Arch Sofa Floor Lamp

Vanessa Weber Interior Design Expert

Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.

Updated 30/04/2021

These terrific lamps seem to defy gravity. Arch sofa floor lamps are a fun and interesting way to light certain areas of your home. They can be in a single tier style, or have multiple finger-like lamp extensions that can blanket an area in light. And the base, while sturdy, doesn't take up too much space, and can fit under a sofa if needed. Pretty slick.

Buying Guide

How tall should an arch sofa floor lamp be?

The right height for an arch sofa floor lamp depends on your available space and whether you need the lamp for task or mood lighting. An arch sofa floor lamp is a funky addition to your living room with extensions that reach over your couch and illuminate the space in a unique way. These lamps fit perfectly into the corner of a room beside the sofa due to their sleek, narrow base.

The average height on the market ranges from 75”-86” tall. This may seem exceptionally tall, but the lamp’s arch needs to have enough height that nobody hits their head on it while getting up and down off the couch.

These dramatic lamps come in a variety of looks and colors, so you can incorporate them into any design scheme, be it rustic or ultra-modern. They also provide exceptional lighting for working or reading because the light comes from directly overhead.

Are arched sofa floor lamps good for reading?

Arch sofa floor lamps are ideal for reading because they provide both ambient and directional light, depending on where they are placed and the shape of the lamp shade.

The best location for an arched lamp for reading is next to the sofa or an armchair. Position the lamp base between 6”-12” away from the side of the sofa so that the lampshade is not directly overhead, as your shadow will obstruct the book’s pages.

Choose a lamp with bell-, empire-, or drum-shaped shades, as these styles provide better task lighting. You should also consider the type of bulb the lamp uses. LED, CFL, and halogen bulbs are ideal as they provide whiter light, perfect for illuminating book pages. Look for arch lamps that take bulbs that emit between 450-800 lumens to avoid eye strain.

Which materials should I look for in an arch floor lamp?

The best materials for an arch sofa floor lamp depend on the style of your space and how long you want the piece to last. Arch floor lamps come in a huge selection of materials. The base and arms are typically made from metal, such as stainless steel, powder-coated steel, aluminum, bronze, or brass. Many models can be painted gold for a glamorous finish to your room. Metal is the most durable option for a long-lasting light fixture, especially if you have a home with pets and small children.

Arch floor lamp shade can be made from the same material as the base or crafted from a complementary material, such as cotton, linen, paper, plastic. Cotton, linen, and plastic shades come in various colors and styles, making it easy to choose one that coordinates well with your living room. Metal shades are better suited to modern, industrial, and transitional interiors.

Always check that the lampshade is rated for fire safety; some paper or linen lamp shades are flammable and can only be used with light bulbs that emit minimal heat, such as LED.