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Best Living Room Floor Lamps

Updated September 2021
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Brightech SKY LED Floor Lamp
Brightech
SKY LED Floor Lamp
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Bottom Line

An outstanding lamp that offers excellent lighting in a sleek and unobtrusive package that remains cool to the touch.

Pros

Users appreciate its easy assembly, modern look, and swivel action. We love that it has three light settings and that it offers full, bright light for any room. A 13-pound weighted base means kids and pets won't tip it over.

Cons

Some users reported trouble with the setting switches.

Best Bang for the Buck
Boston Harbor Light Tree Lamp in Black
Boston Harbor
Light Tree Lamp in Black
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Bottom Line

A quality floor lamp that offers ample lighting in a classy, sturdy design at a bargain price.

Pros

Consumers love the solid base and adjustable angle of this living room floor lamp. It stands out for being lightweight yet sturdy, and its innovative design complements any room.

Cons

A few users reported issues with the packaging and construction.

Ikea Holmo 46-Inch Floor Lamp
Ikea
Holmo 46-Inch Floor Lamp
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Bottom Line

At about one-third of the cost of some of the other living room floor lamps, the Ikea Holmo offers a good value for its low price but may not be as durable as others on our shortlist.

Pros

Users appreciate the beautiful ambient lighting, simple assembly, and excellent price point.

Cons

Some users feel that this lamp is less durable than the other living room floor lamps on our shortlist.

Normande Lighting Incandescent Torchiere Floor Lamp
Normande Lighting
Incandescent Torchiere Floor Lamp
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Bottom Line

An attractive living room floor lamp that is versatile and bright, with an adjustable 3-way switch that turns on torchiere, reading light, or both.

Pros

We like that it includes both a main floor light and a side reading light, so it is versatile enough for any use. This lamp also stands out for its longevity; users that have had the lamp over a year report still being satisfied with its functionality.

Cons

Some consumers reported receiving lamps with missing pieces, and it can take a little time to adjust the screws.

360 Lighting Bingham Tree Tochiere 3-Light Floor Lamp
360 Lighting
Bingham Tree Tochiere 3-Light Floor Lamp
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Bottom Line

A solid floor lamp with a sturdy base and quick assembly that's worth its price.

Pros

Users report being very satisfied with this floor lamp; not only is it sturdy, but it is also flexible with it versatile side lamps. We like that it comes packaged well and is easy to assemble.

Cons

A few users reported that the lamp didn't stay in position after adjusting.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best living room floor lamps

The living room acts as a multipurpose space where you entertain, gather as a family, and relax after a stressful day’s work. The right living room floor lamp can create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone who walks through your front door, including you.

Floor lamps come in every shape and style, which makes finding the right one a somewhat daunting task. If you’re ready to narrow down your choices, you’ve come to the right place. Our shopping guide will give you the information on the floor lamp types and features you’re likely to come across as you shop.

So relax, take a look at our top picks, and get ready to add light and style to your living room.

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Not sure what your style is? Take a look at the materials and design of the furniture and decorative pieces in your living room. Boxy furniture with wood legs feels distinctly mid-century modern, while an oversized leather sofa brings masculine sophistication. Try to match or bring balance to the other pieces in your living room.

Types of living room floor lamps

Before you choose a lamp, take a good look at your living room and decide what type of lighting you need. Ambient light provides general illumination throughout a space, while task lighting focuses light in a specific area. The following types of lamps may serve one or both purposes.

Torchiere lamps

These lamps feature a shade that points and opens to the ceiling. They’re excellent as an ambient light source because the light bounces off the ceiling and spreads to the rest of the room without being harsh or overly bright. Shades come in all colors, from basic white to Tiffany-inspired stained glass.

Club lamps

Club lamps have a basic design with a base, pole, and shade. Everything about the lamp may come styled, from a pole that’s covered in glass circles to shades made of linen or glass. Some have a three-way switch while others come with a traditional pull chain. There are a number of variations on this design, including the following.

  • Adjustable club lamp: The adjustable club lamp has a pole that can be raised or lowered. If you need a lamp that functions as task lighting for reading but doubles as ambient light during a party, an adjustable model is probably for you.

  • Table club lamp: Add a built-in table or shelf, and the club lamp does far more than light your space. It can be used as a side table, nightstand, or illuminated storage.
     

Mogul lamps

Mogul lamps provide a serious amount of light. They feature a central bulb surround by up to three additional bulbs that can be lit in any number of patterns. Six-way switches on these lamps allow several combinations of the four bulbs. This is another good option if you want something that can be used for both task lighting and ambient lighting.

Tower floor lamp

Tower floor lamps border on sculptural piece status; they’re often more than just a light. These lamps feature a shade that extends the entire height of the lamp, creating a unique ambient light. They’re not, however, meant to be used for task lighting.

Downbridge lamp

A downbridge, also known as an arched floor lamp, directs light downward and is an excellent source of task lighting. The pole may arch gracefully back toward the floor or may feature an arm with the shade hanging from the end.

Light tree lamp

Floor lamps that feature several bulbs “branching” from a central pole are called light trees or tree lamps. On some lamps, each bulb has its own switch. On others, there is a six-way switch for varying light patterns. Certain lamps allow you to direct the light of each bulb — a great option for a living space in which you need more than one task light source.

Pharmacy floor lamp

Pharmacy lamps have an adjustable pole height with a shade that can be moved in different directions. These utilitarian floor lamps are usually used for task lighting and often for specific purposes like crafting, reading, or building models.

Living room floor lamp features

Height and footprint

Floor lamps come in varying sizes. Some easily fit in a corner, taking up minimal space. Some have a wide base to support a heavy or wide top. Others have several hanging shades that consume extra vertical space. Check the specifications before buying, and measure your available space so you find a good fit.

Style

Floor lamps come in every available style, from contemporary and traditional to mid-century modern. You’ll even find lamps that bridge the gap between modern and industrial styles. Just remember that a floor lamp should fit in with and accentuate your existing décor.

Materials

Metal, plastic, wood, or a combination of these materials typically make up the base and pole of a floor lamp. The quality of the materials used in the lamp’s construction affect its durability and stability. Lampshades, too, come in a variety of materials that might surprise you. Linen, glass, and paper are amongst the most popular, but metal cages are common as well due to the rise of industrial design. While you want a lamp that will last, you also want one that fits with your interior design, so choose materials that are found in other places in your home to tie it all together.

Adjustability

Adjustability gives you greater versatility, and pole height is not the only adjustable feature in many modern floor lamps. For instance, some floor lamps have shades or bulbs that can be rearranged according to your needs. Others allow you to adjust light levels based on the number of bulbs.

Number of bulbs and shades

Would you prefer one shade with several bulbs or several bulbs that each have a shade? More bulbs can sometimes mean more light (although with LED bulbs, you might not be hurting for light). If you have a lamp with more than one bulb, you enjoy a greater ability to control the light saturation in the room. If you opt for a lamp with individual shades for each bulb, you will be able to point task lighting in different directions.

Energy efficiency

Just like any other electric device, floor lamps can be rated for energy efficiency. A floor lamp with an Energy Star rating can save you anywhere from $20 to $100 a year, depending on how you use the lamp.

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Did you know?
There are floor lamps that combine a torchiere, tree, and downbridge design for a truly unique lamp that provides both ambient and task lighting.
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Living room floor lamp prices

A basic torchiere or club lamp starts around $25 to $35. These inexpensive lamps may have multiple bulbs. Between $35 and $100, you’ll see the full range of floor lamp options — everything from table club and tree lamps to downbridge and pharmacy floor lamps.

As the price goes up, lamps tend to get larger and take up more floor and vertical space. Between $100 and $200 are large downbridge lamps with three arched arms, each with their own bulb and shade. Many downbridge lamps at this price are large and extend the shade several feet from the base. You’ll also find floor lamps with multiple poles or shades made of crystal or stained glass.

Designer floor lamps can cost nearly $1,000, but in these cases, you’re paying for the design rather than an increase in quality or durability.

Tips

  • Measure carefully, especially if you’re buying an downbridge floor lamp. Some of these lamps have an extended reach that takes up more vertical space than you might be willing to give.

  • Torchiere and tower floor lamps offer less light than club, tree, and downbridge floor lamps. When buying, consider how much light you need and how you plan to use that light.

  • Height makes a difference. Lamps at eye level provide excellent reading light and more powerful illumination than tall lamps. The farther the light is from eye level, the less you’ll be able to notice it.

Other products we considered

There are a few great lamps that didn’t make our shortlist that are still terrific choices. The Brightech Madison Bedside Table with LED Floor Lamp has a nightstand and shelves attached to it, offering storage and light. The nightstand would look just as good as a side table as it does a nightstand. Another good choice is the IKEA NOT Floor Uplight Lamp. This budget model doesn’t have any extra features, but it provides adequate ambient light and definitely won’t break the bank. Last is another lamp by Brightech, the Maxwell LED Shelf Floor Lamp. This lamp pulls double duty as a light source and shelving unit.

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Eco-friendly floor lamps are taking the market by storm. These lamps are made with natural and/or organic materials like wood, jute, cotton, and linen. Many use upcycled materials, such as recycled wine and soda bottles.

FAQ

Q. Can floor lamps be used with smart plugs and/or bulbs?

A. They most certainly can. However, programming the lamp may become problematic if it has multiple bulbs or a two- to six-way switch. Plugs only allow you to control whether the lamp has power or not. Smart bulbs work best in lamps that only have one bulb, as they may allow you to adjust brightness and bulb color.

Q. Do floor lamps require a certain type of light bulb?

A. Some floor lamps require a specialty bulb; others can take almost anything. Keep in mind that specialty bulbs add to the overall cost of the lamp, and some bulbs are quite pricey. However, if the style of the lamp and bulb is perfect for your living room, it might be worth a few extra dollars.

Q. Can any floor lamp take a three-way bulb?

A. Three-way bulbs have two filaments and, with each turn of the switch, another filament turns on to allow for different light levels. Theoretically, any lamp would work with a three-way bulb. In reality, however, three-way bulbs work well in some situations but not others. It depends on your needs, the design of the lamp, and the kind of lighting — ambient, task, accent — that you need.

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