8 best floor lamps, recommended by an interiors editor

BHS’s Saskia floor lamp has real presence – it feels both considered and decorative, similar to a stately Victorian streetlamp. Its black metal frame curves in a graceful arc, holding a large bubble-glass shade that softens the light beautifully, while its brass fittings add industrial charm. In testing, I chose a warm LED bulb and found the glow was gentle, flattering everything around it, while its overhead design was perfect for creating a cosy reading spot.

The glass feels substantial, although it has a slight reinforced plastic feel to it. But that means it’s less likely to shatter or tip over with its own weight. The bright brass base is reliably heavy, allowing the slimline frame to stay firm and steady – moving the lamp across hard flooring takes two hands. This one works as both ambient light and a styling piece with its sculptural glass shade and elegant silhouette.

Dunelm’s Beatrice striped floor lamp (in natural) brings a soft hit of pattern that instantly lifts a space, with its wide stripe all-over fabric giving off a gentle, diffused glow. It also comes in black and olive colourways, which both bring a bit more contrast if you want something bolder. Putting it together couldn’t be easier – the base and shade slot neatly into place – and once assembled, it feels solid and well-balanced.

The stripes take on a subtle, textured quality when lit, which worked beautifully in both the living room and bedroom during testing. Its footprint is compact enough for tighter corners, but the generous shade gives it a pleasing presence. Its long cable (just shy of 2m) makes positioning simple too, and the foot switch sits flat and discreetly where you need it. Unfussy, practical and effortlessly stylish.

Cult Furniture’s Sherbourne lamp boasts a contemporary form that’s both sculptural and unapologetically imposing. Its waved stem and domed shade celebrate curves, giving it a bold silhouette. The olive green high-gloss finish has a nature-inspired richness that sits beautifully amongst houseplants and wood tones, bringing homely warmth despite its contemporary sass.

I loved its all-over monochrome look – this is a floor lamp that demands attention and is not to be hidden away behind a settee; its stem is just as decorative as its shade. It’s also dimmable when paired with a suitable bulb, which helps dial in mood for evenings. My only gripe? Excessive packaging. We’ll be finding polystyrene beads for months. But the lamp itself is stunning.

B&Q’s stacked LED floor lamp is striking in its simple elegance – a tall matte-black form crowned by a dome shade that gives dark drama. But it does more than just look good. Halfway down, there’s a circular shelf that turns this floor lamp into a nifty nightstand: perfect for a book, a phone or your morning cuppa.

When tested with a warm LED bulb, the downlight was evenly diffused, giving a relaxed glow rather than a harsh glare. The base is seriously heavy, which is handy, given the lamp’s otherwise slimline frame; it sat firmly on both hard flooring and carpet and didn’t wobble. The on/off foot switch is easy to reach, though you’ll want to plan the cable route. The bulb’s not included, so you’ll need to pick one to match the mood you want.

A slim metal frame and angled dome shade give Wayfair’s industrial-style reading lamp a purposeful, studio-like feel, and we are here for it. The head pivots smoothly, so it’s easy to direct the beam exactly where it’s needed – ideal next to a reading chair or over the arm of a sofa.

In testing, I used a warm LED that softened the light, keeping it focused but not glaring. The compact base tucks neatly into corners and feels reassuringly weighty, which helps balance the tall, narrow stem. In copper, the metallic sheen brings a subtle brightness to darker wall colours. Assembly is simple, with all parts screwing together cleanly, and the foot switch sits flat along the cable. This one’s industrial in design but refreshingly lightweight – and impressively functional.

There’s a romantic, old-world charm to Laura Ashley’s dearham floor lamp. The iron frame is finished in antique brass, giving it that softly timeworn look you might expect from a Parisian flea market find, while the tiered base adds a decorative flourish. What really sets it apart, though, is the shade – its cinched-in design is like a bonnet straight out of a Jane Austen drama, finished in a gentle duck egg blue with contrasting trim.

The directional downlight creates a warm, focused glow that works perfectly beside an armchair for reading. Despite its traditional styling, the upright frame keeps its footprint modest, so it slots easily into smaller spaces. This is a timeless piece that blends function and decorative appeal, bringing a touch of literary romance to a corner. It’s currently out of stock online, but you can sign up to email alerts for when it’s back in stock.

This on-trend bobbin-style lamp brings a subtle hit of colour with its chalky pink base and scallop-edged linen shade trimmed in soft green. The painted wood has a smooth, matte finish that keeps the tone muted, while the fabric shade casts a mellow, diffused light. A warm LED bulb gave it a soft glow that worked well in a living room corner.

The foot switch is neatly placed on the generously long cable, and the lamp is light enough to move around easily when you’re restyling. Of course, this one’s more about atmosphere than task lighting, but it does that well, especially alongside warm neutrals or complementary soft pastels.

As the brand name suggests, it’s also relatively purse-friendly, which is reflected in the less-than-perfect finish – I spotted a minor crack in the paint. But still, a pretty piece that earns its place.