lights

Floor lamps are a practical lighting source that can be used in almost any room of your home. Not only are these lamps functional, but they also influence the mood of the room as a whole. Sometimes even the lightbulb you select can make a big difference on the effect of the floor lamp in the room.

Because of their height, floor lamps can definitely be an attention-grabbing item, so you’ll want to pay attention to the material used for the base and the lampshade. All in all, these lamps are a smart lighting choice that can be assembled quickly.

This quick guide is designed to help you understand all the different floor lamp options available, and eventually select the right floor lamp for your lighting needs!

Floor Lamp Lighting

Let’s go over the different types of lighting so you can be clear on your needs before shopping for a floor lamp. Here’s a quick overview:

• Ambient – Ambient lighting diffuses light evenly through its vicinity
• Task – Task lighting directs light to a specific area like a reading chair or a desk
• Uplight – Uplight lighting directs light upwards, which is then evenly and softly reflected downwards from the ceiling

Where to Put a Floor Lamp

You can put a floor lamp in a variety of places, which is what makes these lighting fixtures so great! The most common places to put a floor lamp include: next to an accent chair, in the corner of a bedroom near a dresser, and next to a console table.

Types of Floor Lamps

Floor lamps are primarily composed of a base and a lampshade. Accessories like an electrical wire and a lightbulb are necessary for the lamp to function. Here’s an overview of the different types of floor lamps available in terms of design. Some lamps will offer shelves mid-way around the column, and others will offer adjustable height columns.

1. Club Floor Lamp

The club lamp is the most basic design you can find for this style lamp. Featuring a solid base and a simple lampshade around a lightbulb, it’s easy to find this type of lamp in a variety of styles and designs to fit your home decor!

2. Swing Arm Floor Lamp

The swing arm floor lamp is comprised of a column base and a lampshade, just like the club lamp. However, a small adjustment is made to the upper part of the column base that allows this lamp to “swing” left or right as needed. The horizontal movement of this lamp makes it great to use above an accent chair or desk so you can direct light where it is needed!

 

 

 

3. Torchière

The torchiere lamp is another popular lamp design that can be easily found. It comes from the French word for “torch,” the old way of lighting a room before electricity! This lamp can be spotted by its straight base and triangular shade that directs light upwards. The design is simple and functional. Torchières offer general, ambient light that is further diffused throughout the space if you have white ceilings.

4. Tripod Floor Lamp

A tripod floor lamp has a different base typically composed of three columns that work together to hold the lampshade and bulb upright. It’s a slightly modified version of a standard single-column floor lamp design that can add a touch of character to your space.

5. Six-way Floor Lamp

The six-way floor lamps offer multiple lightbulb sources under one lampshade. It’s a perfect choice if you’re lighting a large room and need all the extra light you can get! This type of lamp is also sometimes called a candelabra lamp, as it looks like a traditional candelabra that held candles. Pretty interesting that our modern-day floor lamps are actually influenced by old-school ways of lighting before electricity, right?

6. Tower Floor Lamp

The tower floor lamp is designed in a different way. It is generally composed of a singular width column “tower.” If the shade spans the entire height of the lamp, then multiple light bulbs will diffuse light up and down the column. Other times, instead of a full-length lampshade, shelves are installed at different heights of the lamp for storage. You can find these in a variety of styles and some can look like abstract sculptures when not illuminated!

7. Down Bridge Floor Lamp

The down bridge floor lamp is a type of task light that stands upright, but at the very top, its base begins to curve, dropping the lampshade a bit lower than the height of the lamp. This type of light is great for placing next to an accent chair or desk, as it directs the light to a lower level than normal.

8. Pharmacy Floor Lamp

The pharmacy floor lamp is similar to the down bridge in that it directs light downwards like a task lamp, however, it tends to be much more adjustable both vertically and horizontally. You can typically raise and lower them as needed and also swing the head back and forth to where you would like it.

9. Arc Floor Lamp

A staple of mid-century modern lighting design, the arc floor lamp is a beautiful type of floor lamp that is making a comeback in contemporary interior design. This lamp is recognizable by its long, arching body that holds a lightbulb and shade at the end, typically above a sofa. Admittedly, you need a good amount of space for this lamp, as it would look silly in a small living room! Most arc floor lamps come with heavy bases to ensure the arch can be held without falling.

This type of lamp will definitely make a dramatic statement in your home. Lately, I have seen this type of lamp recommended for the dining room, of all places. Personally, I know if I walked into a dining room with this lamp installed, I would be TERRIFIED of knocking it over somehow onto everyone, so I would not make this design decision myself!

10. Tree Floor Lamp

The tree floor lamp offers 3 or more light bulbs and miniature shades that can sometimes be adjusted to have light directed in multiple places.

 

The Most Popular Flush Mount Lighting Styles to Know

Flush mounts are the lighting fixture of choice in homes with low ceilings and small square footage. These tiny ceiling lighting fixtures can light up a space beautifully without drawing too much attention. You may want a flush mount in a room where you have a beautiful piece of artwork or a statement piece of furniture, as too many eye-catching things will clutter a room fast. Let’s chat more about this essential piece of the lighting set-up in your home.

What are Flush Mounts?

Flush mounts are flat lighting fixtures that sit flat against the ceiling. They don’t have any visible wires hanging down the way that other hanging fixtures like chandeliers and pendants do.

Flush mounts get their name because they sit ‘flush’ against the ceiling without any gaps between the shade and the ceiling. The light shade could be dome or drum shaped and it generally wraps around 2 or 3 internal light bulbs which are diffused through the shade.

Types of Flush Mounts

Here are the most commonly found types of flush mounts you can buy online. These ceiling lights will brighten your space and be very attractive to home buyers and potential tenants as they are easy to dismount when it comes time to replace the lightbulb.

The finish is the most important consideration when choosing a flush mount. It’s the first thing people see, so think about whether you want something that stands out or blends in with the paint behind the fixture!

These are the most popular types of flush mounts :

Drum Flush Mount

A drum flush mount has flat sides and looks like a drum!

Bowl Flush Mount

The bowl flush mount looks just like a bowl, with rounded edges. It’s as if a sphere has been cut in half.

Dome Flush Mount

A dome flush mount creates a dome. It is the opposite of a bowl flush mount, like it’s been flipped upside down!

Semi-Flush Mount

This is a fixture that isn’t fully flushed against the ceiling, but remains very close. It could have a wire or a thick rod holding it in place.

Of course, beyond these major types, you can find many different styles of eclectic flush mounts, even some in the style of crystal chandeliers.

Pendant lights are some of the most popular home lighting choices. Commonly called “pendants” they can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. Pendant lighting often refers to any light fixture that hangs from a chain attached to the ceiling. They could have one or multiple bulbs.

Because pendants hang down from the ceiling, they offer targeted lighting at what is below. They typically hang above an elevated surface like a kitchen island, but can also be used in a small open space like an entryway. Pendants can come in many sizes according to your needs.

Let’s talk about why pendant lights should be integral to your home lighting setup.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are often necessary for homes because they produce targeted light in smaller amounts. They light up a smaller space just as needed, saving you money on electricity.

I hope this pendant light buying guide will assist you in making the best decision about buying a pendant. It isn’t a choice that should be taken lightly and pendant lights can last many years when properly chosen.

Types of Pendants

There are quite a few kinds of pendant lights available, but these are the most common types of pendants you’ll find for sale:

Bell Pendants

 

Drum Pendants

 

Bowl Pendants

 

Cone Pendants

 

Glass Pendants

 

Globe Pendants

 

Linear Pendants

 

Pendant Styles

Pendants can come in a variety of styles, finishes, and outer materials. Here are a few specific types of pendants many people are shopping for:

• Brass Pendants
• Rattan Pendant Lights
• Black Pendant Lights

How High to Hang a Pendant

Wondering how high to hang a pendant light is a common question that many people ask!

If you’re hanging a pendant above your kitchen island, the bottom should be about 28 to 34 inches above the countertop. Pendants in dining rooms should be hung around 30 to 36 inches above your dining table. Entryway pendants should allow for at least 7 feet of space between the bottom and the floor.

What to Know About This Amazing Lighting Fixture

The wall sconce is a classic wall lighting fixture that almost every home needs. What sets this type of lighting apart is the key fact that it can direct light at eye level. This is important for places where you are often standing – like next to the front door, or next to the bathroom mirror. Illuminating the face is a common need in many homes, so don’t overlook this practical lighting fixture!

What are Sconces Used for?

Sconces are used for middle lighting. They are great for illuminating faces, artworks, and mirrors. You can also use these handy lighting fixtures to brighten other objects on the walls of your home.

Where Sconces Should Be Placed in the Home

Here are the major locations of residential homes where you can use sconce lighting!

Hallway Sconce Lighting

Sconces are popular lighting choices for long hallways as they can create bursts of light at regular intervals through this long space of interior.

Wall Sconces for Reading

If the purpose of using a wall sconce is to help you read, then you should consider a swing arm wall sconce, which will give you the flexibility to adjust the lighting projection. These types of adjustable sconces are commonly found in the bedroom and in a reading nook.

Bathroom Sconces

Twin sconces are often found on either side of the bathroom mirror. These help to gently illuminate the face without blinding the person looking in the mirror.

Sconces by Style

You can find sconces in a wide variety of styles and designs. Here are a few of our guides based on style:

• Scandinavian Sconces – Nordic design is trending in a wide variety of homes. Celebrated for its practicality and minimalist design, this is a winning design choice!
• Brass Sconces – Brass is the most trendy finish on a large range of home fixtures from drawer pulls to table legs and of course, lighting fixtures. You can’t go wrong with brass!

Wall Sconce Power Sources

There are three main ways to power these lighting fixtures:

• Hard-wired – These types of lighting fixtures are wired directly to your home’s electrical system. It offers the most seamless, clean look because wires are not visible from the outside! To turn them on, you must have an external light switch on your wall, or an external switch on the fixture itself.
• Plug-in – For a simple installation, go for plug-in wall sconces which gain their power from any old electrical outlet. They can quickly be replaced when needed even though it makes the wall more cluttered to see wires hanging down.
• Battery Powered – Battery operated sconces are also easy to install, and solve the problem of visible wires. These run on batteries, meaning they will need to be replaced after a while. They tend to be a bit dimmer than the first two options, but nonetheless, they are a viable choice.

How High Should Wall Sconces Sit?

The recommended height for wall sconces is around 5.5 feet or 66 inches, minimum. You can place them even higher if you have a tall household or especially high ceilings. At this height, the sconces illuminate the upper body, without blinding people. The bulbs should not be directly visible. They should be within reach, but not so much so that the inside is visible.

Here are some quick placement guides:

• 2 sconces on either side of a piece of artwork
• 2 sconces on both sides of a vanity mirror or entrance mirror
• 1 central sconce above an artwork or mirror
• 2 sconces on either sides of a large bed, above the nightstand and around 1 foot from the end of the bed
• Several hallway sconces spaced around 1 foot apart along the wall. Stick to odd numbers!

5 Kinds of Table Lamps You Need in Your Home

We often forget they exist during the day, but once the sun starts to set, we’re so glad to have them. We’re talking about table lamps, of course. This lamp is perfect for providing targeted light in one area, without flooding a room with too much light. That’s what overhead lighting is for after all!

Yes, table lamps are the perfect way to partially illuminate a space, and today we’re sharing five kinds of these functional lamps you simply must-have in your home!

Even though furniture tends to steal our attention when designing the inside of our homes, table lamps are not to be forgotten because they are just so practical and functional. In fact, the table lamp on my nightstand is the last thing I turn off before bed each night. It’s trusty and stylish at the same time. I also rely on my desk lamp to keep my home office properly lit.

Essential Table Lamps

Table lamps are also super easy to install, move and test out – so you don’t have to commit yourself to just one! They’re the perfect decorative item to experiment with within your home. Most will simply require a wall outlet to be plugged in for electricity. Easy peasy!

So, what kind of table lamps are right for you? Here are a few table lamps we consider to be absolutely essential!

1. The Bedside Table Lamp

Resting on a nightstand, these table lamps get us to bed each night without tripping on whatever’s fallen on the floor! The nightstand table lamp is the last light we turn off each night before bed. This one is a must for any bedroom or guest room.

 

2. The Task Light

Table lamps are especially useful on home office desks. A task light provides targeted light to a desk where we get work done at home. Task lamps often have cone-shaped shades so as to provide ample light on the desk, and shield our eyes from being blinded.

 

 

3. The Twin Table Lamps

Table lamps are often purchased in pairs by interior designers. You can place a pair of table lamps in the living room on accent tables on either side of your sofa, or you can place twin table lamps on either side of your bed, on matching nightstands. Another option is to place them on either end of a console table. This is a classic decorative choice that has been popular for many years. Table lamps are often sold in pairs for these very reasons!

 

 

4. The Entryway Table Lamp

No more than one table lamp is needed at the entryway of your home, as you most likely have overhead lighting installed already. A table lamp at the entryway can add a nice additional lighting source, and show off your decor personality at the same time. Add it to your console table to complete your entryway look!

 

 

You can also leave an entryway lamp on before you head out at night if you live alone so that way you have some light when returning. This is a great idea if you don’t want to waste electricity, but still want to avoid coming home to a dark house.

5. The Reading Light

If you have a reading nook in your home, you’ll most certainly want to add a table lamp to accompany the accent chair so you can easily spend hours reading in a comfortable corner of your home. Adjustable table lamps are perfect for this purpose so you can move them and aim them at what you are reading.

 

 

As you can see, there are so many places to consider for additional lighting. I hope this post was useful to you in choosing tabletop lamps for your home!