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Floor Lamps

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Floor Lamps

Light where you need it, no tables required. We compared floor lamps from arc statements to torchieres—finding what anchors reading corners and fills dark rooms.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Montage Modern Arc Floor Lamp

Brightech

Montage Modern Arc Floor Lamp

4.6 (28,765 reviews)

The arc lamp that actually stays upright. Weighted base keeps it stable, LED is dimmable, and that arc reaches right over your reading chair. Living room centerpiece under $100.

Height

69 inches

Reach

50 inches

Light

Built-in LED

Features

3-way dimmer

Pros

  • Statement arc design
  • Sturdy weighted base
  • Hanging drum shade

Cons

  • Takes up floor space
  • Modern style specific
  • Heavy to move

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Montage Modern Arc Floor Lamp
Montage Modern Arc Floor Lamp Best
Brightech
4.6
$75 View
Torchiere Floor Lamp with Reading Light
Torchiere Floor Lamp with Reading Light Value
Brightech
4.5
$45 View
Trinity Arc Floor Lamp (3-Light)
Trinity Arc Floor Lamp (3-Light)
Adesso
4.4
$159 View
HEKTAR Floor Lamp
HEKTAR Floor Lamp
IKEA
4.4
$50 View
Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
Wood Tripod Floor Lamp
ONEACH
4.3
$69 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Montage Modern Arc Floor Lamp

Brightech

Montage Modern Arc Floor Lamp

4.6 (28,765 reviews)

The arc lamp that actually stays upright. Weighted base keeps it stable, LED is dimmable, and that arc reaches right over your reading chair. Living room centerpiece under $100.

Height

69 inches

Reach

50 inches

Light

Built-in LED

Features

3-way dimmer

Pros

  • Statement arc design
  • Sturdy weighted base
  • Hanging drum shade

Cons

  • Takes up floor space
  • Modern style specific
  • Heavy to move
Best Value
Torchiere Floor Lamp with Reading Light

Brightech

Torchiere Floor Lamp with Reading Light

4.5 (45,678 reviews)

Two lights in one footprint. The torchiere bounces light off the ceiling for ambient illumination; the reading arm provides focused task light. Every apartment needs one of these.

Height

71 inches

Lights

Torchiere + reading arm

Bulbs

E26 (main) + E12 (reading)

Features

Dual switch

Pros

  • Ambient + task lighting
  • Compact footprint
  • Bright room illumination

Cons

  • Basic design
  • Gets hot
  • Not a statement piece
Premium Pick
Trinity Arc Floor Lamp (3-Light)

Adesso

Trinity Arc Floor Lamp (3-Light)

4.4 (5,678 reviews)

The lamp from every mid-century modern design blog. Three arcing heads, marble base, sculptural presence. It's furniture as much as lighting. Living rooms and reading nooks bow down.

Height

82 inches

Heads

3 adjustable

Material

Steel and marble

Bulb

3x E26 (not included)

Pros

  • Sculptural design
  • Three adjustable heads
  • Quality materials

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Specific aesthetic
  • Bulbs not included
Budget Pick
HEKTAR Floor Lamp

IKEA

HEKTAR Floor Lamp

4.4 (34,567 reviews)

Industrial style without the industrial price. HEKTAR punches above its weight—adjustable angle, solid construction, looks like it cost twice as much. Reading chair's new best friend.

Height

71 inches

Material

Steel

Features

Adjustable

Bulb

E26 (not included)

Pros

  • Industrial charm
  • Adjustable height
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • IKEA availability
  • Bulb separate
  • Limited colors
Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

ONEACH

Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

4.3 (12,345 reviews)

Tripod lamps add architectural interest—those angles break up square rooms. Natural wood warms up modern spaces. Corner of the living room, next to a plant, looking intentional.

Height

60 inches

Material

Wood legs

Shade

Linen drum

Bulb

E26 (not included)

Pros

  • Warm wood texture
  • Mid-century aesthetic
  • Interesting silhouette

Cons

  • Legs take floor space
  • Can tip if bumped
  • Wood quality varies

Buying Guide: How to Choose Floor Lamps


How to Choose Floor Lamps

Floor lamps light rooms without table surfaces. They anchor furniture groupings, provide reading light, and make statements. The right floor lamp transforms a dark corner; the wrong one blocks traffic or blinds everyone.

Style Types

Arc lamps: Curved arm extends over furniture, great for couches without end tables, dramatic presence
Torchieres: Uplight design, illuminates ceiling for ambient glow, compact footprint
Tripod: Three-legged base, mid-century aesthetic, sculptural interest
Task/reading: Adjustable head for focused light, functional first
Tree/multi-arm: Several light sources, adjustable, flexible lighting

### Height Guidelines

Standing: 68-72" for most ceilings (8-9 ft)
Reading/task: Bottom of shade at seated eye level (~40-42" from floor)
Behind seating: Arc lamps work 6-12" above seated head

### Placement Strategy

Reading corners: Position so light falls over shoulder onto book, not in eyes
Dark corners: Torchieres bounce light up, filling corner with ambient glow
Behind sofas: Arc lamps span from behind couch, provide light without end tables
Near windows: Balance natural light with artificial after sunset

### Practical Considerations

  • Cord length: Measure to nearest outlet, consider cord covers
    - Base stability: Weighted bases prevent tipping, important with kids/pets
    - Switch access: Some have foot switches, some pull chains, some inline dimmers
    - Bulb type: LED saves energy, check compatibility with dimmers
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Lamps

    Where should a floor lamp go?

    Next to seating for reading light, in dark corners for ambient fill, behind sofas (arc lamps), or flanking furniture for symmetry. Avoid blocking walkways, placing in direct eye line when seated, or competing with overhead lights.

    How tall should a floor lamp be?

    For ambient lighting: 68-72" (standard ceiling). For reading: shade bottom should hit 40-42" from floor (seated eye level). The general rule: when seated, light should not shine directly in eyes—shade bottom at or above eye level.

    Are floor lamps outdated?

    Absolutely not. Floor lamps remain essential in interiors—they provide light without overhead fixtures, anchor furniture arrangements, and add vertical interest. Style has evolved (modern arc, minimal designs) but function is timeless.

    Can I use a floor lamp as the only light in a room?

    Depends on the room. A torchiere can illuminate a small bedroom. Living rooms usually need layers: overhead + floor + table. One floor lamp creates dramatic pools of light, which is great for ambiance but not for daily living.

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