Floor lamp: why do you need them?

Mankind has not yet come up with a lamp that would be more convenient for reading and working in an armchair than a floor lamp. In addition, a well-chosen floor lamp becomes a true decoration of the interior. It is the floor lamps and the infinite variety of their forms that we will pay close attention to in this article while trying to answer the question, why do we need floor lamps.

How did floor lamps appear?

MCQUEEN FLOOR LAMP by LUXXU

The first-floor lamps appeared in France and Germany in the Middle Ages, and their prototypes were … street lamps. Then the floor lamps were massive, they were inlaid with precious stones, and naturally, candles served as light sources. In the middle of the 20th century, the floor lamp became popular everywhere. The peak of fashion came in the 60-70s. Then they could be found in almost any house or apartment. The floor lamp has not gone out of fashion until now while acquiring the status of a classic lighting device that combines practicality and an aesthetic component.

Forms and design of floor lamps

Floor lamps in their entire history have not significantly changed the basic design: stand – long leg – lampshade with a light source. The average height of the device is 150–180 cm. Now a floor lamp is not just a lighting device, but a significant decorative part of the interior. The imagination of designers and manufacturers gave it bizarre and varied forms.

One of the important features of some floor lamps is the ability to move it within the room, easily transfer from one room to another, updating the look of the interior. Usually, floor lamps are equipped with a built-in switch. Many models come with a dimmer – a device for adjusting the brightness of lighting. It is convenient when reading at night. Increasingly, manufacturers use modern LED lamps as light sources, which are much more energy-efficient than classic halogen ones.

Floor lamps with straight legs

The most traditional form of a floor lamp is a straight leg made of wood or metal on a round stand and strict lampshade. There are many variations of this form. The triple leg can replace the stand, which makes the structure more stable.

Floor lamps with curved legs

Extremely convenient invention for reading: light falls from above and nothing blocks it. Some models use a flexible or articulated leg, due to which you can change the angle of the lampshade.

Floor lamps with shelves

Since floor lamps have always been used mainly for reading, it is quite logical to equip them with a small shelf. Many designers have developed this theme, creating outwardly attractive and at the same time functional designs. For example, several bookshelves, a cup of coffee, and other small items can be placed on several shelves of the Vibia Suite. At the same time, the floor lamp will remain stable.

Floor lamps with unique shapes

Experimenting with the forms of floor lamps, designers create products that are difficult to classify – they are so unusual.

How to choose a lampshade for a floor lamp?

From French, the word “lampshade” is translated as a “muffler of light.” It is located in the upper part of the lamp and is a kind of cap around the light source. Its task is to direct the light from the source and create a certain degree of illumination. A fabric lampshade for a floor lamp is considered a classic. However, designers create unique models using glass, metal, wood, leather, plastic, paper. The shape of the lampshade can be completely different: cone, cylinder, ball, hemisphere, flower.

The historical task of the lampshade is to protect the eyes from the blinding effects of a light source. Therefore, lampshades were created from materials, the way protect the eyes of the observer, but capable of transmitting light. Designers use these materials to create unusual shapes of lampshades and apply decorative images, embroidery, and other decorative elements to its surface.

Floor lamps can be used as accent lighting

A variety of shapes and designs allow you to choose a floor lamp for the interior in any style – from country to hi-tech.
In the following articles of our blog, you will learn much more about the different types of fixtures and the rules for their use. Subscribe to updates and get ideas for your interiors.