Floor Lamps

Floor Lamps

Floor lights are often the heroes of residential lighting schemes in New Zealand, standing proudly while providing task or feature lighting. A particularly versatile addition to any room, designer floor lamps are a sought after object, especially for living rooms - where a distinct design aesthetic is often the desired outcome - and bedrooms where task lighting is combined with a relaxed, cosy style of decor.

How to choose a floor lamp

The overarching principle of floor lights is that they stand independently on the floor with a stem extending from a sturdy base that holds a light source - either be direct or diffused. However, despite the basic makeup of the floor lamp, there is a huge variety available in New Zealand in terms of material, style and function - from the tripod lamp to the raw aesthetic style and the intricately detailed. 

Usage of floor lights

Floor standing lamps can be used for ambient or task light. Ambient floor lamps are designed to provide general light to a room, rather than highly targeted task lighting. Often, ambient floor lamps incorporate a lamp shade. They may provide enough additional light for tasks in the immediate vicinity such as reading, but are not designed for this purpose. 

Floor lamps designed as task lighting serve a different purpose. These types of lamps are often designed to be versatile, with movable arms or stem components allowing for the light to be moved and directed to a specific area, such as a desk. 

Type of Lighting

The primary consideration when choosing a floor light should be the type of lighting required. Whether it's ambient lighting or task lighting, the right type of floor lamp can make all the difference. For task lighting, an adjustable floor lamp or a modern floor lamp with a focused beam would be a great choice. On the other hand, a torchiere floor lamp would be better suited for providing ambient lighting throughout a room.

Determining the type of floor lamp needed narrows down the options and help inform the next choices, such as materiality, height, colour, and aesthetic value. For example, if you need a modern floor lamp for your living room, you may consider a sleek and stylish design, such as a modern arc floor lamp or an industrial floor lamp. If you need a more traditional look, an elegant torchiere floor lamp may be a better option.

In industrial and commercial settings, lamps can offer an additional layer of design, highlighting objects of interest or providing task lighting in workspaces or retail settings. 

Standing lamp materials

Standing lamps offer a versatile and practical lighting solution for any home. With a diverse range of materials, styles, and designs like brass standing lights, tree floor lamps, and black floor lamps but also metal, wood, stone, ceramic and even paper. Floor lamps can create a warm and inviting atmosphere as well as provide task lighting for reading or working. Their popularity lies in their dual functionality as a design statement and a lighting solution.

How can a floor standing lamps enhance my décor?

A floor standing lamp will truly enhance your personal décor, be it in your lounge, dining room, office, bedroom or hallway. The huge variety of standing lamps on the market in New Zealand caters to every décor theme imaginable. For example, a bare Edison bulb on a cast iron stand will make for an eye-catching industrial floor lamp, while classic wooden floor lamps will nicely complement a farmhouse setting – or a traditional living space. Tiffany-style glass lamps will add flamboyance to any room, while there are plenty of contemporary options to choose from, offering neutral colours and sleek lines.

How to style designer floor lamps

A designer floor lamp will make a statement wherever it is placed. For immediate effect, place it in the entrance or hallway to dazzle your guests as they arrive, and create ambience in an otherwise ordinary area. In your living space or dining room, an antique, exotic or rustic lamp will add character and mood lighting, capping off your furniture suite perfectly. Or in the bedroom, whether in pride of place beside the bed or providing extra light to a walk-in wardrobe or vanity, a designer lamp will add glamour to your personal space and the chance to enjoy it every single day.

Also, consider adjustability when purchasing a floor lamp – lamps are not necessarily ‘one-size fits all’ and having the option to change the height and direction of a lamp can open up a plethora of lighting functions and opportunities.

The beauty of the tripod floor lamp

Tripod lamps offer a sense of purpose, stability and make a strong statement of ownership of a room. Alternatively, an arching floor lamp, with a long arm reaching out over a recliner, desk or side table will prove an artistic addition – and a talking point.  

Improving your space ambiance

Adding a lamp shade to your standing light or table lamp, you can create a beautiful ambiance in any room. The right lamp shade can enhance the look of your table lamp while adding warmth and personality to your space.