Where to Place a Floor Lamp: Styling Tips & Tricks
Lighten the mood.
Floor lamps are a versatile, cost-effective, and renter-friendly lighting solution that work well with any style. Keep reading to discover 13 spots where you can place a floor lamp.
1. Play It Safe by the Sofa
One of the most common positions for a floor lamp is alongside a sofa in the living room. Floor lamps can take the place of an end table and table lamp, making them an ideal light fixture for small seating areas. Some floor lamps even include a low-profile, built-in tray table for a two-in-one solution.
Place a floor lamp beside an accent chair to create a relaxing corner in your bedroom – perfect for reading, journaling, or taking a little cat nap. Floor lamps provide perfect task lighting for dark corners so you can enjoy cozy activities without the bright overhead light.
If you have an open layout in your living room, consider positioning your floor lamp between two accent chairs. This helps keep your space feeling open without obstructing the flow with a bulky end table. A dimmable floor lamp will also create a more intimate feeling for your seating area than overhead lights and allow you to set the mood for any activity.
Add a floor lamp by your bookshelf to create a cozy reading nook. Task lighting near your bookshelf will make it easy for you to find the titles and enjoy your book at night. Opt for a floor lamp with a dark shade for an especially cozy ambience.
In place of a nightstand and table lamp, place a floor lamp directly next to your bed. This is a great option for small bedrooms that don’t have room for a nightstand or if you prefer to keep the surface of your nightstand clear for other things. Choose a tree floor lamp so you can adjust the position of your lights when needed.
Arched floor lamps are a practical and renter-friendly alternative to overhead lighting. Their tall, arched design provides light from above without the need for ceiling wiring or installing a permanent fixture. Position the arch of your floor lamp towards the center of the room for maximum light.
Complement a standing mirror with a tall floor lamp to help you see your reflection clearly. As an added benefit to this floor lamp position, the mirror will also reflect the light to make your room feel bigger and brighter.
Floor lamps are a helpful fixture to include in small spaces like a spare room or guest bedroom. Due to their versatile design, floor lamps work especially well with convertible furniture like a daybed to provide either task or ambient lighting.
Place a floor lamp next to your desk to provide effective lighting for your workspace while preserving valuable desk space. This is a helpful lighting alternative to desk lamps if you have a small-space desk with limited surface area.
Entryways are typically illuminated by wall sconces, ceiling lights, or a table lamp on a console table. However, using a floor lamp in your entryway is also an effective lighting solution that adds unique charm to the space to create a warm welcome to your home.
Though dining rooms typically have overhead lights, floor lamps are also an option for a more laid-back vibe. Floor lamps can act as supplemental lighting to an overhead light or be the main light source in the case of a rental home where permanent fixtures aren’t an option. Opting for a floor lamp over a table lamp will also help preserve table space on your sideboard or buffet table.
Position your floor lamp near a gallery wall to illuminate the artwork in your home without taking up valuable wall space. Floor lamps can be easily adjusted or repositioned to accommodate changing artwork layouts as you grow your gallery wall. Choose a lamp with a clear or glass shade so as not to obstruct any artwork.
Though uncommon, it isn’t unheard of to use a floor lamp in an outdoor living space. Incorporate a floor lamp into your patio seating area for an intimate outdoor experience. Be sure to look for floor lamps that have weatherproof qualities and are specially designed for outdoor use to ensure the safety and longevity of your patio lighting.
Tip!
Looking for more ways to light up your home? Read our guide Lighting 101: Types of Lamps to learn more about lamps.
