25 Types of Lamps &
Where to Put Them

If you’re looking to make a house (or apartment, or dorm room) feel like a home, adding more lighting is a bright idea! The soft, ambient glow lamps produce just can’t be matched by an overhead light. But which type brings the right feel to your space?

We’ll break all the different kinds of lamps down into three categories: table, desk and floor lamps. Keep reading to learn about the many types of lamps that can light up your world!

Types of Table Lamps

Some smaller lamps are designed to stand on flat surfaces throughout your home, while others are simply miniature versions of the floor lamps we’ll cover later. Here are some common types of table lamps that match one of the above descriptions.

1. Standard or Traditional Table Lamps

You’ve probably seen this type of lamp more times than you can count. A standard or traditional table lamp has a base, a single pole and an attached shade.

2. Decorative Lamps

Looking to spruce up a space with creative yet functional decor? Small table lamps with striking visual elements can match (and enhance) the theme and feel of any room.

3. Thematic Lamps

Whether you’ve leaned into creating a floral motif, a monochromatic color scheme, a mid-century aesthetic or even a Harry Potter™ haven, thematic table lamps can add to any themed room.

4. Statement Lamps

From natural features to unique flourishes to one-of-a-kind designs, a statement lamp offers an eye-catching addition to a space with an otherwise toned-down feel. Bottom line: The right statement piece makes for bold, memorable bedroom or dorm decor.

5. Tripod Table Lamps

With space-conscious three-legged bases, these pieces are a smart choice for anyone looking for modern end table lamps.

6. Bedside Lamps

These small bedroom table lamps are designed to be subtle and accessible so you don’t have to feel around in the dark for the switch. They also add just the right amount of light to read a great book by before you turn in for the night.

7. Candlestick or Buffet Lamps

Sometimes called buffet lamps, these tall table lamps have thin profiles and typically feature a shade. These pieces add an elegant touch to side tables, end tables or dressers.

8. Ambient Color Lamps

Looking to bring a whole new dimension to your home? Ambient lamps can change colors to totally switch up the vibes in any room (especially a game room), from a cool blue to a soothing yellow or a dramatic red—and just about every tone in between!

Types of Desk Lamps

Desk lamps are designed to focus light on your work space. Many of them have ergonomic features like bendable necks that allow you to adjust the focus of the beam so you can get the right amount of light exactly where you want it.

9. Desk Task Lamps

A table task lamp typically has just one base and arm and is designed to cast concentrated light into one specific area. For even more productivity, look for options with USB ports so you can power your devices as you work!

10. Spotlight Lamps

Similar to task lamps, spotlight lamps can focus their beams on a single spot so you can focus on the task at hand. However, they offer an even more concentrated beam and more mobility, allowing you to keep the light only where you want it. If you have a roommate, this is a lamp style they’ll appreciate during your late-night study sessions!

11. Table Lanterns

Unlike other lamp styles, a table lantern has no shade or pole and may either have a small base or no base at all. These fun options are ideal for creating reading spaces or for adding an ambient glow to a small room.

12. Swing Arm Desk Lamps

Swing arm lamps are designed so that you can (you guessed it) swing the neck of the lamp and focus the light where you need it. Some models even come without desktop bases and can be attached to the wall instead.

13. Overhead Desk Lamps

If you’re looking for the ideal study lamp for nighttime reading or studying, look no further than an overhead desk lamp. With a single arm extending at a right angle from the stand, these pieces cast a wide beam of light straight down, eliminating shadows and illuminating every word.

14. Clip-on or Gooseneck Lamps

Possibly the most versatile lamp option out there, a clip-on or gooseneck lamp can bring the beam wherever you need it. Simply attach it to the side of your desk and then take it with you to bed by clipping it to your nightstand or headboard to create the perfect reading light.

15. Wireless Charging Lamps

For maximum productivity, go for a modern take on a task lamp featuring wireless charging capabilities. These multifunctional lighting options allow you to keep your phone powered up cord-free while you work.

16. Light Boxes

While you might not be doing any heavy reading by one of these, ambient LED lighting options like a light box make for cool desk accessories. Shaped like a picture frame around an illuminated image, they bring a warm glow and moving scenery to your study space.

Types of Floor Lamps

Typically used as living room lamps, there’s more to floor lamps than just a longer neck and a bigger lampshade. While some of these pieces may be larger versions of table lamps, there are also a few distinctive shapes that bring plenty of light to larger spaces.

17. Standard or Traditional Floor Lamps

Probably the model that comes to mind when you think of floor lamps, a standard floor lamp has a single base, a tall pole and an attached shade. These are perfect for lighting up a section of a room next to your favorite piece of lounge furniture.

18. Floor Task Lamps

Similar to its desktop counterpart, a floor task lamp features a moveable arm so you can direct the light where you need it. Create the perfect reading space by positioning one of these over your go-to lounge chair.

19. Candlestick Floor Lamps

Evoking the shape of a candlestick, these elegant living room lamps boast a tall, slim profile topped by a shade.

20. Spotlight Floor Lamps

If you want to have total control over the lighting in your space, these floor lamps are spot on. Whether you need direct or indirect light, you’ll have options with a spotlight lamp that features one or more bulbs enclosed in cone-shaped housing.

21. Shelf Lamps

Want your floor lamp to offer more than just light? Double down on functionality with a lamp that replaces a traditional stand-and-rod structure with a series of shelves so you can have more surfaces for books, plants or decor. This is a great way to add storage to a small space or diversify your bedroom storage options.

22. Globe Floor Lamp

Shades aren’t your thing? Consider a globe floor lamp, which replaces the traditional lightbulb covering with colorful glass. This style isn’t just easy on the eyes—it also maximizes light distribution.

23. Tree Lamps

Like the kind you find in the forest, a tree lamp’s shape has multiple branches attached to a narrow body. This type of lamp is perfect for creating a lot of light in a little space.

24. Floor Torchiere Lamp

The key feature of a torchiere lamp is that it has a tall body and a shade that shines light upward and outward. These are great for creating a broad, ambient glow in rooms in which you don’t need focused light.

25. Ambient Light Lamps

If you want to really set the mood in any room, consider an ambient floor lamp. These supplemental lighting options bring even more color to a room than their tabletop version, creating just the feel you want for anything from a casual movie night to a weekend get-together.

Additional Styles of Lamps

Still looking for more lighting options? Here’s a bonus rundown of a few more lamp styles to help you find just the right piece for your home.

• Mogul Lamps. Also called a six-way lamp, these types of lamps feature a large light bulb in the center surrounded by several smaller light bulbs.
• Candelabras. Candelabra lamps have several arms that emerge from the neck, each holding another light so that they resemble their namesake.
• Column Lamps. Like the columns of beautiful classic architecture, column lamps are tall and typically rectangular. You can think of these lamps as a statement piece.
• Arc/Arch Lamps. An arc lamp (sometimes also called an arch lamp) is characterized by an arc-shaped arm reaching out from its base and holding a lightbulb and shade on the end.
• Piano Lamps. Piano lamps (also called bankers’ lamps) are meant to illuminate a single surface with their oblong shape.
• Boom Arm Lamps. Similar to the microphone “booms” found on movie sets, these lamps feature long, adjustable arms you can move to fully control the light’s angle and positioning.

Styling Different Types of Lamps in Your Home

There’s more to picking the right lighting than just knowing the names of lamps you can choose from. If you’re still not sure which style is right for your space, here are a few styling considerations to keep in mind.

• Color. Is there a prevalent color scheme in your room? Consider matching the lamp pole or shade to it—or making a statement with a complementary color.
• Texture. Start by looking at other fixtures in your room—is there a common textural theme to the curtain rods, table, furniture legs, picture frames, etc.? If these subtle features lean toward more modern textures like metal or more natural tones like woodgrains, try to find a lamp that aligns.
• Utility. An important aspect of lamp selection is how you plan to use your piece. If you want to be in control of the direction and concentration of the light, go for a task or spotlight lamp. If you’re looking more generally for background supplemental lighting, consider a candlestick or standard option.
• Available space. Ultimately, your choice of lamp style will also depend on your available space. Bedrooms or living rooms with plenty of floor space may benefit from a floor lamp to bring additional light to spaces further from the primary ceiling light. Study spaces, smaller bedrooms or transitional areas may only have space for a desk or table lamp.

Now that you know the types of lamps you can use to let a little more light into your home, hopefully you’re ready to make the right choice for your space. If you still can’t decide, why not try more than one of the above? You can never have too much lighting!