Lighting tends to be an afterthought in interior design. But the best floor lamps, intentionally placed in the right spaces around the house, can actually elevate the look of your decor. And that’s not just our personal opinion. (Although we do really love lamps.) There is actually expert-backed evidence that the way your home is lit can affect how you perceive it and ultimately feel about it. For example, a bad lighting scheme can produce harsh shadows, making a space feel smaller, whereas good lighting can highlight all the right places and help the eye travel throughout the room, making it seem more spacious.
All this is to say: Lighting should be at the forefront of your decorating plan! Not only does a standing lamp have the unique ability to emit light in the hardest of places (like the middle of the room), but its slim silhouette can also add tons of visual interest. From the direct light of reading lights and task floor lamps to the mood-setting power of ambient lighting, floor lamps can really help set the tone of your room. Plus, they barely take up any space and are easy to transport, so buying a good floor lamp is always a sound investment.
Top Picks
On our hunt for the best-looking lamps out there right now, we found plenty of options—including some stylish as well as a few that won’t put too much of a dent in your budget, promise. With a variety of design styles, functions, and bulb options, there should be something for just about every space.
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