New Designs Make Table Lamps and Floor Lamps More Desirable

Lately it seems like ceiling light fixtures are getting all the attention —  chandeliers, pendants and suspended arrangements.  Equally important, both from the perspective of design and functionality, are table and floor lamps.  They’re necessary for reading, task lighting, bedside lighting and mood illumination.  Fortunately, there are so many designs to choose from that selection the right table lamp or floor lamp for your living space is easier than ever. At the recent ICFF 2016, we found lots of beautiful, as well as technologically advanced, designs.

We're crazy about the Toro Lamp by Materia Designs. The two raw, unglazed porcelain "leaves" allow the minimalist brass shade to float in space. The Toro table lamp can be manipulated into a standing position, or with one of the porcelain leaves turned out, forming this dramatic, wave-like shape.
We’re crazy about the Toro Lamp by Materia Designs. The two raw, unglazed porcelain “leaves” allow the minimalist brass shade to float in space. The Toro table lamp can be manipulated into a standing position, or with one of the porcelain leaves turned out, forming this dramatic, wave-like shape.
These thin. modern task lights from Adesso Home are great because no matter how and where you swing the lamp, the head stays level with the work surface. No extra adjusting necessary.
These thin. modern task lights from Adesso Home are great because no matter how and where you swing the lamp, the head stays level with the work surface. No extra adjusting necessary.
Hans Nopper LED desk lamp

Adesso’s Kiu table lamp is from German industrial designer Hans Nopper. The LED desk lamp has an adjustable arm that extends anywhere from from 0″ to 18. It also adjusts 45° up and down. The honeycomb shade is made of magnesium and the round chrome base is 5″ tall. The Kiu, with an adjustable shade, swivels a full 360°.

Ameico Design showed this softly luminous lamp called the Fata Glass Table Lamp. A smaller version is called the Fatina. Designed by Michele De Lucchi. The glass table lamps is made from white Murano.
Ameico Design showed this softly luminous lamp called the Fata Glass Table Lamp. A smaller version is called the Fatina. Designed by Michele De Lucchi. The glass table lamps is made from white Murano.
From Santa & Cole, the glowing opal glass of the Cesta table lamp from Santa Cole (and the smaller Cestita) casts a warm feel over the entire space.
From Santa & Cole, the glowing opal glass of the Cesta table lamp from Santa Cole (and the smaller Cestita) casts a warm feel over the entire space.
Designed by Catalan designer Miguel Mila has a cherry wood structure frame. It works as a table or floor lamp.
Designed by Catalan designer Miguel Mila has a cherry wood structure frame. It works as a table or floor lamp.
Santa & Cole also presented this lamp designed by Spain's Antoni Arola. Named "Sin," the company says that it "owes its name to the many things it does without...,it marries tradition and technology with the sobriety of a classic. Available in two sizes, it can be used with or without the shade and has an adjustable light flow. It is elegant and eminently functional.

Santa & Cole also presented this lamp designed by Spain’s Antoni Arola. Named “Sin,” the company says that it “owes its name to the many things it does without…,it marries tradition and technology with the sobriety of a classic. Available in two sizes, it can be used with or without the shade and has an adjustable light flow. It is elegant and eminently functional.

The PH table lamp from Louis Poulsen is 100% glare-free, thanks to a reflective three-shade system. It works by directing most of the light downward, aided by the white painted lower surface of the top shade. The top of the spun aluminum, powder-coated shade can be finished in red, green, yellow or white. The opal glass shades are shiny on the outside and matte on the inside. the base also comes in several finishes.

The PH table lamp from Louis Poulsen is 100% glare-free, thanks to a reflective three-shade system. It works by directing most of the light downward, aided by the white painted lower surface of the top shade. The top of the spun aluminum, powder-coated shade can be finished in red, green, yellow or white. The opal glass shades are shiny on the outside and matte on the inside. the base also comes in several finishes.

Designed by Mark Holmes in 2003, the LT01 SEAM ONE from Stillfried is a modern reinterpretation of a classic table lamp. The design uses a minimal number of elements and comes in a range of colors. The color you choose --whether a neutral white or a bold neon -- helps determine how much of a bold statement the lamp will make. The entire fixture is made from sheet aluminum that is powder coated.

Designed by Mark Holmes in 2003, the LT01 SEAM ONE from Stillfried is a modern reinterpretation of a classic table lamp. The design uses a minimal number of elements and comes in a range of colors. The color you choose –whether a neutral white or a bold neon — helps determine how much of a bold statement the lamp will make. The entire fixture is made from sheet aluminum that is powder coated.

Small and spare, the Cosy in Grey table lamp from Muuto makes a soft but design-forward statement. The central feature of the fixture -- the bulb within -- is highlighted by the full, mouth-blown glass structure. Designed by Harri Koskinen, it is made of smoked grey glass and has a transparent PVC cord with a dimmer. Muuto calls itself the "New Nordic" because it is rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition of enduring aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship and an honest expression, but made modern through new materials, techniques and bold creative thinking,

Small and spare, the Cosy in Grey table lamp from Muuto makes a soft but design-forward statement. The central feature of the fixture — the bulb within — is highlighted by the full, mouth-blown glass structure. Designed by Harri Koskinen, it is made of smoked grey glass and has a transparent PVC cord with a dimmer. Muuto calls itself the “New Nordic” because it is rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition of enduring aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship and an honest expression, but made modern through new materials, techniques and bold creative thinking,

A number of designers from Norway were featured in the "Inside Norway" booth at ICFF 2016 in New York. Oslo-based Northern Lighting created this lovely lamp, called "Say My Name." While the mouth-blown piece is made in Italy of Venetian glass, the design is Nordic, created by Morten & Jonas. Its smooth surface and unembellished form is distinctly contemporary Scandinavian style. The colors of glass reflect are meant to evoke the Nordic night sky, light of the fjords and smooth surface of calm water. It can be used as a table lamp or hung as a pendant.

A number of designers from Norway were featured in the “Inside Norway” booth at ICFF 2016 in New York. Oslo-based Northern Lighting created this lovely lamp, called “Say My Name.” While the mouth-blown piece is made in Italy of Venetian glass, the design is Nordic, created by Morten & Jonas. Its smooth surface and unembellished form is distinctly contemporary Scandinavian style. The colors of glass reflect are meant to evoke the Nordic night sky, light of the fjords and smooth surface of calm water. It can be used as a table lamp or hung as a pendant.

The Vosay Collection, a lifestyle brand based in New York and Brazil, made its debut at ICFF 2016 with one-of-a-kind dining, accent, and coffee tables made from whole roots of exotic hardwood Brazilian Sucupira trees. While they are all stunning pieces, this spare little lamp, with its striped metallic shade caught our eye. The name, Vosay, is derived from the Portuguese word você, which means "you." Founder and creative director Nana Balfour said the company focuses on products that are unique and sustainable products, and the are "collaborations of art and nature."

The Vosay Collection, a lifestyle brand based in New York and Brazil, made its debut at ICFF 2016 with one-of-a-kind dining, accent, and coffee tables made from whole roots of exotic hardwood Brazilian Sucupira trees. While they are all stunning pieces, this spare little lamp, with its striped metallic shade caught our eye. The name, Vosay, is derived from the Portuguese word você, which means “you.” Founder and creative director Nana Balfour said the company focuses on products that are unique and sustainable products, and the are “collaborations of art and nature.”

This amazing desk light from QisDesign casts plentiful light on your workspace.
This amazing desk light from QisDesign casts plentiful light on your workspace.
Muuto also presented task lighting in the for of the Leaf. This table lamp is Inspired by the leaves on a tree, and the silhouette changes on the positioning of the lamp's shade and your viewing angle. Available in two sizes, the Leaf all comes with a dimming function. Designed by Swedish design partners Mats Broberg and Johan Ridderstrale, the lamp has their trademark aesthetic rationality and "touch of humor and wit."

Muuto also presented task lighting in the for of the Leaf. This table lamp is Inspired by the leaves on a tree, and the silhouette changes on the positioning of the lamp’s shade and your viewing angle. Available in two sizes, the Leaf all comes with a dimming function. Designed by Swedish design partners Mats Broberg and Johan Ridderstrale, the lamp has their trademark aesthetic rationality and “touch of humor and wit.”

The NJP Lamp designed by Nendo and presented by Louis Poulsen is another stylish desk or table lamp. It gives off direct glare-free horizontal light and rejects a little bit of the light through the back of the lamp head, which shines on the the top of the arm. The simple mechanics allow it to move freely to be adjusted as you require. Available in black or white powder coated aluminum, the shade is painted white on the inside. reflecting comfortable diffused light. The base is made of steel.

The NJP Lamp designed by Nendo and presented by Louis Poulsen is another stylish desk or table lamp. It gives off direct glare-free horizontal light and rejects a little bit of the light through the back of the lamp head, which shines on the the top of the arm. The simple mechanics allow it to move freely to be adjusted as you require. Available in black or white powder coated aluminum, the shade is painted white on the inside. reflecting comfortable diffused light. The base is made of steel.

A stunning work of crystal art, this table lamp from Austria was shown in the display featuring work from the country. Eight exciting Austrian design companies presented their latest works in the booth.
A stunning work of crystal art, this table lamp from Austria was shown in the display featuring work from the country. Eight exciting Austrian design companies presented their latest works in the booth.
Straddling the worlds of lighting and art is this table fixture by SkLO of the Czech Republic. Named for the Czech word for glass, the company creates designs that "celebrate the nature of the handmade, the imperfect, the imprecise." It is the studio's signature piece and is made from a continuous length of a wound, hand blown Czech glass tube. The bulb hangs inside the glass piece. It is a separate brass socket with an attached handmade brass hook that attaches it to the glass wrap. No two exactly alike and the fixture can be had in 18 different glass colors.

Straddling the worlds of lighting and art is this table fixture by SkLO of the Czech Republic. Named for the Czech word for glass, the company creates designs that “celebrate the nature of the handmade, the imperfect, the imprecise.” It is the studio’s signature piece and is made from a continuous length of a wound, hand blown Czech glass tube. The bulb hangs inside the glass piece. It is a separate brass socket with an attached handmade brass hook that attaches it to the glass wrap. No two exactly alike and the fixture can be had in 18 different glass colors.

The Cypres floor lamp is by Brabbu and is meant to evoke the cypress tree, long a source of inspiration in for many artists. Brabbu says that the lamp "stands strong like the tree with its four gold plated brass sprouts emerging from the Carrara marble base." The individual lights are like the tree's seed cones. Brabbu is known for its handmade and mid-century modern lighting creations.

The Cypres floor lamp is by Brabbu and is meant to evoke the cypress tree, long a source of inspiration in for many artists. Brabbu says that the lamp “stands strong like the tree with its four gold plated brass sprouts emerging from the Carrara marble base.” The individual lights are like the tree’s seed cones. Brabbu is known for its handmade and mid-century modern lighting creations.

Cerno, in collaboration with Desiron /Frank Carfaro Hand-Crafted American Furniture, presented the Forma Table Lamp. Designer Nick Sheridan said that he and Carfare designed this more traditional fixture in a way "that embraced both Cerno and Desiron’s aesthetic, without deviating too much from either brand’s design language." The base is made from walnut or dark-stained walnut, topped by a shade in black, white or burlap.

Cerno, in collaboration with Desiron /Frank Carfaro Hand-Crafted American Furniture, presented the Forma Table Lamp. Designer Nick Sheridan said that he and Carfare designed this more traditional fixture in a way “that embraced both Cerno and Desiron’s aesthetic, without deviating too much from either brand’s design language.” The base is made from walnut or dark-stained walnut, topped by a shade in black, white or burlap.

The Maija Lamp from Santa & Cole are a re-edited version of the 1955 design by Finnish designer Imari Tapiovaara. Available as a table lamp or a hanging pendant, the fixture's translucent white glass diffuser helps soften and focus the light. The company says the lamp is meant to conjure the feeling of Baltic light from the inside outwards. The shape is also said to be reminiscent of a honeycomb belonging to a naughty honey bee named Maya that features in children's stories and cartoons.

The Maija Lamp from Santa & Cole are a re-edited version of the 1955 design by Finnish designer Imari Tapiovaara. Available as a table lamp or a hanging pendant, the fixture’s translucent white glass diffuser helps soften and focus the light. The company says the lamp is meant to conjure the feeling of Baltic light from the inside outwards. The shape is also said to be reminiscent of a honeycomb belonging to a naughty honey bee named Maya that features in children’s stories and cartoons.

The Maija lamp indeed can make you imagine a honeycomb and perhaps even the namesake bee.
The Maija lamp indeed can make you imagine a honeycomb and perhaps even the namesake bee.
The Portal is a modern table lamp that truly makes you feel as if it's possible to pass through it to another dimension. Presented by Christopher Boots, the brass fixture is also made with gallium, polymer and carrara marble. It is available in two sizes.
The Portal is a modern table lamp that truly makes you feel as if it’s possible to pass through it to another dimension. Presented by Christopher Boots, the brass fixture is also made with gallium, polymer and carrara marble. It is available in two sizes.
Juniper Design presented this handsome little light in a rosy polished copper finish. Beyond its lovely design, the coolest thing about the M2 lamp is that it's wireless. Powered by an integrated lithium battery, It can go anywhere. It was designed by British designer David Irwin and was inspired by miner’s lamps of 19th century North East England. The new version has a head that rotates a full 360 degrees, along with upgraded controls and greater stability.

Juniper Design presented this handsome little light in a rosy polished copper finish. Beyond its lovely design, the coolest thing about the M2 lamp is that it’s wireless. Powered by an integrated lithium battery, It can go anywhere. It was designed by British designer David Irwin and was inspired by miner’s lamps of 19th century North East England. The new version has a head that rotates a full 360 degrees, along with upgraded controls and greater stability.

Pablo Designs introduced its Giraffa desk light at ICFF 2016. The playful, little desk lamp works anywhere at home or in your office: on your desk, atop a nightstand, or is reading nook. The shade turns a full 360° giving this little guy powerful lighting functionality. It is available in brushed copper, black anodized aluminum and gloss white lacquer. the LED light source is dimmable.

Pablo Designs introduced its Giraffa desk light at ICFF 2016. The playful, little desk lamp works anywhere at home or in your office: on your desk, atop a nightstand, or is reading nook. The shade turns a full 360° giving this little guy powerful lighting functionality. It is available in brushed copper, black anodized aluminum and gloss white lacquer. the LED light source is dimmable.

Pablo also launched the Vella series, designed by John August in 2016. the fixture is completely adjustable thanks to the two independently swiveling louvers. The curved aluminum form subtly bathes the wall and floor with warm-white LED light.
Pablo also launched the Vella series, designed by John August in 2016. the fixture is completely adjustable thanks to the two independently swiveling louvers. The curved aluminum form subtly bathes the wall and floor with warm-white LED light.
Volk has plenty of spectacular suspended fixtures formed from bubble-like elements, but were particularly taken with the table lamp versions. Each style of lamp featured the bubble base, with one or two round globes for illumination.
Volk has plenty of spectacular suspended fixtures formed from bubble-like elements, but were particularly taken with the table lamp versions. Each style of lamp featured the bubble base, with one or two round globes for illumination.
The handmade nature of Keith Moore's designs shine through no matter whether he is producing furniture, lighting or accessories. We love the table lamp he crafted using a fibrous, hand-made paper for the shade.
The handmade nature of Keith Moore’s designs shine through no matter whether he is producing furniture, lighting or accessories. We love the table lamp he crafted using a fibrous, hand-made paper for the shade.
Known for retro modern and modern design for the home, Moore has designed, made, sold, and shipped over 750 handmade products nationally and internationally including clocks, furniture, and lighting. This charming little table lamps comes in a variety of colors.
Known for retro modern and modern design for the home, Moore has designed, made, sold, and shipped over 750 handmade products nationally and internationally including clocks, furniture, and lighting. This charming little table lamps comes in a variety of colors.
Moore uses wood, metal, ceramic, and plastic, and artisan paper to create lighting "that balances modern sensibilities with warmth."
Moore uses wood, metal, ceramic, and plastic, and artisan paper to create lighting “that balances modern sensibilities with warmth.”
The bright colors of the small table lamp from Lisa Fay Design are so eye catching! It features turned wood pieces in Black Walnut & Cherry, and a happy little hand-blown glass shade. The fixture is accented with a colorful cord.
The bright colors of the small table lamp from Lisa Fay Design are so eye catching! It features turned wood pieces in Black Walnut & Cherry, and a happy little hand-blown glass shade. The fixture is accented with a colorful cord.
Take a traditional table lamp design and give it to a modern design and what to you get? The Tube Top table lamp designed by Peter Stathis for Pablo Designs. The fixture sports a transparent, sculpted acrylic base with a lightweight mesh shade. Pictured here in a versatile brown, it's also available in a range of colorful options, as well as floor and pendant models.

Take a traditional table lamp design and give it to a modern design and what to you get? The Tube Top table lamp designed by Peter Stathis for Pablo Designs. The fixture sports a transparent, sculpted acrylic base with a lightweight mesh shade. Pictured here in a versatile brown, it’s also available in a range of colorful options, as well as floor and pendant models.

The Pris table lamp by Pelle is part of a modular lighting set that can be constructed as a single stick, as shown.
The Pris table lamp by Pelle is part of a modular lighting set that can be constructed as a single stick, as shown.
With two or more linear arms projecting from a base, the fixture takes on a different look. The arms have built-in diffusers that give off a warm LED light.
With two or more linear arms projecting from a base, the fixture takes on a different look. The arms have built-in diffusers that give off a warm LED light.
This year, KONCEPT launched Mr. GO! This colorful little fixture is a companion product line to the Mr. n table light. Mr. GO! has the same minimalist curved light panel design from Mr. n paired with two batteries that are USB chargeable. Portable and stylish!
This year, KONCEPT launched Mr. GO! This colorful little fixture is a companion product line to the Mr. n table light. Mr. GO! has the same minimalist curved light panel design from Mr. n paired with two batteries that are USB chargeable. Portable and stylish!
Moon Shine Lamp and Shade had all sorts of fun and funky shades, and we particularly like them in this table lamp. The "antennae" at the top play of of the lines in the shade, adding some whimsy to an already fin design.
Moon Shine Lamp and Shade had all sorts of fun and funky shades, and we particularly like them in this table lamp. The “antennae” at the top play of of the lines in the shade, adding some whimsy to an already fin design.
We were happy to see the British company at ICFF 2016 because for us it was love at first sight. While Anglepoise has been around for a long time, the company was in 2005 approached by the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre (in deference to the beloved Anglepoise® lamp that Dahl used in his writing hut), to create a giant version -- hence the Original Giant 1227™. This big pink version is just awesome.

We were happy to see the British company at ICFF 2016 because for us it was love at first sight. While Anglepoise has been around for a long time, the company was in 2005 approached by the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre (in deference to the beloved Anglepoise® lamp that Dahl used in his writing hut), to create a giant version — hence the Original Giant 1227™. This big pink version is just awesome.

A new spin on the floor lamp is the ‘Lean’ light from FEYZ Architecture and Design Studio. It was designed as a sculptural piece that casually leans against the wall. The metal tube goes directly through the globe light. The large 12” glass globes are all hand-made and accented with gold leaf. THE 7' tall hardware is made from brass and the entire fixture can be customized.

A new spin on the floor lamp is the ‘Lean’ light from FEYZ Architecture and Design Studio. It was designed as a sculptural piece that casually leans against the wall. The metal tube goes directly through the globe light. The large 12” glass globes are all hand-made and accented with gold leaf. THE 7′ tall hardware is made from brass and the entire fixture can be customized.

In a more traditional style with a rustic fiber shade, this wooden floor lamp would work in just about any space thanks to the neutral shade and versatile base.
In a more traditional style with a rustic fiber shade, this wooden floor lamp would work in just about any space thanks to the neutral shade and versatile base.
Lightexture's Iris Floor Lamp has two openings that adjust, changing the light;s direction and projections. The fixture has a reflective interior of that casts intricately patterned reflections. Handmade in Upstate New York, the Iris lamps have a patented mechanism for the overlapping leaves first explored in the company's Steamlight series. (Patent #8,025,430)

Lightexture’s Iris Floor Lamp has two openings that adjust, changing the light;s direction and projections. The fixture has a reflective interior of that casts intricately patterned reflections. Handmade in Upstate New York, the Iris lamps have a patented mechanism for the overlapping leaves first explored in the company’s Steamlight series.

Matthew Fairbank's floor lamp, called the The Fife Tripod, is an update of a mid-century lamp. It has lathe-turned wooden legs and a shade spun from satin nickel or satin brass with matching metal feet. The braided cloth cord hangs underneath the lamp. It is also available as a table lamp.
Matthew Fairbank’s floor lamp, called the The Fife Tripod, is an update of a mid-century lamp. It has lathe-turned wooden legs and a shade spun from satin nickel or satin brass with matching metal feet. The braided cloth cord hangs underneath the lamp. It is also available as a table lamp.
The table top version of the Fife Tripod is beautiful.
The table top version of the Fife Tripod is beautiful.
Another elegant wooden floor lamp is from Canada's Christopher Solar Design. Available in white oak or black ash, the The Alpha floor lamp has tall, tapered legs making up its wooden base . The large drum shade tops off the piece, making for a clean and elegant fixture.
Another elegant wooden floor lamp is from Canada’s Christopher Solar Design. Available in white oak or black ash, the The Alpha floor lamp has tall, tapered legs making up its wooden base . The large drum shade tops off the piece, making for a clean and elegant fixture.
Pablo's Circa floor lamp is just as technologically advanced as it looks. Not only does it feature a large, round LED panel, it includes a USB charging port on the table, floor and wall models. Pablo Studio designers set out to create a lamp that "blurs the boundary between the utilitarian work lamp and traditional shaded lamp." We would agree that they did it!

Pablo’s Circa floor lamp is just as technologically advanced as it looks. Not only does it feature a large, round LED panel, it includes a USB charging port on the table, floor and wall models. Pablo Studio designers set out to create a lamp that “blurs the boundary between the utilitarian work lamp and traditional shaded lamp.” We would agree that they did it!

Pablo's Lana lamp features a unique magnetic felt shade that can be attached in many ways. A magnetic LED allows the light to be attached to any ferrous surface, making it all at once a wall, table, and floor model. This level of adaptability make it highly functional.
Pablo’s Lana lamp features a unique magnetic felt shade that can be attached in many ways. A magnetic LED allows the light to be attached to any ferrous surface, making it all at once a wall, table, and floor model. This level of adaptability make it highly functional.
He may be best know for woodworking and furniture, but Peter Glassford displayed this mutliglobe floor lamp at ICFF 2016 and it is gorgeous.
He may be best know for woodworking and furniture, but Peter Glassford displayed this mutliglobe floor lamp at ICFF 2016 and it is gorgeous.
The Sketch Light floor lamp from Work and Design by Rafael Avramovich seems to have a tribal feel thanks to the way the lights are arranged at the ends. Made from oxidized brass, it is also available in raw brass or oxidized copper.
The Sketch Light floor lamp from Work and Design by Rafael Avramovich seems to have a tribal feel thanks to the way the lights are arranged at the ends. Made from oxidized brass, it is also available in raw brass or oxidized copper.
This light and elegant floor lamp from Secto Design is the, Owalo 7010. The wonderful shade is made from PEFC-certified formpressed birch in Finland. The slatted wood lets the lamp give off a soft light with just the right amount of ambiance. Of course, the piece uses the latest in LED light technology.
This light and elegant floor lamp from Secto Design is the, Owalo 7010. The wonderful shade is made from PEFC-certified formpressed birch in Finland. The slatted wood lets the lamp give off a soft light with just the right amount of ambiance. Of course, the piece uses the latest in LED light technology.
The drum shade on this lamp from Stillfried looks like it has been captured between the three individual sticks that make up its base. It reminds is of using chopsticks to pick up sushi.
The drum shade on this lamp from Stillfried looks like it has been captured between the three individual sticks that make up its base. It reminds is of using chopsticks to pick up sushi.
Named for the bow of a violin, the Bow from TightropeFurniture and Lighting is the perfect floor lamp for a small space -- or just a dark corner at home that need a slim light. The three-foot-long light bulb is comes in an incandescent and non-dimmable LED option. The fixture is made from steel and finished with the company's signature black patina.
Named for the bow of a violin, the Bow from TightropeFurniture and Lighting is the perfect floor lamp for a small space — or just a dark corner at home that need a slim light. The three-foot-long light bulb is comes in an incandescent and non-dimmable LED option. The fixture is made from steel and finished with the company’s signature black patina.

We’ve barely made a dent in all the new lighting fixtures that are available in floor and table models. Whether you want to spruce up your space or just want more lighting, there are stylish options to be had. You don’t need to settle for a traditional table lamp if you don’t want one.