Good lighting is important for reading. Research shows reading needs at least 500 lux of light to avoid eye strain and help focus. For longer reading, 750 lux with a colour temperature of 6,500 K works better. The right floor lamp can improve your reading by giving focused light and copying natural daylight. New lamps, like adjustable LED ones, give bright and clear light. In 2025, there are many stylish and useful floor lamps for every room and need.
Key Takeaways
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Good lighting is important for reading. Use at least 500 lux to avoid eye strain and stay focused.
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Pick adjustable floor lamps for more flexibility. You can change the brightness and direction to make reading easier.
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Choose lamps that match your space. Thin designs are great for small rooms, while stylish ones can make your room look better.
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Go for energy-saving LED lamps. They cost less to run and last longer than regular bulbs.
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Cheaper options can still work well. Affordable lamps like the IKEA Not Floor Lamp are good quality and worth the price.
Best Floor Lamps for Reading in 2025
Best for Adjustability: Brightech Sparq Arc Floor Lamp
If you need a flexible reading lamp, try the Brightech Sparq Arc Floor Lamp. Its curved design looks modern and stylish, while letting you adjust the light to your liking. The lamp has a dimmable LED light, so you can change the brightness to suit your mood or time of day.
This smart lamp works with voice assistants and smartphone apps, making it easy to control. It is made of strong metal and is water-resistant, which makes it long-lasting. People like how simple it is to set up and use, especially the touch controls. One user said, “This lamp is high quality. It makes my office look elegant, and the arc design is a great talking point.”
Best for Small Spaces: Nelson Cigar Lotus Floor Lamp
For small areas, the Nelson Cigar Lotus Floor Lamp is a great pick. Its slim design and small size make it perfect for tight spaces or cosy corners. It stands 52½ inches tall and is 10½ inches wide, fitting neatly into smaller rooms without losing style or usefulness.
The lamp gives off soft, warm light, creating a cosy and welcoming feel. It’s one of the best choices for reading in small spaces. Customers love its practical design and good looks, giving it an average rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Best for Style: CB2 Pavo Double Floor Lamp
If you want a lamp that stands out, the CB2 Pavo Double Floor Lamp is a great option. Its simple and sleek design fits well with Scandinavian-style decor. The lamp has two light sources, making it both useful and eye-catching. It’s sure to grab attention in any room.
This lamp has won awards for its design, including "Best in Lighting" for floor lamps. Its elegant look and sturdy build make it a favourite for design lovers.
The CB2 Pavo Double Floor Lamp is more than just a lamp. It’s a stylish piece of art that lights up your space and makes reading more enjoyable.
Best for Brightness Control: Lutris Monte Carlo Cordless Lamp
The Lutris Monte Carlo Cordless Lamp is great for controlling light. You can adjust the brightness to match your needs. Use a soft light for relaxing or a bright one for tasks. Its cordless design means you can place it anywhere, no need for plugs.
This lamp has a modern look that suits any room. It uses advanced LED technology for steady and energy-saving light. A smart touch panel lets you change settings with a tap. You can also pick warm or cool light tones to fit your mood or time of day.
People love how easy and flexible this lamp is. One person said, “The brightness control is amazing. I can set it just right for reading or resting.” Its rechargeable battery lasts long, making it stylish and practical.
Best Budget Option: IKEA Not Floor Uplight/Reading Lamp
For a cheap but good lamp, try the IKEA Not Floor Uplight/Reading Lamp. At only ￡13.99, it’s very affordable. Even though it’s cheap, it still works well and is useful. It’s both an uplighter and a reading lamp, giving great value.
The simple design fits in any room. The reading light focuses on your book, while the uplighter gives a cosy glow. This two-in-one design makes it worth the price.
Other lamps can cost $44.99 to over ￡300, but this one is much cheaper. It’s perfect for students, renters, or anyone saving money. People like how easy it is to set up and how strong it is for the price.
Tip: Put the IKEA Not Floor Lamp near your chair or sofa for the best light. Its small size fits well in tight spaces.
Detailed Reviews of Recommended Floor Lamps
Brightech Sparq Arc Floor Lamp – Best for Adjustability
The Brightech Sparq Arc Floor Lamp is great for its flexible design. Its curved shape fits well behind sofas or desks, giving focused light for reading or work. You can change the brightness with its dimmer switch, which has three levels: low, medium, and high. This helps you get the perfect light for any activity.
This lamp gives off 2000 lumens of warm white light at 3000K. It creates a cosy and relaxing feel. The built-in LED bulb lasts up to 20 years, making it energy-saving and long-lasting. Available in black and silver, it matches many room styles.
People like how easy it is to set up and how steady it stands. Its simple design adds style without taking up much space. One user said, “The adjustable light and modern look are perfect for my reading spot.”
Key Features:
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Curved design for better placement.
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Brightness control with three settings.
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Long-lasting LED bulb with a 20-year life.
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Modern style in two colours.
Nelson Cigar Lotus Floor Lamp – Best for Small Spaces
The Nelson Cigar Lotus Floor Lamp is small but stylish, ideal for tight spaces. Its slim design fits perfectly into corners, making it great for cosy reading areas. Even though it’s compact, it gives soft light that feels warm and welcoming.
This lamp is simple to put together and move around. Its sturdy base keeps it steady, and the long cord lets you place it where needed. You can easily adjust it to shine light exactly where you want.
Customers love its mix of style and usefulness. One person said, “This lamp is perfect for my small flat. It’s both pretty and practical.”
Key Features:
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Slim shape for tight spaces.
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Soft light for a warm atmosphere.
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Sturdy base and easy to assemble.
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Great for creating a cosy reading spot.
CB2 Pavo Double Floor Lamp – Best for Style
The CB2 Pavo Double Floor Lamp is both useful and artistic. Its sleek, Scandinavian-inspired design makes it stand out in any room. With two light sources, it gives plenty of light for reading while adding elegance to your space.
This lamp is made from strong materials, so it lasts long. Its soft light creates a calm setting, perfect for relaxing with a book. The simple on-and-off switch makes it easy to use.
People often praise its unique look and usefulness. One review said, “This lamp isn’t just for light; it’s a piece of art that changes my living room.”
Key Features:
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Two light sources for better lighting.
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Scandinavian design for a modern touch.
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Strong build with soft light.
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Award-winning style that improves any room.
Lutris Monte Carlo Cordless Lamp – Best for Brightness Control
The Lutris Monte Carlo Cordless Lamp lets you control brightness easily. You can adjust the light to be soft for relaxing or bright for tasks. This makes it perfect for any activity or mood.
Its cordless design means you can put it anywhere, no plug needed. The rechargeable battery lasts a long time, so you can read without interruptions. It also has a smart touch panel to change brightness or switch between warm and cool light tones quickly.
This lamp looks modern and fits well in any room. Its LED technology saves energy and gives steady, flicker-free light. Many people love how useful and stylish it is. One person said, "I love the brightness control. It’s perfect for reading or resting."
Key Features:
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No cords, so it’s easy to move.
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Change brightness and light tones as needed.
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Energy-saving LED technology.
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Modern design that suits any space.
IKEA Not Floor Uplight/Reading Lamp – Best Budget Option
The IKEA Not Floor Uplight/Reading Lamp is a great choice if you want a cheap but useful lamp. At just $13.99, it’s affordable and works well. It has two lights: one for general lighting and one for reading.
Its simple design fits in any room. The small size is great for tight spaces, and the heavy base keeps it steady. It’s easy to put together, and you can move it around without trouble. One person said, "It’s simple to assemble. The base is heavy, so it stays stable."
Even though it’s cheap, this lamp gets good reviews for being practical. People like how useful and affordable it is. One customer said, "For $13.99, it’s a great deal!" Another added, "It’s functional and looks nice too."
Key Features:
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Costs only $13.99.
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Two lights: one for reading, one for general use.
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Small and light, perfect for small rooms.
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Easy to set up with a stable base.
Tip: Put this lamp next to your reading chair or sofa for the best light while reading.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Floor Lamp
Things to Think About: Brightness and Colour Temperature
When picking a floor lamp, brightness and colour temperature matter a lot. Brightness helps you see clearly, while colour temperature changes how you feel and focus. Studies show higher colour temperatures, over 4000° Kelvin, make you more alert and focused. Lower temperatures, under 3000° Kelvin, feel cosy and relaxing.
Kruithof's research shows balancing brightness and colour temperature is key. A well-lit space with the right mix of these makes you comfortable and helps your mind work better. For reading or tasks, choose a lamp with adjustable brightness and a colour temperature that fits your needs. Warm-white light is calming, while cooler tones keep you focused for detailed work.
Adjustability and Flexibility
A good floor lamp should meet your needs easily. Look for lamps with movable arms or heads to aim light where you want it. This is great for tasks, as it gives focused light without hurting your eyes.
Lamps with dimmers are even better. You can change the brightness to match your activity or the time of day. Bright light is great for reading, while soft light is nice for relaxing. Some smart lamps let you adjust settings using apps or voice commands, making them very handy.
Style and Fit for Your Room
The style of a floor lamp should match your room’s look and still be useful. A modern lamp works well in simple spaces, while a classic one fits traditional rooms. Think about the lamp’s size too. Small lamps are good for tight spaces, while big ones stand out in larger rooms.
Also, think about how the lamp works with your furniture and other lights. A lamp that gives both task and ambient light can improve your room’s feel. Pick a design that mixes looks and usefulness to make your space welcoming and balanced.
Durability and Build Quality
Picking a floor lamp that lasts is very important. A strong lamp stays safe and works well for a long time. Look at the materials used to make the lamp, as each type has its own pros and cons.
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Metal Lamps: These are tough and last a long time. They can be heavy, so place them carefully.
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Glass Lamps: These look beautiful but can break easily if dropped.
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Plastic Lamps: Light and easy to move, but not as strong as metal ones.
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Wooden Lamps: Eco-friendly and stylish, but need care to avoid damage.
Manufacturers test lamps to check their quality. Below is a table showing common tests for durability:
Knowing these details helps you pick a lamp that is both sturdy and useful for daily use.
Value for Money
A good lamp should be worth the money you spend. Tools like the Van Westendorp Price Sensitivity Meter help find fair price ranges by asking people what feels too cheap or expensive. The Gabor-Granger method shows the highest price you might pay, helping you decide if the lamp is worth it.
Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is another way to check value. It compares costs and benefits to see if a product is a smart buy. For example, lamps with energy-saving LED technology may cost more at first but save money later on electricity bills.
When thinking about value, look at features, durability, and energy savings. Spending a bit more upfront can mean better quality and savings over time. By considering these points, you can choose a lamp that fits your needs and budget.
Practical Tips for Placement and Usage
Best Placement for Reading Comfort
Where you put your floor lamp matters for better reading. Place the lamp so light shines on your book without shadows. If you sit on a chair or sofa, keep the lamp slightly behind and to one side. This way, the light brightens your book but doesn’t glare in your eyes.
Experts say good furniture helps too. Use a chair with back support and adjustable height to sit comfortably. Keep your space tidy and easy to move around. For instance, libraries like Bibliotheca Alexandrina use adjustable lights and comfy chairs to make reading easier and reduce eye strain.
Adjusting the Lamp for Better Lighting
Adjustable lamps help you get the right light for reading. Choose lamps with dimmers or movable heads. These let you aim the light where needed and change how bright it is. Softer light is relaxing, while brighter light is better for detailed work.
Think about your room’s size and layout when setting up the lamp. A lamp that spreads light widely reduces shadows and gives even lighting. Adjustable lamps let you tilt the head to focus on your book or change brightness for different times of day.
Taking Care of Your Floor Lamp
Looking after your lamp keeps it working well for longer. Replace burnt-out bulbs quickly to keep the light steady. Clean the lamp often to stop dust from building up. Check the cables for any damage to stay safe.
Look at other parts like switches and batteries for wear. If your lamp has a rechargeable battery, test it now and then to ensure it works. Regular care makes your lamp last longer and work better. For example, checking and replacing worn parts is a good way to keep it durable.
Tip: Use a soft cloth to clean your lamp. Avoid harsh cleaners that could harm the surface.
Picking the right floor lamp makes reading much better. The Brightech Sparq Arc is very adjustable. The Nelson Cigar Lotus is great for small rooms. For a stylish look, try the CB2 Pavo Double. The Lutris Monte Carlo lets you control brightness easily. On a budget? The IKEA Not Floor Lamp is affordable and useful.
Think about your space and needs before buying a lamp. A good lamp gives better light and adds comfort to your room. Choosing a quality lamp means it will last longer and make reading more enjoyable.
FAQ
What is the ideal brightness level for reading?
At least 500 lux of light is good for reading. This amount stops eye strain and helps you focus better. For longer reading, 750 lux is even better. Pick a lamp that lets you adjust brightness to fit your needs.
How do I choose the right colour temperature?
Choose a lamp with adjustable colour temperature settings. Warm light (below 3000K) feels cosy and relaxing. Cool light (4000K–6500K) helps you focus and works well for reading. Cooler tones are best as they copy natural daylight.
Can floor lamps save energy?
Yes, modern floor lamps often use LED technology. LEDs use less power and last longer than regular bulbs. This makes them a smart and eco-friendly choice for your home.
Where should I place my floor lamp for reading?
Put the lamp slightly behind and to the side of your chair or sofa. This way, the light shines on your book without shadows or glare.
Are budget floor lamps reliable?
Budget lamps, like the IKEA Not Floor Lamp, can be dependable if chosen carefully. Look for strong materials and useful features. They may not have advanced options but often give great value for money.
Tip: Read customer reviews before buying a budget lamp to check its quality.