You can tell a lot about a person by their lighting choices. Maybe they’re a strict no-overhead lighting type, someone deeply committed to creating cozy corners with half a dozen accent lamps. Or maybe they rely on one bright pendant lighting fixture for everything, which suggests they prize efficiency over aesthetics. Whatever the setup, lighting shapes how a space feels — and how you feel in it. 

In this guide, we’ll cover some common lamp types and styles — from iconic mid-century modern arc lamps to traditional buffet lamps — and explain how they interact with a room.

8 popular lamp styles 

From traditional metal torchiere lamps in an elegant living room to stained glass Tiffany lamps in a high-end office, here are eight types of lamps to brighten up any room.

1. Torchiere lamp

A torchiere lamp features a tall, slim base with an upward-facing shade that directs light toward the ceiling. This floor lamp style floods a room with soft, diffused ambient illumination, perfect for brightening medium to large living rooms or bedrooms. Wood or metal torchiere lamps add a touch of elegance to traditional and transitional interior design, while ceramic or steel cylinders match the sleekness of modern and minimalist spaces. 

2. Tiffany lamp

Known for the colorful, hand-crafted glass lampshade set on bronze or brass lamp bases, these stained glass lamps are generally more on the decorative side. Their intricate mosaic patterns emit a warm, diffused glow (try them with an amber incandescent bulb) that adds charm to cozy reading corners, cottagecore-inspired design, or a home office in need of a little personality. If your desk needs focused lighting, this isn't it — but a Tiffany lamp will definitely elevate the vibe. 

3. Tripod lamp

With three slender legs and a simple lampshade, tripod lamps bring a minimalist, mid-century modern edge to any room. Many tripod lamps have adjustable bases, letting you tweak the height to shift the ambient lighting around seating areas and desks. Their clean lines suit several different design aesthetics: Wood finishes match minimalist, Japandi, and Scandinavian designs, while metal and brass add a sleek accent to modern and industrial rooms. 

Explore tripod lamps on Onton 

4. Gooseneck lamp

Flexible and functional, a gooseneck is a type of desk lamp with a bendable arm that lets you direct light exactly where you need it. Typically made with a metal finish — like chrome, brass, or matte black — this is the perfect task lamp for desks and bedside tables, especially in contemporary, industrial, and office spaces. 

5. Buffet lamp

Buffet lamps are designed for wide surfaces like console tables or sideboards, with tall, slender bases made from ceramic, glass, or polished metal. Topped with a rectangular or drum lampshade, this type of table lamp is well-suited for dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, or entryways. Their silhouette and overall design add refined character — consider a gold base and jewel-toned lamp shade for Hollywood glam or sculptural ceramic bottom and fringe top for eye-catching maximalism. 

6. Arc lamp

   

With its sweeping, curved arm and anchored base, the arc lamp makes a bold statement in contemporary and mid-century modern-inspired rooms. Ideal as a living room lamp in large or open-concept spaces, an arc lamp sits high enough to cast diffused, ambient illumination over sofas, dining tables, or reading chairs. Chrome and black finishes lean modern or industrial, while brass or marble bases complement more luxurious design sensibilities. Pair one with a soft LED bulb for a warm spotlight that doesn’t overpower. 

7. Swing arm lamp

Another flexible option, the swing arm lamp extends, pivots, and tucks away as needed. You’ll find it on bedside tables, mounted to the wall above reading chairs, or standing beside sofas as a floor lamp. Sleek chrome or matte finishes suit minimalist interiors, while aged brass or oiled bronze adds an aged feel to traditional design styles. 

Shop for swing arm lamps on Onton

8. Tree lamp

Tree lamps expand in several directions with multiple “branches” extending from a single base, just like a tree. They offer layered lighting that can brighten different parts of a room all at once. Great for the living room, tree lamps are sculptural and good at casting dramatic shadows around the space. Opt for brushed metal for a modern vibe or curved arms for a more contemporary touch. 

Types of lamps by placement and use

Arranging these types of lamps effectively layers the light in the room and creates a balanced ambiance:

• Table lamps feel just as at home on a nightstand or end table as they do on an entryway console or dining room buffet. They’re great for layering light in cozy corners or spotlighting your favorite tchotchkes, especially when paired with an incandescent bulb or dimmable LED lamp. 

• Floor lamps are ideal for living rooms and large spaces, offering ambient or task lighting depending on the style. Think arm lamps casting light over a workspace or torchiere lamps bouncing soft light in the living area. 

• Desk lamps are the ultimate task lamps, delivering focused lighting to workstations, home offices, and craft corners. Adjustable arms and gooseneck lamp designs give you control over brightness and direction, often using LED bulbs for crisp, efficient illumination. 

How to choose the right type of lamp

Turn to these quick, practical tips to find a lamp that looks great and suits your space’s function:

• Keep the bulb out of your eyes: For reading or bedside lamps, the bottom of the lampshade should sit around eye level when you’re seated. This keeps the light aimed at your book or workspace and prevents the bulb from shining in your eyes. 

• Consider the size: A giant lamp on a tiny nightstand is visual chaos. A common rule is adding three inches to the height of the surface, meaning a 20-inch-tall bedside table calls for a lamp around 22 to 23 inches tall. For balance, make sure the lamp base doesn’t take up more than a third of the tabletop. 

• Match the lamp to the job: Looking for focused lighting? Go for task lamps like gooseneck or swing arm desk lamps with adjustable brightness or LED bulbs. How about a soft ambient glow? Try a modern lamp for living rooms like an arc lamp or torchiere with a dimmable LED or warm incandescent bulb. Always consider wattage — it affects both brightness and energy use. 

• Let your lamp reflect your style: A glass and brass lamp leans traditional. Matte black or steel keeps the vibe sleek and modern. Even small desk lamps add character to a room’s interior design, so carefully consider material, shape, and color. 

• Mind the lampshade: The shape and material of a lampshade don’t just change the room’s aesthetic: they change how light is emitted. A dark or opaque shade diffuses and softens brightness, ideal for creating cozy ambient light. And a white or translucent shade emits more light, which is better for reading or task-heavy zones. 

Choose the right type of lamp with Onton

Do you want to add a stained glass desk lamp or vintage-inspired gooseneck table lamp to your lighting collection? Let Onton’s AI-powered search engine help you brighten your space. Try a search like “task lamp” or “small bedside lamp” to find the right one.

Once you save your faves, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see your lamps work together. Upload a picture of your space and experiment with different lamp types — it’s an easy way to decorate your home before committing to a purchase. 

Dream up your ideal lighting style with Onton.