Lighting 101: Types of Lamps
It’s time to light things up.
There are many types of lamps available – from floor lamps to desk lamps and table lamps. Depending on the design, lamps can provide ambient or task lighting. Ambient light provides general light to a room, while task lighting provides directional light to a specific area – which is perfect for reading nooks, sewing areas, or a desk. Below, we've broken down floor lamps and table lamps into two groups: ambient light and task lighting. Keep reading to find the right one for you.
In this guide:
Floor Lamps
Table Lamps
Lamp Features
Floor Lamps
These lamps are designed to sit on the floor as they are tall and freestanding. Floor lamps are great for illuminating reading nooks, beside a sofa, or an empty corner. They can be placed anywhere in the room and are only limited by being within reach of an electrical outlet.
Ambient Light Floor Lamps
Standard: 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 casting downwards.
Torchiere: These are similar to a traditional floor lamp except the shade is U-shaped to send the light upward and outward, like 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.
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 for books or decor.
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.
Arched: 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. These are perfect for reading nooks.
Task/Reading: Task or reading 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 directs light downward to light a specific area. Enjoy them next to a work desk or reading chair to more easily complete your tasks.
Tree: Tree floor lamps have one base that branches out into numerous arms with their own lights. These provide both ambient and task lighting. Move the arms to direct the light exactly where you want it.
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. Place them in low-traffic areas so your guests aren’t running into them! Check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some swing arm lamps are wall-mounted and require installation.
Tip!
Interested in a statement-making light? Choose one with a unique design!
Table Lamps
Table lamps are the perfect for placing on a desk, nightstand, or end table. With plenty of sculptural base shapes and shade materials, it's easy to find one that suits your style and meets your lighting needs.
Ambient Lighting Table Lamps
Standard: These are the most common type of table lamps. They have a base – which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes – and a lamp shade.
Torchiere: Unlike the standard lamp, which casts light both up and down, these lights only cast light up.
Tripod: These lamps are similar to standard lamps, except their base is made up of three legs to make a tripod. They are a minimalist design and can work in any style home.
Buffet: These lamps have a slender base – making them perfect for places with small surface areas.
Desk: As the name states, these lamps are made for desks and are meant to provide direct light to a specific area. They make writing and typing easier.
Arched: Designed with a curved base these lamps are great for desks or nighstands.
Bankers/Piano: This type of desk lamp is typically used for providing focused lighting on a piano or a desk. The design usually features an arm and a shade that directs light downwards. They have a more traditional or classic look with a metal base and a brass or green glass shade. These types of lamps are commonly used in offices, libraries, and other professional settings.
Clip: These lamps are portable and can be clipped onto any surface so you can choose exactly where you want the light.
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, and dimmable lamps can help you achieve your desired ambience.
Outlet/USB: Not enough outlets nearby? Don’t let the need to charge your devices prevent you from lighting your space how you want it – just get a lamp with a built-in outlet or USB port!
Bulb-Included: Not sure what type of lightbulb you need for your lamp? Choose a lamp with a bulb included for easy shopping.
Tip!
Think about what kind of lightbulbs you would like to use in your lamp. Learn about compact fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, wattage, and more with our guide Types of Lightbulbs: How to Choose the Right One.
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