Shabby Chic Floor Lamps

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 12/05/2021

It is highly unlikely that you've ever seen a collection of floor lamps like this. These lovely and eclectic shabby chic floor lamps look like something plucked out of Alice in Wonderland. From floor lamps that look like streetlights to floor lamps that look like teacups stacked on top of each other, it is guaranteed they will add an element of intrigue to your decorative style.

Buying Guide

What features should I look for in a shabby chic floor lamp for a bedroom?

Shabby chic floor lamps are characterized by their neutral color palette, charming patterns, mixed media embellishments, and distressed wood or metal stands and bases.

If you’re trying to create a shabby chic aesthetic in your bedroom, pick a floor lamp that has a distressed, worn look to coordinate with your bed frame or chest of drawers. The stands are typically constructed of turned or carved wood with a weathered white painted finish.

You should also aim for a color palette that’s relatively neutral with light shades of cream, white, and gray to match your bedding. You could also use the floor lamp to introduce a pop of pastel blue, green, or pink.

What is the right lampshade diameter for a Shabby Chic floor lamp?

Shabby Chic floor lamps can have almost any diameter shade, but shades that are 8” or less in diameter and close to the light bulb may pose a fire hazard if a standard light bulb is used for too long. Make sure to use a lamp shade that is the same size or larger than the one provided by the manufacturer.

Keep in mind that a shabby chic lamp shade that is very large, over 18”-24” in diameter, may overwhelm the space that it's in. Floor lamps that are placed near walkways are easy for people to bump into.

In general, the ideal lamp shade size is a third of the lamp’s height tall and twice as wide as the base. For example, a 60” tall floor with a 12” base should have a lampshade that is 20” tall by 24” wide. Ideally, the lampshade should show a little of the lamp's neck but not the bulb socket.

Lamp shades often feature feminine adornments, such as beads, embroidery, or ruffles. When decorating your bedroom, choose a floor lamp shade with details that reflect the other textiles in your room, like a ruffled curtain valance or a textured bedspread.

Should a shabby chic floor lamp be placed in the corner of a room?

Shabby chic floor lamps work well in the corner of a room, but you can also place them in a central position if you want to make them a focal point. Since many of these floor lamps are incredibly ornate and have unique shapes, they can make a fabulous centerpiece in a sunroom or can even be positioned right next to an armchair in the middle of a room for adequate light when reading.

However, if you have dark, unused corners in your space, consider using a decorative shabby chic floor lamp to add intrigue and brighten the area. The addition of a feature lamp in a corner can help draw the eye further, past your furniture pieces, creating the illusion of a bigger living room or bedroom.