in a more modern, formal living space.” Inspired by a bird’s nest, the lamp is constructed from woven palm gray rattan, a brass finial and an off-white cotton drum shade.
Adjustable floor lamps
Cordless and dimmable, the lamp comes with a charging pad, holds a charge for 9 hours and is also adjustable to three different heights, ranging from 20.4 to 48 inches. Available in white, dark gray and a rust hue, the Poldino Pro can be used both indoors and outdoors to boot. An even bigger size, the Poldino Pro XXL, is also available.
Boasting a robust orb at its base, the Marshall comes in three finishes and can be adjusted between 62 and 66 inches in height. “Marshall anchors the eye right away thanks to its ball-shaped base and decorative appeal,” says Marshall. It even has a coordinating table lamp.
Stately and traditional, the Chelsea floor lamp from Pottery Barn is a bestseller namely because of its massive adjustability — it can range from 50 to 70 inches in height.?“I've used this floor lamp in the past and it is a beautiful look for a traditional space,” says Unger. “It was placed in a master bedroom that had a nice sitting area for a client that loved to read.” Available in three finishes, the Chelsea also has a weighted base for stability.
