7 Floor Lamp Ideas For Your Home Office That Will Create The Perfect WFH Ambiance

After the desk, the task chair, and the bookshelves, it's time to put the finishing touch on your home office — otherwise known as the lighting. If you've decided that a floor lamp would be ideal in your setup, words like "torchiere" and "incandescent" might leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

First things first, what parts of your office could really benefit from a floor lamp? A reading nook or sitting area in the corner is always a popular choice, but alongside the desk is a great option as well. Although floor lamps have the power to effectively illuminate dark corners of your office, keep in mind that they won't light up the whole room, unlike pendant lights or chandeliers. And while they're certainly more convenient and budget-friendly than wall sconces that may require hardwiring, floor lamps tend to have foot switches, so you'll need to make sure you put it in a convenient spot where you can actually reach the switch.

Generally, the rule of thumb with floor lamps is that they should be five feet tall or more and, for an office, bonus points if they're adjustable. This will allow you to move the light where you need it at a moment's notice. When trying to bring as much light as possible into your workspace, you should avoid dark or overly textured shades. Floor lamps that give the best light tend to have white or even glass shades, allowing the light to shine more freely. For extra versatility, choose a floor lamp with a dimming option. That way, if you have eye strain or simply prefer less light, you can use the dimmer. Always be sure to check out the specifications when you're looking at fixtures online, from Amazon to Lumens, so you know that you're getting exactly what you want.

Now that you're armed with all of the necessary info, here are seven office floor lamp ideas that are sure to inspire you.

As you look at this arc floor lamp in an office styled by Jen of The Effortless Chic, you may first notice its matte black drum shade and modern design. But underneath all that style, you'll find practical features, too. When shopping for office light fixtures, style is important but don't overlook convenient touches. For example, this lamp has a foot switch, an LED bulb, and it's dimmable to boot.

​Get the look:​ Room & Board Rayne Floor Lamp, $799

As mentioned, the color and fabric of your shade can affect the intensity of the light from your floor lamp. If you want to maximize the light in a reading nook, go with a white shade, like this classic, minimalist fixture featured in a Scout & Nimble home office. This lamp looks fab in brass, but if you prefer, it also comes in brushed steel.

​Get the look:​ Scout & Nimble Four Hands Lewis Floor Lamp, $790 – $799

Just because something is labeled "task lighting" doesn't mean it can't look cool. You can have the best of both worlds by bringing an industrial tripod floor lamp into your office, like the one chosen by Brianna of Bloom in the Black. Even though it's eye-catching, it's also adjustable, has a sturdy metal base, and provides lots of direct light thanks to an exposed light bulb.

​Get the look:​ Trent Austin Design Rosemead 68.8-inch Task Floor Lamp, $289.99

What does a reading nook in your home office need? A reading lamp, of course! The two nearly always go hand-in-hand in any office space, and we're especially loving this retro option with a circular base chosen by Emily Henderson for a midcentury office.

​Get the look:​ Pottery Barn Architect's Task Floor Lamp, $349

Oftentimes, a floor lamp with modern details, like geometric shapes and linear accents, can act like a piece of art in an office, as proven by Alisa of A Glass of Bovino with the help of this imaginative floor lamp. The tree-like design, complete with overarching arms, is certainly a creative way to light a workspace.

​Get the look:​ Serge Mouille Three-Arm Floor Lamp, $7,995

To craft a truly cohesive look in your office, pick a floor lamp that emulates the other metal finishes. For instance, the antique brass finish of the fixture in this Chris Loves Julia office pairs seamlessly with the nearby brass wall sconces.

​Get the look:​ Lulu and Georgia Valenze Floor Lamp, $972

We're here to tell you that a lampshade is just as important as the floor lamp base, especially if you're aiming to create a specific ambiance in your office. For example, a linen shade, like the one seen in this office styled by Jenny of Juniper Home, will offer soft, warm lighting which will complement the forest green walls beautifully.

​Get the look:​ Adesso Rodeo 61-inch Antique Bronze Floor Lamp, $150