Table Lamps vs Floor Lamps: Which Are Best for Lighting?

The Disadvantages of Overhead Lights

Turning on the lights may be as simple as flicking a switch on the wall, but achieving atmosphere isn’t. When the glare of the overhead lights flashes on it is often incredibly bright, too bright, in fact, and that makes everyday tasks – or evening tasks, for that matter – difficult. If you are trying to read and write, an overhead light may not be directional enough to stop you squinting at the page. If you’re trying to watch the television, the ceiling light may cause glare that makes it hard to see. Table lamps and floor lamps will enable you to choose the glow you cast and where you cast it, giving you more ambient lighting solutions. Your ceiling lights – unless you are adept at experimenting with the electrics – are in a fixed location and can’t be moved easily. Whereas table and floor lamps are easily portable and much better for making into design features, allowing you to go big and bold, if you so choose. But the question is, what kind of lights give the best lighting? And that depends on several factors.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Lighting

Start by taking into consideration the size and space of the room in question. Is it a big room with lots of space available? Or is it a small room with limited free space? Then think about whether it’s floor space you have to play with, or surface space. How many sockets do you have and are they placed in areas of easy access? And last but not at all least, what do you want to do in this room? Is it a space for reading and writing, watching TV, chatting with friends in the evening, or relaxing just before you close your eyes for a full night’s sleep? Those will all play a part in whether you choose a table lamp or a floor lamp, or both. Read on to find out the benefits of both.

Advantages of Table Lamps

Opting for a table lamp will help to create a soft, low light that adds to your ambience. Table lamps make for a great reading lamps and are also perfect for writing and curating intimate settings. Their lower, directional light will reduce eye strain and may even increase your productivity. Their smaller size means that they are much more flexible options than floor lamps as they are easy to reposition as long as you have the surface space. As they have to be placed atop a table, this will save floor space and is perhaps the safer and more aesthetic option as you can tuck away any trailing cables behind countertops to avoid trip hazards. There are even wireless options such as our Mini Grisewood Table Lamps that mean you can pick them up and move them around, no matter if there is a socket available or not. Some table lamps also have brightness settings so that you can adapt the glow emanating from the bulb. Functionality aside, table lamps are brilliant for making a statement and adding to your home decor. Placing two either side of a sofa or bed brings symmetry – and being easy to reach means that you can switch the light on and off without getting up – while one on a console table is especially striking. There are so many table lamp styles to choose from that there is one to suit every taste.

Table Lamp Styles

Retro

Many of our table lamp designs are inspired by antiques or classics and these will bring a traditional vintage style to your home.

Modern

Going for metal or glass designs can bring a more contemporary feel to your interiors.

Striking

Explore sculptural designs to create impact with your table lamp, one of these often looks better than a pair.

Simple

Sometimes simple is best, choosing pieces that let the lampshade do the talking allows you to play with pretty patterns and bold colours.

Advantages of Floor Lamps

Floor lamps are entirely independent, so don’t require surfaces and can be placed anywhere so long as a socket is nearby. This may be the best option for you if you are lacking in surface space or prefer not to clutter your shelves and tables. One big advantage on that front is that it makes dusting a whole lot easier… The coverage you get from your floor lighting is also much greater, floor lamps give the most light as they illuminate a broader space than a table lamp, and as they generally stand higher, their light will be cast further. Floor lamps can be used for uplighting and downlighting so that you can draw attention to different features of your home. The floor lamp itself can also add a feature to a room depending on the design you choose and where you place it, as you could choose to hide it behind an armchair for a subtle glow, or place it in an open area next to a statement piece of furniture in a style striking enough to catch equal attention.

Floor Lamp Styles

Sculptural 

Just as with table lamps, there are many striking sculptural floor lamp styles you can choose from that will make for a talking point.

Minimal

If your light is more of a functional option, or serving as a stage for a beautiful lampshade, opt for a simple, thin design.

Wood

Material also plays a role, with wood offering a more traditional look that can also be carved into interesting shapes and patterns.

Metal

Metal floor lamps provide a more contemporary style that sits well in a variety of interior schemes.

Now you have a good basis for choosing what kind of lighting will fit your needs best, and if you have the room and inclination, perhaps you will opt for both. But do your floor lamp and table lamp need to match? Choosing matching lamps will create a cohesive scheme, but it is not mandatory, as different lamps add interest and can be collected along the way. Decorating is a journey, after all.