What is a Torchiere Lamp?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, torchiere lamps first became available in the United States in 1983 -- with a significant growth in sales in the 1990s. Torchiere lamps are available in different designs and provide lighting in large spaces. However, a torchiere lamp with the wrong bulbs can be hazardous so its important to take specific safety precautions when using one. Does this Spark an idea?

Description

Torchiere lamps are free-standing lamps with a shallow bowl-shaped light fixture mounted on a stand made of wood, metal or other material. Torchiere lamps typically have a 6-foot stand but torchiere table lamps are made as well. A torchiere lamp is illuminated by a fluorescent, halogen, incandescent, compact fluorescent or other energy-saving bulbs. Some torchieres have dimmers that allow you to adjust the light intensity.

Floor Lamp vs.Torchiere Lamp

Unlike a floor lamp, which provides task lighting, a torchiere lamp provides ambient lighting. This means that torchiere lamps provide general illumination in a space, much like table lamps and ceiling mounted lights do, by reflecting light off the ceiling and walls. The light is soft and covers a larger area than a floor lamp. However, like floor lamps, torchiere lamps are available in different designs from traditional to modern.

Design Ideas

Use a torchiere lamp to light up a dark corner or a space that doesn't have a lot of ambient lighting. For example, place a tall torchiere lamp in the hallway beside a console table or beside a sofa in the living room. A tall torchiere lamp can also be placed beside your bed or in a corner in your bedroom. Likewise, a torchiere table lamp can be placed on a console table in the hallway, on a side table in the living room or on a bedside table.

Safety Tips

Halogen torchiere lamps, specifically torchiere floor lamps, can pose a fire hazard because of the high output of light that they produce. Therefore, it is important to use a halogen bulb of 300 watts or less. For extra safety, install a wire guard over the glass bulb to make it more difficult for flammable materials to touch the lamp's halogen bulb. Additionally, never place the lamp near window treatments or drape clothes over the lamp. Never leave the lamp on unattended and keep children and pets away from the lamp to reduce the likelihood of the lamp tipping over.