olldbobbi Floor lamps that have a good balance between shade and shaft look the best to me, like the first example. Otherwise they look top heavy and a bit tipsy.

Fieldstone Hill Design @olldbob You are so right - tipsy is the worst! As for me, I look for a balance between the bottom base and the top. I don't mind the shade being a wee bit larger, as long as the overall balance is pleasing to the eye.

Diamondflame Yes about the 'tipsy' look but only if they are used as standalone pieces. Most of the time these lamps are positioned behind or next to sofas or coffee tables. You seldom see their bases.

Jules The latest addition to my family room, tripod floor lamps from Big Lots, for a mere $100!

appytrails I've been looking for months for a stylish floor lamp that is also a good reading lamp, without success. Most of the floor lamps have diffuse lighting and are not good for reading.Those that have good reading light are pharmacy or industrial looking.
Currently, I bought a desk lamp with a gooseneck that i can read by, but is not what I wanted.
If anyone can point me towards something that would work for me, I'd appreciate it.

kitter Floor lamps from Ott Lights are great for reading & some are decorative (no connection, just a satisfied customer).

sclawson Not sure what could possible merit spending more than $500 for a floor lamp, let alone $1000+. My budget is closer to under $200, and my guess is that's the case for most houzzers. How about an article that helps us maximize style within real-life ranges?

Fieldstone Hill Design @sclawson You might enjoy the Kenroy, the House of Troy, the Sonneman, or the Jeffrey featured here in this article as affordable solutions. Also, I encourage you to use tools like Houzz to find inspiration - in addition to shopping solutions. Once you find a style you like, determination + the internet can lead to amazing deals and high style. Best of luck!

Pink Fortitude, LLC @sclawson - I went to the end of the internet to find the Murray Feiss lamp I wanted at a price I wanted to pay. And then matched it with a thrift store find with the exact same lines and shape. I'm sure it's a design no-no for some Houzzers, but it works and was affordable!

Fieldstone Hill Design @hjracer , what a fantastic score! I love your story. I dare say anyone who would call that kind of ingenuity a design "no-no" is a bit too big for their britches. As an interior designer and haute couture lover, I find limitations {even monetary ones} to be the mother of creativity. If you are determined, you really can add style and top-level beauty to your homes at any budget. Good for you!

mmsalg Just thought I'd add this See 'n Stone Floor Lamp to the mix as well. Custom made by Home Woods >>> http://custm.co/hz/127

susq48 How much?

toomuchbeige I just bought this floor lamp and am wondering if its too "comtemporary" a look for our cottage type setting. The shade is well.....any thoughts? It really lights up the area and I will be doing something as a collage behind it on that wall.....

olldbobbi toomuchbeige, I like the lamp! If you add a collage behind it, I would remove everything on top of the hutch or it will be too busy.

toomuchbeige Ok Thanks! But...what would you suggest on the walls (s) behind the lamp? It seems to need something....A Large picture or textile?

olldbobbi I think if you center the lamp in the corner you won't need to add anything at all.