Although Ikea-type examples dominate today’s culture, there is no shortage of vintage floor lamps that are highly collectible. Whether they are used to set the mood in the bedroom or create ambient light in the office, floor lamps, which are a form of torchiere, or torch lamp, are versatile sources of illumination.

Floor lamps come in a variety of shapes, mimicking everything from street lamps to trees. Many of the most prized vintage floor lamps have glass shades, though even more project light from within metal bullet-shaped cones. Some floor lamps are designed to bend so they can be used as reading or spotlights, while others only emit light through their tops, creating the illusion of natural daylight flooding into a room.

Art Deco floor lamps and lamps from the 1950s are always popular, especially the floor-to-ceiling lamps that could be adjusted for rooms of various heights.