Question 1

What are floor lamps?

Accepted Answer

A floor lamp is a tall standing lamp used to illuminate a space. A floor lamp should typically be between 58 and 64 inches tall. The bottom of the fixture's shade should be slightly below or approximately at the eye level of a person sitting nearby. This will help your guests avoid the lamp's glare.

In addition to illuminating large spaces, floor lamps can light specific seating areas and serve as task lighting (use a taller floor lamp if you wish to keep a fair amount of distance between the fixture and your seating). Visual artists and industrial designers have a penchant for floor lamps, possibly because they’re so often a clever marriage of design and the functions of lighting. A good floor lamp can change the mood of any room while adding a touch of elegance to your entire space.

Find antique and vintage floor lamps, table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is a torchiere floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

A torchiere floor lamp is a lamp known for its upright, torch-like frame. The name is derived from the French word for “torch.” The light of this fixture points upward, providing indirect light.

Question 3

How tall should floor lamps be?

Accepted Answer

A floor lamp should typically be between 58 and 64 inches tall. The bottom of the fixture's shade should be slightly below or approximately at the eye level of a person sitting nearby. This will help your guests avoid the lamp's glare.

In addition to illuminating large spaces, floor lamps can light specific seating areas and serve as task lighting (use a taller floor lamp if you wish to keep a fair amount of distance between the fixture and your seating). Integrated into a room's overall design, a floor lamp can create an intimate atmosphere and introduce a stylish, sculptural element.

Find antique and vintage floor lamps, table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is the best floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

Floor lamps have evolved since their inception as torchères in France. Depending on the space in your home, there are great options for floor lamps for reading that range from mid-century versions to distinctly functional Grasshopper floor lamps and multiple other versions created by well-known designers from around the world.

Question 5

How do you identify an old floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

To identify an old floor lamp, first try to locate a maker's marking. Manufacturers typically mark floor lamps on the base, neck or socket. Once you've found a marking, you can use trusted online resources to learn more about the maker and your specific piece. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer examine your lamp. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of antique and vintage floor lamps.

Question 6

How do I choose an arc floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

To choose an arc floor lamp, consider the layout of the room and the space available to ensure that the fixture you select can reach over your furniture and fit in the area. Also, think about the quality of light that you prefer. Lamps with fabric and frosted glass shades will usually provide softer illumination than ones with exposed bulbs. Find a selection of arc floor lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is a rotary switch on a floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

On a floor lamp, a rotary switch is a part used to turn the light on and off. Specifically, it has a threaded stem with a knob at the end. To use it, you twist the knob. Find a collection of antique and vintage floor lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a good bright floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

A good bright floor lamp depends on various factors such as other light sources in the room, the number of lumens required, and so on. When it comes to floor lamps, a good rule of thumb is that a sitting room or bedroom needs 10 to 20 lumens per square foot, while a bathroom or kitchen requires 70 to 80 lumens per square foot. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage floor lamps.

Question 9

Are LED floor lamps worth it?

Accepted Answer

Many people believe that LED floor lamps are worth it. Light-emitting diode, or LED, lamps consume less energy than lamps equipped with halogen or incandescent bulbs, so they may be more environmentally and budget-friendly over time. Plus, LED lamps outlast other types of bulbs, cutting down on the need for frequent replacements. You can also choose from lamps of varying brightness and light color temperatures. However, LED lamps may be more costly and produce less light than some alternatives, making them less ideal for certain tasks, such as reading. Consider where and how you'll use your lamp, your budget and your preferences when selecting a floor lamp to choose the best option for your space. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of LED floor lamps.

Question 10

What are the parts of a floor lamp called?

Accepted Answer

The main parts of a floor lamp are called the body, neck, socket harp and shade. A lamp body is the decorative portion of the lamp made from wood, metal, porcelain or another material, and the neck travels from the body to the socket where you install a bulb. On floor lamps with shades, the shade is the covering over the bulb, while the harp is the frame that holds the shade in place. Shop a collection of floor lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can I tell if a floor lamp is vintage?

Accepted Answer

There are many different ways to tell if a table lamp is vintage. Your best option is to look for a manufacturer label that will give you information on the designer, the date, serial number and other information that you can then Google. It’s also a good idea to look at the condition of the lamp to see what shape it’s in and if it has all of its original pieces. Shop a large collection of vintage table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How tall should an arc floor lamp be?

Accepted Answer

How tall an arc lamp should be depends on the height of your furniture. The lamp needs to be able to reach over the piece and allow enough clearance for you to sit comfortably. Generally, arc lamps are 60 to 82 inches tall. Find a range of arc lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is the best reading floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

The best reading floor lamp is a matter of preference. Your lamp should be at eye level with an adjustable head and neck. It should also be a good fit with respect to the shape of the living room, the décor and furniture style. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage floor lamps.

Question 14

What is the best floor lamp for reading?

Accepted Answer

Floor lamps have seen an evolution from the time they were invented, as torches that originated in France. Depending on the space in your home, there are great options for floor lamps for reading that range from mid-century versions to distinctly functional Grasshopper floor lamps and multiple other versions created by well-known designers from around the world.

Question 15

How do you identify an antique floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

To identify an antique floor lamp, first see if you can locate a marking on the shade, base, switch, socket or another area. Using trusted online resources, you can often identify a maker based on these markings. With an unmarked lamp, check the cord. Antique lighting fixtures will usually have a cotton-wrapped cord or exposed wires rather than a polymer-coated cord. The plug is also likely to have prongs the same size if the lamp is antique. Generally, a floor lamp must be at least 100 years old to be considered an antique. For further assistance with the identification process, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique floor lamps.

Question 16

What type of floor lamp gives the most light?

Accepted Answer

The type of floor lamp that gives off the most light is those lamps with white bell shades and LED light bulbs. Bell shades shed light between the top and bottom of the shade and tend to illuminate an entire room.

Question 17

Is the Flos Arco floor lamp adjustable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the arc of the Flos Arco floor lamp is designed to allow you to adjust it with ease. Designed in 1962, this iconic style features telescoping detail built into the gracefully arched arm, making it simple to increase or decrease the height. Browse a collection of Flos Arco floor lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I assemble a Noguchi paper lantern floor lamp?

Accepted Answer

The assembly of Noguchi Akari light sculptures depends on the model, as there are several models available. Take note of your exact model number and then consult the brand’s website for the multi-stepped process of assembly. Shop a range of vintage and modern Isamu Noguchi light sculptures on 1stDibs.

Floor Lamp Iridescent

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Brass Tall Torchere Floor Lamp Iridescent Shade

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Tall Vintage Murano Iridescent Floor Lamps

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Stati X Amber Iridescent Floor Lamp by ELOA

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Pair of Murano Iridescent Glass torchère 'Floor Lamps'

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20th Century Italian Floor Lamps

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Pair of Blown Glass Floor Lamps

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Tiffany Studios "Counter Balance" Floor Lamp

Mid-20th Century Italian Other Floor Lamps

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Tiffany Studios Glass and Bronze “12-Light Lily” Floor Lamp

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Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Floor Lamps

Italian Floor Lamp in the Shape of a Palm Tree, circa 1966

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Rose Iridescent Murano Floor Lamp

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Venetian Floor Lamp in Blown Murano Glass, Iridescent and "Pagliesco", 1970s

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Art Nouveau Jadeite Glass and Iridescent Pulled Feather Shade Bridge Floor Lamp

Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Floor Lamps

Art Nouveau Jadeite Glass and Iridescent Pulled Feather Shade Bridge Floor Lamp

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Bronze and Glass Tiffany Harp Floor Lamp, Early 20th C

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