Floor lamps are one of the easiest ways to shift the atmosphere of a room, and they do more than just brighten dark corners. A good one creates mood, anchors furniture, and quietly lifts a scheme without demanding centre stage. Over the years, I’ve tested everything from sculptural statement pieces to simple task lights, and what I’ve learned is that balance matters – design has to work as hard as function.
To find the best floor lamps, I tested playful bobbin shapes, modern brass frames and fabric-shaded classics, testing them at home over several weeks. I considered how they cast light, how easy they were to move, and how they held their own as decorative pieces.
Whether you want something sculptural and contemporary or classic and refined, these are the floor lamps that stood out.
How I tested
I put these floor lamps to the test in a variety of rooms and settings, experimenting with different bulbs to see how they could transform each space. I aimed to find the perfect balance of illumination and that all-important cosy glow. In the testing process, I considered design, lighting effect, style versatility and value for money. I’ve detailed my full testing criteria at the end of the guide.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Ali Howard is an interiors editor and writer who has been reviewing all things homeware and furniture for IndyBest since 2019 from the best sofa beds to reading lights. Factoring in style, design and functionality, she only highlights pieces that she believes are worth buying, meaning these lamps have made the cut.
The best floor lamps for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Saskia bubble glass arc floor lamp: £120, Debenhams.com
- Best budget buy – Endon Amalfi antique brass task floor lamp: £39.51, Amazon.co.uk
- Best Instagram-worthy lamp – Novogratz Arnold floor lamp: £145, Next.co.uk
- Best for sustainability – BHS jute string floor lamp, natural: £150, Bhs.com
BHS Lighting Saskia bubble glass arc floor lamp
Best: Floor lamp overall
Dimensions: 154cm x 25cm x 55cm
Why we love it
- Classic design
- Shade can be angled for directional light
- Sturdy build
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.
Buy now £120.00, Debenhams.com
Cult Furniture Sherbourne floor lamp
Best: Contemporary floor lamp
Dimensions: 145cm x 40cm x 40cm
Why we love it
- Sculptural form
- Domed shade pools the light
- Top quality build
- High-gloss finish
Take note
- Excessive packaging
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.
Buy now £249.00, Cultfurniture.com
La Redoute Polaro floor lamp
Best: Column floor lamp
Dimensions: 121.6cm x 28cm x 28cm
Why we love it
- Beautifully made
- Unique stone base
- Looks as good off as on
Take note
- Comes with a European plug as standard but a Type G is also supplied
There’s a gentle grandeur to La Redoute Polaro’s floor lamp, with its chunky, round travertine base topped by a wide pleated linen shade. The natural stone brings subtle variation in tone and pattern, so each piece is unique, while its hefty weight keeps the lamp reliably steady on hard floors. In testing, warm LED bulbs provided a soft, diffused glow that filled the room evenly – bright enough to illuminate a corner but never harsh.
Inside, the iron, brass-coloured stem hosts two evenly spaced bulbs, though the pleated shade keeps the overall effect consistently mellow. The pale stone and natural linen make it easy to pair with other textures, and importantly, it’s as attractive unlit as it is when casting light. This one’s substantial, but it has a calm, understated presence.
Buy now £209.99, Laredoute.co.uk
B&Q stacked matt LED floor lamp
Best: Floor lamp with shelf
Dimensions: 153cm x 32cm x 32cm
Why we love it
- Integrated shelf doubles as nightstand
- Weighted base
- Contemporary design
Take note
- Shelf height is not adjustable so measure up if you’re using it as a nightstand
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.
Buy now £89.00, Diy.com
Dunelm Beatrice striped floor lamp
Best: Textured floor lamp
Dimensions: 120cm x 33cm x 33cm
Why we love it
- Striking design
- Textured fabric
- Easy assembly
- Coordinating coloured flex
Take note
- Head-to-toe fabric covering can get grubby – not ideal for homes with kids or pets
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.
Buy now £65.00, Dunelm.com
Wayfair three Posts Ashtown reading floor lamp
Best: Industrial style floor lamp
Dimensions: 150cm x 60cm x 60cm
Why we love it
- Industrial but slimline
- Adjustable joints
- Heavy base
Take note
- Choose an industrial style LED bulb to match the aesthetic
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.
Buy now £79.99, Wayfair.co.uk
Laura Ashley dearham floor lamp
Best: Vintage-inspired floor lamp
Dimensions: 152cm x 59cm x 25cm
Why we love it
- Classic design
- Shade allows for both up and downlighting
- Quality craftsmanship
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.
Buy now £130.00, Johnlewis.com
Value Lights birdie bobbin rose pink floor lamp
Best: Bobbin-style floor lamp
Dimensions: 144cm x 40cm x 40cm
Why we love it
- Pastel colourway
- Decorative bobble stem
Take note
- Overall finish not as high quality as others
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.
Buy now £96.99, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions on floor lamps answered
What are the best floor lamps?
After testing countless options over the years, the best floor lamp is BHS’s Saskia floor lamp, which strikes the strongest balance of style and function. It brings sculptural presence and warm, diffused light in equal measure, with a weighted base that keeps it steady and a shade that can be angled for reading. It felt the most versatile of all the lamps I tested, working as both ambient lighting and a focal design piece. If you prefer something more statement-making, Cult Furniture’s Sherbourne offers bold curves, a glossy olive finish and a dimmable design that’s ideal for creating atmosphere in the evenings. And for a clever multitasker, the Stacked floor lamp from B&Q impressed me with its contemporary design, integrated shelf, and heavy, stable base – a practical choice for smaller rooms where floor space is at a premium.
How I selected the best floor lamps
As an interior design expert, I’ve been putting this guide together on the best floor lamps for years. When researching and testing, I considered the following:
For more interiors inspo, read our round-up of the best sofa beds
