Ashley Canada Lighting: Table Lamps, Floor Lamps, and More

Good lighting is the thing most people don’t think about until a room feels off and they can’t figure out why. It’s not the sofa. It’s not the rug. The right lamp changes the feel of a space, whether that’s a warm table lamp on a nightstand, a floor lamp rescuing a dark corner, or a desk lamp saving your eyes during late-night work sessions.

Types of Lamps

Table lamps are the most versatile of the three. They sit on nightstands, consoles, side tables, and bookshelves, adding focused light and visual interest wherever you place them. Floor lamps stand on their own and are a practical solution for brightening a seating area without touching the ceiling, making them a go-to in rentals. Desk lamps are compact and task-focused, built for reading or studying where you need a steady, direct light source. If you’re also thinking about overhead fixtures, the pendant lighting guide covers placement and style options for dining rooms and entryways.

Before You Buy

Scale is the most common thing people get wrong. A lamp that looks great in a photo can feel undersized next to a large sectional or oversized on a small nightstand. For table lamps: the base and shade together should stand about 1.5 times the height of the surface they’re sitting on, with the bottom of the shade at eye level when seated. Floor lamps typically land between 58 and 64 inches tall for even spread across a room.

Bulb temperature matters too. Warm white (2700K to 3000K) suits living rooms and bedrooms. Cooler, brighter bulbs are better for desks and task lighting. For more on layering ambient, task, and accent light, the home lighting ideas guide is a practical starting point.

Frequently Asked Lighting Questions

What size table lamp do I need for a nightstand? A good starting point: the lamp should stand roughly 1.5 times the height of the nightstand, with the shade bottom at about shoulder height when you’re sitting up in bed.

Can a floor lamp replace overhead lighting? In smaller or cozier spaces, yes. Pairing a torchiere floor lamp with a nearby table lamp creates layered light that covers the room without needing a ceiling fixture.

What type of lamp is good for reading? An adjustable arm floor lamp or a directional desk lamp gives focused light without glare on the page. Position it so the light falls over your shoulder rather than straight at your face.

Where should I place a floor lamp in a living room? Behind or beside a sofa or reading chair is the most common placement, angled slightly inward so the light falls across the seating area and helps define the space.

Browse the full lighting range online or visit one of Ashley Canada’s 39 store locations from B.C. to Ontario.