An Overhead Light That Everyone Will Love

We will start with the Flos Arco floor lamp, the father of all modern cantilevered floor lamps, designed by the Castiglioni brothers and launched in 1962. It is included in the permanent design collection of MoMA in New York and can be found everywhere at the same time. In some cases, it looks as good today as it did when it first launched.

When it comes to design, the Arco lamp strictly follows the traditional modern credo of “form follows function” – there is even a hole in the Carrara marble base that can be moved by two people with a broom. In addition, the Arco lamp has an adjustable arc and rotating shade for precise light control, an important feature that any cantilever floor lamp needs.

For many design icons, almost immediately or years later, a spin-off is created. Arco gave birth to the Nova Arc floor lamp. Its drum-shaped shade bridges the gap between ultra-fashion and tradition, making it suitable for almost any style and not as bold as the Arco lamp thanks to its shorter arms.

Another interesting version of the curved floor lamp has a height-adjustable shade during installation, which is a useful design detail. The wood veneer tones balance well the other subtle wood details in the room, refreshing in a sea of white. This floor lamp reminds me of a fishing rod, which is an interesting background reference to a waterfront (Long Island, NY) home.

The minimalist style makes this plain and simple original a good choice for casual or ultra-modern environments. The pleated hue softens the look. With such a lamp, you can certainly customize it by covering the shade over the fabric of your choice. Think Scandinavian style and cover it with a piece of Marimekko fabric, or cover it with a rich jewel-toned brocade to bridge the gap between modern and antique.

Looking for a great design without the 60s style? The Tolomeo Giant Floor Lamp is the big brother of the iconic Tolomeo Table Lamp, designed in 1986 and known for its sleek mechanics and steel cables that form part of the constant tension structure.

This oversized version may be a bit of a joke for those who recognize its unique form, but given the merits of its beautiful Italian design, it is the kind of lamp you can enjoy for many years to come.

This straight-arm cantilevered floor lamp has good reach, making it perfect for eclectic or modern interiors. The playful design has a stick figure-like presence, and with its ultra-skinny silhouette, it really doesn’t have much appeal.

Depending on the size of the room, as well as the layout of the furniture, such a long arm can be a huge benefit or an inconvenience. So, before investing in a cantilever light, it’s important to fully understand what is right for your space.

Here’s another interesting stickman silhouette, although this one reminds me of a big magnifying glass – which fits perfectly, as the carpet is the drama of the classic eye chart. This lamp is more limited in providing directional light, but it is lacking due to the shorter arm, but its height makes up for it.

Rustic, playful and modern, this wooden cantilever floor lamp has a style that reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright and Japanese rice paper lanterns. It will pair perfectly with Scandinavian-style interiors, rustic furnishings and even a small cottage in the woods.

Love the design references of the 40s and 50s? this modern adjustable arm light is perfect for an eclectic look and is a perfect match for antique and flea market finds. It can be used as shown, or the arm can be raised to its maximum height and adjusted to a 90-degree angle to create direct overhead illumination.

One last thought: don’t think that a cantilevered floor lamp is at its best in the living room. Take a look at this stunning furniture layout and lighting solution, it’s perfect for the bedroom.

For me, the cantilevered floor lamp is the perfect solution for a low lantern look on a coffee table, I’ve always wanted to incorporate it into my living room décor, and I’m glad I can have a similar look which is also practical.