Floor lamp or table lamp: how to choose the right one

A floor lamp and a table lamp do not replace one another: the floor lamp is for the corner next to the sofa or armchair, the table lamp for the bedside table, desk or console table. The choice depends on where you sit, what you do there (read, watch a film, or just want atmosphere) and how much space you have. Below you will find the guidelines, with data from the product specifications. All the models are in the Floor lamps and Table lamps collections.

What is the difference between a floor lamp and a table lamp?

A floor lamp stands on the floor and lights a large area from head height, while a table lamp sits on a piece of furniture and lights a small surface from close by.

Looking for small garden post lights rather than an indoor floor lamp? Those are outdoor fittings, and you will find them in outdoor lighting.

When should you choose a floor lamp?

Choose a floor lamp when you want light next to the sofa or armchair without taking up space on furniture, or when the chandelier alone leaves the corners of the room dark.

For ambience, a large fabric shade gives soft light: London PT1 has a Ø 50 × 32 cm shade, and Firenze PT1 a Ø 42 × 28 cm one. For reading, an adjustable diffuser is more practical: Newton PT1 has an adjustable arm and a diffuser that tilts vertically from 0° to 140°, while Polly PT2 has two adjustable diffusers. Daddy PT1 has a Ø 40 × 25 cm shade. All these models have an integrated switch, according to the specification.

−25% Ideal LuxLondon PT1 Floor LampBlack €134,95€179,95 −25% Ideal LuxNewton PT1 Floor LampBlack €89,95€119,95 −25% Ideal LuxDaddy PT1 Floor LampBlack €254,95€339,95 −24% Ideal LuxModular floor lamp Set Up MPT1Brass €124,95€165,95 −25% MaytoniMaytoni Ring Floor Lamp Black ring, 1 bulb, black €187,95€250,95 −24% Ideal LuxFirenze PT1 Floor LampGold €277,95€369,95 −25% Ideal LuxPolly PT2 Floor LampBlack €98,95€131,95

What height and shade should a floor lamp have?

For reading, the light should fall from the side and from above the book, and the shade should not leave the bulb visible when you are sitting down.

The Maytoni floor lamps in the collection are between 139 and 165 cm tall (MOD177FL 139 cm, MOD013FL 155 cm, RC247 165 cm). For Ideal Lux models, the full dimensions are in the technical drawing in the image gallery. As for materials, a fabric shade diffuses light, a metal one directs it in a single direction, and white glass spreads it in all directions. If you want a different shade for an existing lamp, see the decorative lampshades.

How do you choose a bedside lamp for the bedroom?

For the bedroom, choose a lamp in proportion to the bedside table, with warm light and a switch that is easy to reach from the bed.

Compact models suit a small bedside table: Kali'-1 has an 18.5 cm body with a fabric shade, the small Pegaso TL1 has a Ø 18 cm organza shade, and Mapa TL1 D20 has a Ø 20 cm white glass globe. For a wider bedside table or a console table, Maytoni MOD177TL is 42.5 cm tall and H001TL 60 cm. All the Ideal Lux models below have an integrated switch, according to the specification. A lamp on each side of the bed is more practical for reading than the chandelier. For the bedroom chandelier, see bedroom chandeliers.

−25% Ideal LuxKali'-1 TL1 Table Lamp €20,95€27,95 −26% Ideal LuxLondon TL1 Table LampBlack €44,95€60,95 −24% Ideal LuxSmall Pegaso TL1 table lampBrass €82,95€109,95 −24% Ideal LuxMapa TL1 D20 Table LampWhite €37,95€49,95 −24% Ideal LuxCarta TL1 D20 Table Lamp €60,95€80,95 −25% MaytoniMaytoni Memory Table Lamp Black memory, 1 bulb, black €185,95€247,95 −24% MaytoniMaytoni Zaragoza Table LampBrass zaragoza, 1 bulb, brass €84,95€112,95

Which bulb goes in a floor lamp or table lamp?

Use a bulb with the lamp holder stated in the specification (E27 or E14), with a wattage below the stated maximum and the colour temperature you want, usually 2700–3000 K.

For most of the Ideal Lux models above, the specification says "Bulb (not included)", so the bulb is bought separately. The maximum wattage varies: 60 W for London and Daddy, 42 W for Newton and Mapa, 25 W for Carta, 28 W for Pegaso. An LED bulb stays well below these values: the 8 W E27 LED pear-shaped bulb gives 820 lm at 3000 K, and the 8 W clear version 1,060 lm at 2700 K. For a dimmer, you need a bulb marked "Dimmable: Yes" in the specification, for example the dimmable 4 W E14 candle bulb.

Bulbs (light sources) carry an energy label with classes from A to G, under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2015, which has applied since 1 September 2021. All the bulbs are in the Light bulbs collection.

−20% Ideal LuxE27 LED teardrop bulb 8W 3000K CRI80White €3,95€4,95 −20% Ideal LuxE27 LED teardrop bulb 8W 2700K CRI80Transparent €3,95€4,95 Ideal LuxE14 candle LED bulb 4W 3000K CRI80 dimmableClear €2,95 Ideal LuxE14 spherical LED bulb 4W 3000K CRI80 dimmableWhite €2,95 −30% Ideal LuxE27 spherical LED bulb D95 8W 3000K CRI80 dimmableFully frosted €6,95€9,95 Ideal LuxE27 LED teardrop filament bulb 4W 3000K CRI80Transparent €2,95

Where should you put the floor lamp and table lamp at home?

A floor lamp goes next to the sofa, an armchair or in an empty corner, and a table lamp on the bedside table, desk, console table or hallway chest of drawers.

• Living room: a floor lamp next to the sofa and, possibly, a table lamp on the console table; in the evening they can replace the chandelier.
• Bedroom: a table lamp on each bedside table; if there is no room on the bedside table, a floor lamp with an arm next to the bed.
• Study: a lamp with an adjustable diffuser, on the desk or beside it.
• Hallway: a table lamp on the chest of drawers or console table, for evening light.

Which mistakes should you avoid when choosing a floor lamp or table lamp?

The most common mistakes are a bulb too powerful for the shade, a table lamp out of proportion with the bedside table and a floor lamp placed far from where you read.

• A bulb above the maximum wattage: the specification gives a limit (for example 25 W for Carta); an LED bulb easily stays below it.
• The wrong lamp holder: E14 and E27 are not interchangeable; check the lamp holder before ordering the bulb.
• Proportions: a large lamp on a narrow bedside table tips over easily and crowds the space; compare the base diameter in the specification with the bedside table.
• Cool light in the bedroom: for the evening, choose 2700–3000 K.
• Visible cables: plan the floor lamp near a socket, so you do not run extension leads across the room.

Would you like to see the lamps switched on before choosing? Visit us at our showroom in Satu Mare.