Getting a floor lamp is having both style and functionality added to your room. It is a great way to show off your living space to best advantage and at the same time it adds more illumination fixtures in your home where space is limited. The various designs, colors, patterns and shapes will allow you to find the perfect one to suit your room. They often go hand in hand with the other lighting in your rooms and it is recommended to use them both for best effect. In choosing to buy a one there are a few considerations you have to make.

Consider the area. If the free standing illumination is simply for ambient seeing, then 'torchieres' are good choices. If it is needed for illuminating a space for reading or other activities, an open bottom lampshade that concentrates it downward is better. Swing lamps are best for work places where illumination is used occasionally rather than constantly for accentuation. It is always important to know the measurement of the area you want to place a new piece in. Some are bulky and may need a lot of space while some are slim and may be overpowered by the other furniture beside it.

The height is also important, as a general rule the upper rim of the piece must be above an average standing person's eye level. For reading purposes, the lower rim must be below the eye level but above the shoulders of a sitting person beside it. This is to ensure that the eyes are protected from prolonged exposure to glare.

Selecting bulb types for a new item is also a consideration. Light emitting diodes or LEDs are more power saving and environment friendly than the other types but are more expensive on first purchase. Next to this are the fluorescent ones and the least among them are the old incandescent type. Halogen ones can generate bright light but can also emit extreme heat.

Power switches are also important. The traditional styles are the pull chains. Since technology has been moving forward each day, they are now controlled via rotating switches, touch-on switches and even remote controls. Some have 'dimmer' switches as well. Reading illumination is best used with a remote control for the convenience of the user.

Also take into consideration the safety of the place you want to place your new floor lamp. Pets and children may run into or bump them and may cause a safety hazard in your room. Choose one with a steady base, preferably heavy, so it will not be knocked off easily. In another case, do not place delicate pieces in rooms where there is heavy traffic and pets or children are usually around. Aside from the base, choose the style, texture, color and design carefully. The beauty of ornate items can be brought out by placing it in a simple or plain background. Simple coverings are often better for places that are already heavily patterned or decorated. Make sure that the piece you will choose blends in perfectly to the room to enhance your room's aesthetic value.