The best floor lamps for 2025 add bright or ambient light — plus height! — plus they make a great decor element. (Amazon, Article, West Elm)
The best floor lamps can not only illuminate a space, but also upgrade your overall aesthetic and reset the mood. Just take it from a pro: "The best floor lamps are more than light fixtures — they are sculptural elements that shape ambiance, define space and bring balance to a room," says Marina Bourderonnet, founding partner at Fame Architecture and Design in Los Angeles.
But with so many options, it can be hard to choose! That's why I did the legwork for you, interviewing interior designers, canvassing our team of editors, scouring shopper reviewers and using my own experience as a home writer with 10+ years of experience. My top picks include a mix of stylish, versatile designs for any budget and aesthetic. Your future's looking brighter already ...
Update, Aug. 11, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best floor lamp overall remains unchanged.
Material: Metal lamps tend to look more industrial, whereas wood has a warmer, more homey feel. But you can easily soften a tough-looking base with a fabric shade. Linen and cotton are common shade materials, and you can't go wrong with either fabric in white or cream.
Don't be afraid to mix and match materials, such as natural materials and metals. Taylor says you can do this either within the lamp itself or with other fixtures in a room to add visual interest and create an aesthetic that's unique to you.
Size: Use the size of the room as a guideline for how tall your floor lamp should be. For example, "If you have high ceilings, avoid lamps that are too short at the risk of making the overall room feel smaller," says Barton.
Adds Bourderonnet, "Consider the scale of your furniture and the room’s dimensions — an oversized lamp can overwhelm a compact space, while a delicate lamp might get lost in a grander setting." Also, check how the lamp's height relates to your seating and tables. "The light source should sit at an appropriate level for reading or illuminating a space without glare," she says.
Color and finish: "Think about how the lamp’s finish complements surrounding pieces," advises Bourderonnet. "A brushed brass or matte black base can provide contrast in a lighter room, while a wooden or ceramic finish might add warmth and texture."
Chandler Hudson Kenny, an interior designer based in New Canaan, Conn., says many of her clients love the timeless look of white plaster and aged brass: "Both are effortlessly elegant choices that stand the test of time," says Kenny. "Whether lending a soft, sculptural presence or adding a touch of warm, refined character, these finishes seamlessly integrate into a variety of spaces."
Silhouette: "Personally, I’m drawn to floor lamps that feel like functional sculptures — pieces that are beautiful even when they’re not illuminated," adds Bourderonnet. She also says that minimalist metal frames with oversized drum shades are "popular for their clean lines and timeless appeal."
How you plan to use it: Think about what you want the light to do for the space, Kenny advises: "For instance, are you in need of task lighting? A tent lamp is perfect. Does your space need an object of art? A sculptural floor lamp can be a lovely addition to the space."
Nicastro especially likes floor lamps as ambient lighting next to a seating area. "At night, I prefer floor lamps and table lamps to overhead lighting for a cozier, warmer ambiance. I personally opt for floor lamps next to a sofa or chair in a primary bedroom, or to delineate the space of a large room or open concept home."
We researched top-selling floor lamps, sorting through hundreds of customer reviews, and talked to professional designers for tips, trends and personal recommendations. We also relied on our own experiences as longtime home editors and included favorites we own or have owned in the past. There is not a lamp on this list that we wouldn't be proud to put in our space.
Floor lamps make a great addition to bedrooms, whether you're looking for a (standing) task lamp or reading lamp for a specific purpose, or just want to create more ambiance. Taylor says to make sure to factor in proximity to outlets (where will the cords be and will they show/be in high-traffic areas?), visibility of the bulbs if around a sitting area and how the light transfers through the shade (does it create weird lines and shadows around the room?).
Like with a bedroom, the best floor lamp for a living room is the one that will help you achieve what you need and fit in — spatially and aesthetically — with the rest of the space.
In addition to what Taylor recommends above, you'll want to account for surrounding furniture and tones when shopping: For example, an arched floor lamp might be your best bet for reaching over longer pieces. A black base reads more industrial, chrome adds a touch of refined polish, and gold a hint of glamour.
Minimalistic and abstract floor lamps are among some of the bigger trends we're seeing at the moment but, as Taylor points out, the style should vary depending on the type of decor you're going for.
A tripod floor lamp lends a mid-century modern feel, whereas a zigzag or colorful floor lamp is more playful. A sculptural or column floor lamp exudes elegance, while a rattan or beaded lamp shade can span from boho to retro.
Marina Bourderonnet, Founding Partner at Fame Architecture and Design
Jessica Nicastro, Principal Designer at Jessica Nicastro Design
Larisa Barton, Founder of Soeur Interiors
Taylor Taylor, an interior designer based in Long Beach, Calif.
Chandler Hudson Kenny, an interior designer based in New Canaan, Conn.,
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