Last Updated on January 10, 2023
Top 3 Best Floor Lamps
- MiniSun Traditional Barley Twist (Editor’s Choice)
- Daylight Company Unolamp (Best Minimalist Choice)
- Ikea NOT Uplighter (Best Value)
Illumination in our home or office is something that is often overlooked. We rely on our fixed ceiling lights for brightness and sometimes this isn’t enough. This is where you could benefit from the best floor lamp for an additional light source.
Floor lamps are free-standing products that you can position throughout your home or office to provide additional concentrated illumination. They complement your fixed lighting and can serve a number of purposes.
Firstly, floor lamps are brilliant for reading. If you want to curl up on your sofa and read during the evening, you can create an enticing atmosphere with a floor lamp. It can provide concentrated light, too, so you can read without straining your eyes, and without using your main fixed lighting.
Secondly, floor lamps also provide great ambient lighting. You could, for example, position floor lamps in the corners of your living room facing against the wall to provide a subtle glow, or to highlight certain decorative features.
In this guide, we look at 10 of the finest floor lamps for your benefit. We have included a range of designs and have both LED and halogen variations.
How We Compared Floor Lamps
To find the right floor lamps we considered multiple factors including:
- Overall dimensions
- Outlet socket and cable
- Bulb type
- Energy usage
- Light colour and strength
- Adjustability
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Floor Lamp Reviews – Top 10 Picks
MiniSun Traditional Barley Twist (Editor’s Choice)
The MiniSun Traditional Barley Twist is a great choice if you want a sleek, stylish floor lamp suitable for almost any home decor. This traditional style wrought iron lamp has an ornate barley twist at the top of the stem and is easy to assemble quickly.
This classically styled floor lamp stands 176cm tall and has a black finish. It comes with a frosted glass alabaster shade styled with a chic marbled pattern. The shade easily fits into the top of the stem and points upward to direct light around the room evenly. You can use either an LED light bulb or a regular lightbulb with a 60-watt maximum wattage in this floor lamp.
The on/off switch on this floor lamp is located on the cord so you can easily activate and deactivate it with your foot. This helps to minimise direct contact with the lamp itself which reduces accidentally nudging it too hard and making it wobble.
We think this lamp could benefit from a base that is a bit heavier to improve its overall stability. It could also be tricky to align and the shade may be somewhat less stable so it is not our top choice for homes with rowdy kids or pets.
Pros:
- Frosted alabaster glass shade
- Classic barley twist style
- Easy to assemble
- Foot power switch
- Black wrought iron
Cons:
- Shade may be less stable
- The base could be a bit heavier
- Could be tricky to align properly
Daylight Company Unolamp (Best Minimalist Choice)
The Daylight Company have produced a minimalistic floor lamp that can also be used on a side table or workbench. It has a slimline design and an incredible modernistic feel. Also, this is the best floor lamp for creating natural light due to the high-quality LED bulbs included, and the type of light they emit.
The Daylight Company has created the unique Unolamp that is not like any other product on this list. Its minimalistic design makes it look like something from the future! Also, this is one of the best lamps for daylight simulation. The bright LED bulbs produce a 6000k brightness which is the same amount as true daylight. This means the lamp should have an energy-improving effect, unlike some halogen bulbs.
Due to the use of LED bulbs, this floor lamp is also energy efficient and uses just 6W. It also has a touch switch dimmer with four different brightness levels. Additionally, it has a relatively long power cable at 1.8m and stands at 132cm tall.
The Unolamp is an interesting product but it does have a few issues. Firstly, some customers have reported their light has arrived faulty and damaged. Also, the LED bulb is not the easiest to find a replacement. It does have a long life, however.
Pros:
- Incredibly flexible arm with multiple available positions
- A simple touch dimmer switch with four brightness levels
- Long cable length for great flexibility
- High-quality LEDs provide a bright and natural light
- A simple and streamlined design
Cons:
- Some customers have reported faulty products
- The LED bulb is relatively hard to replace
Ikea NOT Uplighter (Most Versatile)
The IKEA NOT Uplighter Floor Lamp is a solid dual-purpose light that can provide ambient illumination, as well as concentrated light for reading. It has two separate lights that can be independently controlled. The slimline and stylish design of this lamp means that it can sit perfectly in the corner of your living room or in a dedicated reading area.
Although the IKEA NOT Uplighter floor lamp has two lights, you do not have to use both at the same time. One is designed to light up a larger space whereas the other functions as a task light. There are two separate switches and you can control each light separately.
In terms of dimensions, this floor lamp has an overall height of 175cm including the base, and the base diameter is 27cm. It also has a 1m long cord which provides decent flexibility. The construction of this lamp is also good. It has a simple, sleek pole, and the light fixtures and base are not obtrusive. It can fit comfortably in any room corner without taking up too much space or being too distracting.
This IKEA product is a great option, but it does have a few issues. The base is relatively flimsy and not 100% stable. Once you have positioned the lamp, it is fine. But if you intend to move it regularly, you must take care. Also, this floor lamp requires two different bulbs for the uplighter and the reading lamp. This isn’t specified in the product description though.
Pros:
- Dual lighting option with two separate bulbs
- Both the lights can be switched on and off independently
- Provides a subtle light great for reading
- Can take low-energy bulbs
- Sleek structure that can fit any home decor
Cons:
- The base is not the most stable
- Two different lightbulbs are required for operation
Elinkume Spiral (Luxury Choice)
If you are in search of a more non-traditional floor lamp, the Elinkume Spiral could make a nice addition to your home or office. It has an artistic structure that is sure to get compliments and an energy-saving design that provides lots of light.
The Elinkume floor lamp features two LED warm white light strips that spiral up the stem in a wave-like design. The lights are designed with soft side glow technology to be gentle on your eyes even though they are able to produce up to 30 watts of luminosity. The lights also feature stepless dimming for versatile ambience options with the switch located on the cord.
This lamp is available with a black or white finish to better match your decor and stands 1.3 metres tall. A 12-month guarantee is provided by the manufacturer to promote a worry-free purchasing experience but hopefully, you won’t have to use it.
You may find you want to raise the lamp off of the floor a bit as it is not the tallest floor lamp. The base could also be a bit flimsier than expected and we have reason to believe it is not always compatible with automatic timers.
Pros:
- Dual lighting option with two separate bulbs
- Both the lights can be switched on and off independently
- Provides a subtle light great for reading
- Can take low-energy bulbs
- Sleek structure that can fit any home decor
Cons:
- The base is not the most stable
- Two different lightbulbs are required for operation
MiniSun Modern Tripod (Contemporary Option)
The MiniSun Modern Tripod could be the right choice for you if you want a floor lamp with a minimalist design that still has some added flair. This sleek all-black floor lamp features low energy consumption and provides any room with a burst of warm light.
The Modern Tripod floor lamp features an extra-large black cylinder shade made from fabric. The shade sits atop a tripod base with three thin legs. The power switch is located on the power cable making it easy to turn on and off using your foot.
The 6-watt LED light bulb required to operate this floor lamp comes included so you can take it out of the box and turn it on straight away. In total, the MiniSun Modern Tripod stands 148 cm tall but this can vary slightly depending on the tripod leg positioning. We love the black version but eight other colour options are also available so you can find one that matches your personal taste.
Be aware, due to the tripod base, this lamp could be somewhat less stable so we don’t recommend it for homes with rambunctious pets or kids. It also lacks a dimmer function but that’s okay because it may not provide the brightest light when compared to some other options.
Pros:
- Stylish tripod base
- Extra-large cylinder shade
- 6w LED light bulb included
- 9 colour options are available
- Warm light production
Cons:
- Tripod could be somewhat less stable
- It may not be the brightest lamp
- May not be dimmable
Ikea Uplighter (Best Value)
IKEA has a great range of lights to choose from but the Floor Uplighter Light lamp is our best value option. This is a simple no-nonsense light with a slimline design that provides subtle lighting for your living room or bedroom. If you want an effective lamp for your home or office, this IKEA product is one of the best options available.
The IKEA Floor Uplighter lamp has a simple design and is relatively easy to assemble. The white lampshade has a smooth curvature and projects a decent spread of light on walls and furniture.
The lamp is also easy to operate and has a simple on/off switch that is located approximately halfway up the lamp pole. It also has a decent length electrical cable which gives you freedom when positioning the lamp.
It has an overall height of 176cm, but you can take out one of the pole sections to make it shorter. Also, it has a base diameter of 29cm which shouldn’t be easily toppled.
This may be one of the best lamps around, however, the materials are not the strongest. Hence, you must exercise extreme care when handling the lamp as you could break some of the parts. Also, because of the inferior build quality, some customers have reported receiving broken parts.
Pros:
- Simple but effective construction
- Wide lampshade to provide solid light dispersion
- Slimline black lamp pole
- Easy to function
- Can take low-energy light bulbs
Cons:
- Some customers have received damaged goods
- Less superior build quality
Nacatin Eye Care (Best Adjustable)
The Nacatin Eye Care floor lamp is one of our top choices if you are looking for a reading lamp. It has a flexible gooseneck style that allows you to focus the light on specific areas and also has a highly energy-efficient design.
This floor lamp stands 181cm tall and is equipped with a variety of customisable settings. It has five colour temperature levels, five brightness options, and a one and 10-minute timer. The settings are accessible through a built-in touch panel on the lamp as well as a remote control that comes included with purchase.
The Nacatin floor lamp features 60 long-lasting LED lights that have an expected lifespan of 30,000 hours. LED lights are great for eye protection which is one of the reasons we like this lamp for reading. You can choose between black or white, both of which have a weighted base.
Possible cons for this floor lamp include it not being the easiest to assemble and the remote control not necessarily being 100% reliable. In addition, this floor lamp is good for use around a desk or for reading but it may not be ideal for lighting an entire room.
Pros:
- Two automatic timer functions
- Touch panel and remote control
- Energy-efficient design
- Flexible gooseneck style
- Adjustable brightness and light temperature
Cons:
- The remote control may not always be reliable
- May not be ideal for lighting an entire room
- Could be tricky to assemble
Betta Lighting Mother and Child
The Mother and Child Task floor lamp is a stylish design that can fit comfortably in any home. It offers dual lighting and can be used for reading, as well as general lighting for your living room or bedroom. For added style, this great product is available in three different metallic finishes.
If you want a light that can fit with different decors, you can choose from three different colours – black chrome, chrome-plated, or satin brass. Each colour option looks fantastic and the metallic covering of this floor lamp is high-quality that will last.
The bulbs used are 230W R7s Tungsten and 33W G9 clear capsule. You must also remember that the bulbs are sold separately and do not come with the floor lamp. Hence, you should consider buying some before it is delivered to ensure you can enjoy your lamp as soon as it is assembled.
This product has an overall height of 180cm, and the base has a diameter of 26cm. Also, it is relatively lightweight and easy to move. To control each light, this product has a double rotary dimmer switch for easy operation.
This stylish lamp does have a couple of downsides. Firstly, the assembly is tricky and it can be time-consuming. There are instructions, but it still requires care and attention to assemble properly. Also, the available bulbs that are compatible with this bright floor lamp are limited.
Pros:
- Dual bulbs for reading and ambient light
- Available in three stylish colours
- Includes a dimmer switch to change the light brightness
- Stylish design that can fit with any room theme
- Both lights can be independently controlled
Cons:
- The assembly can be tricky and time-consuming
- A limited array of available bulbs
Puluomis 3-Layer Shelves (Best Multi-Purpose)
Shelving and lighting converge in this decorative floor lamp. The Puluomis wooden floor lamp comes in either black or white. It has an Asian style that is both modern and elegant.
The Puluomis floor lamp has a tall cubed shaped design making it an ideal lighting accessory for corners or near a desk or reading chair. It is made of a solid wood frame with three shelves beneath the light fixture. Each shelf is capable of holding up to 2kg of weight so it’s a great place to keep books or small plants.
Standing 159cm tall, this lamp produces a natural, soft glow that’s good for lighting a room at all times of the day. It has a hand woven white linen cottage shade that allows light to pass through without being harsh on your eyes. The top portion is open, but out of your line of vision so it adds more light without being disruptive.
While we think you will really like this floor lamp for the reasons listed above, it is somewhat lightweight, making it less sturdy unless you put items on the shelves. A longer set-up is also possible and there are some reports indicating you might have issues with the fixings during assembly.
Pros:
- Square shaped solid wood frame
- Multifunctional floor lamp with shelves
- Contemporary Asian style design
- Hand woven white linen shade
- Natural soft light produced
Cons:
- The lightweight design could be less sturdy
- Lengthier set-up is possible
- Might have issues with the fixings
Kenley Natural Daylight (Best Adjustable)
If you intend to use your lamp in numerous positions for task lighting, for example, the Kenley Natural Daylight floor lamp is a superior choice. It has a large adjustable neck section that allows you to freely rotate and position the LED light head. For arts, crafts and sewing, this lamp is a great option.
The Kenley Natural Daylight floor lamp creates a light that is similar to natural daylight or noon sunshine. The 6400k colour temperature is brilliant for task lighting and it can help reduce fatigue or eye strain.
In terms of dimensions, the lamp has a long 175cm cable that can be tucked away to prevent trips. Also, the overall height is 160cm which means it can comfortably sit next to a workbench, office desk, or bed to provide a concentrated light source at the right height.
Despite the large size, this floor lamp is still relatively easy to move and is lightweight. The swivel neck is also fully adjustable and rotatable.
However, this may not be the best when it comes to aesthetics due to the style of the adjustable neck. It is exposed and essentially looks like an industrial tubing. Also, some customers have had issues when trying to fit the pole together, as well as the pole to the base.
Pros:
- Creates a colour temperature of 6400k which emulates real daylight
- Highly functional with adjustable neck
- Relatively lightweight and easy to move
- Bright light with a large casting area
- The natural light recreation helps boost natural energy
Cons:
- The adjustable neck is a little unsightly
- Some customers have reported not being able to fit the pole together
How to Choose the Right Floor Lamp?
As you can see, there are many different floor lamp designs. Just like shopping for garden lights, it can be confusing choosing a suitable model. Style and aesthetics, of course, play an important role. Ideally, you want ambient lighting that fits with your home decor and doesn’t clash with your other accessories and furniture.
Aside from style, the following are six factors to consider when shopping for the best floor lamps for reading:
Overall Dimensions
Firstly, what is the overall size of the floor lamp? How tall is it? What diameter is its base? Floor lamps usually have a tall, thin design with a large circular base and large top light.
You should consider where you intend to use the lamp, and how much available space you have to fit it. We would advise measuring the intended spot beforehand, so you know exactly what maximum dimensions you are working with.
Outlet Socket and Cable
Next, consider the location of your electrical sockets. Where is the closest plug socket in relation to where you wish to position the lamp?
You could measure this distance, too, so that you can then check the length of the lamp cable and plug. By doing so, you can be sure that the plug will comfortably reach the socket and allow you to position the lamp as intended.
Bulb Type
Different floor lamps have different bulb types. Some, for example still have traditional halogen bulbs. These are less energy-efficient and can take time to reach maximum brightness. Others have LED bulbs that light up instantly and often use less energy.
You should be aware of the bulb type, so you know what model and type you need to purchase if you ever need a replacement.
Energy Usage
Following on from the above pointer, energy consumption should also be a consideration. Some reading lamps are designed specifically to be low consumption and save on energy bills. Usually, in the product description, you can find an energy rating chart or wattage rating so you can estimate how much power the lamp uses.
Light Colour and Strength
You should also consider the strength of the light, and the colouration it provides. This depends on the mood you wish to set, and what you intend to use the light for.
For example, if you want a floor lamp for arts and crafts, a bright white LED lamp could be a better option. Alternatively, if you simply want a lamp for reading, a softer and warm light could provide a comforting effect.
Adjustability
Finally, you may consider if the lamp is adjustable. For example, some floor lamps have an adjustable head that you can twist and rotate in different positions. Others are static and have a solid frame that cannot be moved at all.
This is important if you intend to use the lamp in different positions throughout your home. It is also necessary if you need to adjust the light to work at different angles – when painting models, for example.
Conclusion
Any of these floor lamps are a great choice for your home. You can gain a great lighting solution that can be used for reading, writing, or just to provide ambience to your home.
Our favourite floor lamp is the MiniSun Traditional Barley Twist. It is made of wrought iron, designed with a classic barley twist at the top of the stem and an alabaster frosted glass shade. It comes in a satin black metal finish. Aside from quick assembly, it also features a foot power switch for convenience.
So, which is the best floor lamp for your home among our fantastic selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.