Floor Lamp Styling Secrets to Complement Your Sectional
Finding the perfect floor lamp to style and complement your sectional couch can elevate your living room to new heights of coziness and sophistication. But with so many options, placing and styling floor lamps with sectionals can also feel overwhelming. Follow these floor lamp styling tips to effortlessly blend form and function.
First, think about your sectional's footprint and layout. Measure the length and shape so you can select the right floor lamp sizes and shapes to accentuate it. Look for linear floor lamps to complement L-shaped sectionals or arched styles for curved and rounded sectionals. When planning placement, make sure to leave enough space to walk around the sectional without bumping into the lamp.
Strategic Lamp Placement Complements Sectional Shape
When it comes to placing your floor lamp, you'll want to find a spot that offers both style and illumination. Positioning a floor lamp in a corner behind the sectional creates an ambient glow while taking up minimal visual space. For smaller spaces, a corner floor lamp provides all the cozy atmosphere without encroaching on valuable real estate.
Centering a floor lamp behind the middle of your sectional makes a striking visual statement. It can create the focal point of your living room. Place the lamp a few feet behind the sectional so the light shines above and between each seating section. If your sectional is floating in the center of the room, a perfectly centered floor lamp makes it feel grounded and polished.
Complement Sectional Chaise with Floor Lamp Placement
The chaise portion of sectionals beckons as the ultimate reading nook. Place a floor lamp on the diagonal behind the chaise to direct a glow right to this cozy seat. A swing arm floor lamp here makes it easy to adjust the light as needed. Position the base of the floor lamp just behind the corner or a few feet away depending on your space. Your chaise will feel like a sanctuary bathed in a warm pool of light.
Lamp Height Sets the Mood Behind Your Sectional
The height of your floor lamp also dramatically impacts its look and function. Tall floor lamps around 65-75 inches high make a big visual statement behind an expansive sectional. They can provide both ambient lighting and a stylish accent. For smaller sectionals, lower lamp heights between 55-65 inches feel more intimate and cozy.
The angle of the floor lamp also sculpts light across your sectional. Angle it downward for defined task lighting to illuminate books or needlework. Tilt it slightly upward to cast a soft glow perfect for late nights watching movies. Install a dimmer switch to easily control brightness and ambience at all times.
Mix Multiple Lamps for Customizable Sectional Lighting
In larger living rooms, a single floor lamp may not provide enough light across a sprawling sectional. Layer ambient and task lighting by pairing floor lamps with table lamps on side tables. Position floor lamps behind the sectional to wash the whole area with a gentle glow. Then place table lamps with focused beams closer to seating areas for reading nooks.
Style Your Sectional and Floor Lamp for Cohesion
When selecting a floor lamp, choose a style that aligns with your sectional to craft a cohesive look. For modern black leather sectionals, sculptural metallic lamps provide sleek sophistication. Soft fabric drum lampshades blend effortlessly with cozy bohemian sectionals. Play with shape as well. The linearity of rectangular floor lamps complements L-shaped sectionals, while arched floor lamps mirror curvaceous cloud couches.
You can also coordinate colors. If your sectional features cool gray tones, look for an elegant gray floor lamp to complement it. Or opt for a contrasting floor lamp in a vibrant accent color to make the entire space pop. Just make sure the lamp's finish and hardware integrate nicely with the sectional.
Lamp Shades Soften and Shape Lighting
Don't forget about lamp shades which soften lighting and complement a sectional's ambiance. Large drum or bell shades in linen or silk diffuse light to brighten an entire area with their ambient glow. Small tapered shades in metal or glass concentrate light in a directed beam ideal for reading alcoves. Mix fabric and metal shades on adjacent lamps to layer lighting effects across a sectional.
Accessorize with Specialty Floor Lamps
Beyond classic floor lamps, specialty lamps offer form and function when placed strategically behind sectionals. Swing arm floor lamps provide directional adjustability, torchiere lamps splash illumination across walls, and arc lamps make artistic statements.
For smaller sectionals, buffet floor lamps save space on side tables. Their long stems arch over sofas, placing the shade right above seated areas to illuminate without crowding. Create visual harmony by selecting buffet lamps in a matching style and finish as your floor lamp behind the sectional.
Finally, don't forget those finishing touches that polish off your sectional-floor lamp styling. Dimmer switches empower you to set the perfect ambience at any moment. Cord covers neatly contain unsightly plugs and cables. Side table and accent lamps provide the final layer of complementary lighting. And sculptural lamp bases behind your sectional become artistic features themselves.
The right placement, height, styling, and accessories can transform a basic sectional into a living room centerpiece. Find the perfect match by exploring different shapes, finishes and lighting effects. Before long, you'll have a sectional setup that's relaxed, functional and undeniably gorgeous.