Tension Pole Lamp
Jump To Our PicksA somewhat retro idea, the pole lamp with adjustable lights aiming capability are an effective and useful throwback to the 80's. This collection takes it a step further, offering a floor to ceiling option, giving more light, and more stability. In many different materials and styles to fit your home, and your personality, a floor ceiling pole lamp will add an eclectic element to your home.
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.
6 Recommendations and 144 Ideas
Vintage Tension Pole Lamp From The 60s
Perfect For: Vintage collectors
What We Like: 3-way switch
What We Don’t Like: Rust and scratch marks
This floor-to-ceiling lamp was made over 60 years ago, making it an authentic, long-lasting vintage item. The main eye-catchers are the three amber glass shades, designed with hobnail detailing on the outside and a frosted/clear glass chimney on the inside. Adding to its charming character, the pole shows off a gold-finished metal body with wooden accents.
Designer Advice:
This tension pole lamp would be best suited in a room with traditional furnishings. Our advice would be to tuck it into a corner, perhaps behind a bergère or wingback accent chair to turn that spot into a cozy, old-world reading nook. Don’t forget to adorn the surrounding walls with classic artwork to complete the look.
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Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp with Wooden Shades
Perfect For: Accent lighting in the living room
What We Like: Original yet budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like: Shows signs of wear and rust
Not So Good For: Tall ceilings
Here’s a rare find at an affordable price! Crafted from glass, metal, and wood, this tension pole lamp presents a peculiar Danish modern style. It features three chunky light shades that hang from a matte gold canopy with decorative chains. Each bulb is protected with a chimney and gives off a warm glow thanks to the frosted base. While the bottom part of the pole is stationary, the top part is adjustable to fit 87 to 90-inch ceilings.
Designer Advice:
We recommend setting this lamp in a bright neutral room (preferably with white walls) to highlight its distinctive features. Even better, pair it with organically shaped furniture—such as a round wooden coffee table or Camaleonda-style sofa— to create a sense of balance.
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Baroque Floor to Ceiling Pole Lamp
Perfect For: A showy focal point
What We Like: Attention to detail
Not So Good For: Ceilings lower than 90 inches and higher than 107 inches
Dramatic and showstopping, this tension pole lamp perfectly captures the bold beauty of Baroque design. It is highly ornate, flaunting intricate carvings throughout the shades. In addition, the lamp has a slender twisted-style column, fitted with curving arms and sturdy chains. Finished in elegant tones of gold and brass, this floor-to-ceiling lamp is made to steal the spotlight.
Designer Advice:
Although unique and elaborate in appearance, this light fixture looks surprisingly good in a variety of interior design schemes. For instance, it adds an eclectic element to mid-century modern and contemporary spaces. On another note, it brings a glamorous finishing touch to Hollywood regency, Victorian, and gothic themes. Another favorite part – it offers three modes of lighting.
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Mid Century Tension Pole Lamp in Olive Green
What We Like: The retro green metal shades
What We Don’t Like: The shades hang out more than other tension lampshades
Not So Good For: Narrow spaces, downward lighting
Perfect For: Multi-directional lighting, lighting a room
This vintage pole lamp is sleek with its cone lamp shades made of metal and gold stem accents. All three shades can be adjusted to point up and down or side-to-side and they have set screws to lock them in place. Another awesome feature is each light has its own on/off switch to adjust how much light you want to put off at one time.
The green tone on this vintage floor-to-ceiling tension pole lamp looks best with white, eggshell, or light wall paints. Be careful when setting this lamp in rooms with green walls as it can clash with other green tones.
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Tension Pole Lamp With Fabric Shades
What We Like: Fabric and wood combo is trendy
What We Don’t Like: Lamp shades sit at eye level when standing
Not So Good For: Lighting a whole room
Perfect For: Providing ambient light for mood lighting
This floor-to-ceiling tension pole lamp sports narrow drum shades in beige, a brass pole, and warm walnut wood accents. It comes with an eight-and-a-half-foot cord, fits ceilings eight feet high, and stands flat and wide against walls and corners.
Designer Advice:
Stand this beauty in the corner of a room over a couch for mood lighting or at the front entrance for a relaxing vibe. Its two-shade layout creates a symmetrical design in a room, great for folks who prefer even numbers and balance. The fabric shade softens the brightness of the light, so it’s best not to use this tension lamp as the primary light source.
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Floor to Ceiling Lamp With Ceramic Shades
What We Like: Ultra unique ceramic shades with open holes
What We Don’t Like: The shades sit too close together
Not So Good For: Wide area lighting since the lights point downwards
Perfect For: Using as a reading light or lighting a narrow hallway
Made of metal, steel, and ceramic, this vintage tension pole lamp flaunts three twisted shades that throw a neat light show on nearby walls. Golds, browns, tans, and whites make up this floor-to-ceiling pole lamp harmonizing warm and cool hues. The top is spring-loaded and extends to fit standard ceiling heights.
Designer Advice:
It pairs nicely in homes with ceramic decor like delicate China in a wood and glass cabinet. Because all three shades point down, this tension lamp makes for the perfect reading light or accent light. To prevent it from looking too bland, use this pole lamp in homes with warm hue walls and floors.
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