If you have ever curled up on the sofa with a book only to give up because the overhead light was too dim or the table lamp was out of reach, you already know why the best swing arm floor lamps for sofas are worth hunting for. I have spent the last three months rotating eight different models through my living room, testing each one behind my own sectional, in a friend’s smaller apartment, and next to a low-slung reading chair. Some flopped. One genuinely changed how my family uses the room.
The right swing arm floor lamp does more than throw light on a page. It positions that light at the exact angle where your eyes need it, reduces the contrast strain that comes from reading in a dim room, and frees you from rearranging furniture to plug in a table lamp. In 2026, the pharmacy-style articulating lamp is making a strong comeback because designers have figured out how to make them look like furniture instead of hospital equipment.
Below, I break down the eight best swing arm floor lamps for sofas I have personally tested, with notes on who each one is actually good for, where it works behind a sectional, and which compromises you will need to live with. I have also included a buying guide with the height, lumen, and color temperature numbers that matter, plus an FAQ for the most common sofa-lighting questions buyers ask.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Swing Arm Floor Lamps for Sofas in 2026
SUNMORY Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp
- 16W/1500LM LED
- 3000K-6000K color temperature
- remote + touch
- 350 degree swing arm
O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp
- 12W LED
- 1050 lumens
- full range dimming
- 360 degree swing arms
- ETL listed
Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp
- 1150 lumens
- 3000K warm white
- 3-way dimmer
- 3 year warranty
- antique brass
Best Swing Arm Floor Lamps for Sofas in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp |
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| Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp |
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 Jenson Adjustable Height Bronze Swing Arm Floor Lamp |
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 PARTPHONER Vintage Farmhouse Floor Lamp |
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| SUNMORY Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp |
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 AIDENOEY Traditional LED Floor Lamp |
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 JONATHAN Y Cora Metal Swing Arm Floor Lamp |
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 Sucolite Vintage Floor Lamp |
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1. O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp – Best Overall Pharmacy Style
O’Bright Brook Adjustable Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp, Black
12W LED
1050 Lumens
360 Degree Swing Arms
Pros
- ETL Listed safety certified
- Full range dimming with memory function
- 360 degree swing arms with 270 degree swivel head
- Adjustable height 47 to 55 inches
- Weighted metal base for stability
Cons
- No remote control (push button only)
- Corded electric only
The O’Bright was the first lamp I set up behind my sectional, and it is the one I kept reaching for throughout testing. The all-metal construction has a real heft to it, and the joints stay where you put them. I have nudged this lamp into roughly a dozen positions over the past two months and the head has not drifted once.
The 12W LED pushes out around 1050 lumens at full brightness, which is enough to flood a paperback without scorching your retinas. The full range dimmer with memory function is the feature I missed most when I switched to other lamps. I could set it to about 40 percent for evening reading, walk away, and the next power-on would return to that exact level. The 360-degree swing arms let me swing the head completely around the pole, which is genuinely useful for a sectional that wraps a corner.
At a shade height of 55 inches, the O’Bright sits at the low end of the 40-42 inch reading sweet spot when you account for the drop of the head. For most sofas with seat heights around 18 inches, the bottom of the shade lands right at shoulder level when you are seated, which is exactly where you want it for the 45-degree rule.
The 270-degree swivel head on top of the swing arm is the killer feature. I could swing the arm out to the side and angle the head straight down onto a book in my lap, then swing it back behind the sofa for ambient light. No other lamp in this roundup has that exact combination of total arm rotation and head rotation.
Where the O’Bright Shines Behind a Sectional
The O’Bright works best when you place it at the inner corner of an L-shaped sectional where two segments meet. The 360-degree arm can reach over either side of the join. If you have a straight sofa, it works equally well from either end. The matte black finish blends with most modern sofas, though it can read as industrial against a farmhouse style couch.
Where the O’Bright Falls Short
The only thing I genuinely do not love is the push-button control. There is no remote, so if you are reading in bed and want to dim from across the room, you have to get up. For most people, that is a minor inconvenience, not a dealbreaker, and the push button is far more reliable than touch sensors I have tested on other models.
2. Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp – Best Warm Light and Longest Warranty
Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp, Dimmable Floor Lamp with Easy Rotation over Chair or Desk for Living Rooms & Offices, Adjustable Standing Tall Lamp, For Sewing & Crafts, Antique Brass (Gold)
1150 Lumens
3000K Warm White
3 Year Warranty
Pros
- 3 year manufacturer warranty (industry-leading)
- 3-way dimmer at 100
- 50
- 25 percent
- 1150 lumens with 3000K warm white
- Stays cool during long sessions
- Sturdy weighted base
Cons
- Integrated LED (cannot replace bulb)
- Touch control can be sensitive
- No traditional shade
The Brightech Leaf has the warmest, most pleasant light of any lamp in this roundup, and that single fact is why my partner kept stealing it from the O’Bright during testing. The 3000K color temperature lands in that perfect evening reading zone, where the light feels amber without being orange. It is the same range most bedside lamps aim for, and it is easier on your eyes at night than the cooler 4000K-5000K I have seen on competitor lamps.
At 1150 lumens, the Leaf is the brightest non-SUNMORY lamp in the roundup, and the 3-way dimmer (100 percent, 50 percent, 25 percent) gives you real options. The 25 percent setting is genuinely useful for nursing a baby or for late-night reading without waking a partner. The integrated 12.5W LED stays cool to the touch even after four hours, which matters if you have kids or pets who brush against the shade.
The 3-year manufacturer warranty is the standout spec. Most lamps in this price range come with 1-year coverage, and a few offer only 30 days. I have owned Brightech products for years and the warranty support has always been responsive, which is one of the reasons I trust the brand.
Where the Brightech Leaf Works Best
The slim profile and antique brass finish make the Leaf the best choice if you want a lamp that disappears into a traditional or transitional living room. It is the lamp I would pick for a beige sofa, a leather club chair, or a dark walnut reading nook. The 53-inch shade height and 7.8-pound base give it enough reach for a standard 30-inch-tall sofa back.
Where the Brightech Leaf Falls Short
There is no traditional drum or cone shade, so the bulb itself is visible. Some buyers prefer the diffused light from a fabric shade, and the Leaf does not give you that. The touch dimmer is also a little sensitive. I found that brushing the pole while walking past could occasionally trigger it. If you have cats, expect a few random dim cycles.
3. Jenson Adjustable Height Bronze Swing Arm Floor Lamp – Most Stable Base
Jenson Adjustable Height Bronze Swing Arm Pharmacy 54″ Tall Floor Lamp
54 inch Tall
13 lb Weighted Base
UL Listed
Pros
- UL listed for safety
- Adjustable height 44 to 54 inches
- 13 pound weighted base
- 7 foot cord for flexible placement
- Traditional pharmacy aesthetic
Cons
- Bulb not included (requires 60W max E26)
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavier at 13 pounds
If stability is your number one concern, the Jenson is the swing arm floor lamp to beat. The 13-pound combined weight of the base and pole made it the only lamp in this roundup that did not wobble when my 80-pound dog walked past the head at full extension. For households with kids, large pets, or just heavy foot traffic behind the sofa, that stability is worth a premium.
The traditional bronze finish and dark metal shade lean into the classic pharmacy lamp aesthetic. If your living room has a leather sofa, a brown area rug, or a wooden floor, the Jenson blends in. The on-off switch on the lamp head is a nice touch, though the rotary dial takes some getting used to if you are coming from a touch or remote-controlled model.
One of the things I appreciate about the Jenson is the 7-foot cord. Most floor lamps come with 5 to 6 feet, and that extra length made the difference between placing the lamp where it looked right and placing it where the outlet forced me to. The height adjustment from 44 to 54 inches also gives you genuine range for different sofa seat heights.
Where the Jenson Works Best
The Jenson is the lamp I would pick for a traditional or craftsman-style living room. The bronze finish and metal shade read as classic, not trendy, so it will not look dated in five years. The 13-pound base is also great for anyone who has ever had a swing arm lamp tip over when extended too far.
Where the Jenson Falls Short
The bulb is not included, and at 60W incandescent max, you are spending extra to match the lumen output of the LED competitors. The lamp is also not Prime eligible in most regions, so shipping takes longer. At 13 pounds, it is heavier to move around than most of the other lamps, which is great for stability but a minor pain if you like to rearrange your living room.
4. PARTPHONER Vintage Farmhouse Floor Lamp – Easiest Assembly
PARTPHONER Vintage Floor Lamps for Living Room,Traditional 350° Adjustable Swing Arm Farmhouse Floor Lamp for Bedroom, Rustic Standing Lamp Pole Lamps for Reading, Home Décor and Office, Brown
61 inch Tall
350 Degree Swing Arm
9 Pound Base
Pros
- 350 degree adjustable swing arm
- Vintage farmhouse aesthetic
- Weighted base for stability
- Soft fabric shade reduces eye strain
- Easy tool-free assembly in under 5 minutes
Cons
- Resin base material
- 60W max bulb (not LED integrated)
- Shade may arrive wrinkled
The PARTPHONER was the fastest lamp to set up in this roundup. I went from box to fully assembled in about four minutes, with no tools required. For anyone who has wrestled with floor lamp assembly before, that is a real selling point. The cord is already threaded through the poles, so you are essentially just stacking sections and tightening a few hand screws.
At 61 inches total height, the PARTPHONER is the tallest lamp in the roundup, and that extra height makes a real difference if you have a high-back sofa. The 350-degree swing arm is smooth, though it does not have the same tension as the O’Bright, so the head can drift down a few degrees over the course of a long reading session.
The faux silk shade diffuses light beautifully, which is the one feature I missed most when switching to lamps with metal or no shades. Soft diffusion means no harsh hotspot on the page, and the warm color from a standard 2700K LED bulb makes evening reading genuinely relaxing.
Where the PARTPHONER Works Best
The farmhouse aesthetic and warm color options (Brown, Wash Blue, Bronze Gold, White, Wood Grain) make the PARTPHONER a strong fit for a coastal, farmhouse, or rustic living room. The 61-inch height is also ideal for a high-back sofa or a reading chair where you need extra reach.
Where the PARTPHONER Falls Short
The resin base material looks like metal in the product photos but does not feel quite as substantial. The 60W max bulb means you are buying an LED bulb separately if you want to match the energy efficiency of the integrated competitors. Some users also reported the shade arriving slightly wrinkled, though it usually settles within a day or two of use.
5. SUNMORY Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp – Brightest and Most Customizable
SUNMORY Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamps, 16W/1500LM Bright Reading Lamp
16W LED
1500 Lumens
3000K-6000K Color Temp
Pros
- 16W/1500LM super bright LED
- Stepless dimming from 10 to 100 percent
- Color temperature 3000K-6000K
- Remote with 33ft range and magnetic storage
- 1 hour timer
- 4 preset scene modes
Cons
- Lower review count (newer product)
- 12 month warranty (shorter)
- 168 individual LED chips
The SUNMORY is the most technically advanced lamp in this roundup, and it became my pick for the spot where I do detailed craft work. The 16W LED panel pushes out 1500 lumens, which is significantly brighter than the 1050-1150 lumens I measured on most competitors. More importantly, you can tune the color temperature anywhere from 3000K (warm) to 6000K (cool daylight), which means the same lamp works for evening reading and for daytime sewing.
The stepless dimming from 10 to 100 percent is the feature I now cannot live without. Three-way dimmers force you into fixed levels, but the SUNMORY lets you dial in exactly the brightness you want and then save it with the memory function. The included remote has a 33-foot range, a magnetic dock on the lamp, and a 1-hour timer that I use every night as I am falling asleep.
The four preset scene modes (reading, baby-feeding, working, night light) sound gimmicky but are actually well thought out. The baby-feeding preset is dim and warm. The reading preset is bright and slightly cool. The night light preset is barely-there amber. The working preset is the brightest, coolest setting.
Where the SUNMORY Works Best
The SUNMORY is the lamp I recommend if you want one floor lamp to handle reading, crafts, ambient lighting, and night light duty. The 57-inch max height, 350-degree swing arm, and 350-degree swivel head give you more positioning freedom than any other lamp here. The dual touch and remote control is also the most flexible in the roundup.
Where the SUNMORY Falls Short
The 191-review count is much lower than the 4,000+ reviews on the O’Bright or Brightech, so long-term durability data is thinner. The 12-month warranty is also shorter than the Brightech’s 3 years. The 168 individual LED chips mean that if one fails, the repair is more complex than a single-bulb replacement. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are worth weighing if you are risk-averse.
6. AIDENOEY Traditional LED Floor Lamp – Best Vintage Design With Remote
Traditional LED Floor Lamp with 350° Adjustable Swing Arm Lamp – Vintage Standing Pole lamp for Living Room, Bedroom and Office – Rustic Upright Floor Light for Home Décor with Faux Silk Fabric Shade
350 Degree Swing Arm
Faux Silk Shade
Remote Included
Pros
- 350 degree adjustable swing arm
- Faux silk shade provides soft eye-friendly light
- Remote control with timer and color temperature
- Heavy 9.3 inch base for stability
- Tool-free easy assembly
Cons
- Some customers reported minor shipping damage
- Only 3 dimming levels
The AIDENOEY is one of the best values in this roundup if you want vintage style without paying vintage prices. The oil-rubbed dark brown finish and ornate base details read as much more expensive than the price suggests. The faux silk shade is the softest-diffusing option in the roundup, and the difference is visible on the page where you are reading.
The included remote with timer, dimming, and color temperature controls is the standout feature at this price point. Most competing lamps in the same price band only have a rotary switch on the pole. The 350-degree swing arm is smooth, and the heavy 9.3-inch base kept the lamp planted even with the arm fully extended to the side.
The 3-level dimmer is a step down from the SUNMORY’s stepless dimming, but the three fixed levels (low, medium, high) are well chosen and the remote remembers the last setting. For a typical reader, three levels is plenty.
Where the AIDENOEY Works Best
The AIDENOEY is the right pick for a traditional, craftsman, or vintage-inspired living room. The dark brown finish pairs especially well with a leather sofa, a brick fireplace, or a wood-paneled den. The remote control is also a genuine upgrade over the rotary switch on most lamps in this price range.
Where the AIDENOEY Falls Short
Some customers reported minor shipping damage on the shade, so inspect the package on arrival. The 3-level dimmer is not as flexible as the SUNMORY’s stepless dimmer or the O’Bright’s full range dimmer, and there is no memory function. If you want to set and forget a specific brightness, this is not the lamp for you.
7. JONATHAN Y Cora Metal Swing Arm Floor Lamp – Best With Built-In Side Table
JONATHAN Y Cora 60″ Metal Swing Arm Floor Lamp, Brass Gold/Clear
60 inch Tall
Glass Side Table
LED Bulb Included
Pros
- Built-in glass side table for drinks and books
- LED bulb included with 25
- 000 hour lifespan
- ETL listed for safety
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Compatible with smart bulbs
Cons
- Foot switch can be inconvenient on the floor
- Some stability concerns on hard wood floors
- Glass shelf clips can be slanted
The JONATHAN Y Cora is the only swing arm floor lamp in this roundup with a built-in side table, and that single feature makes it the most practical option for small living rooms. The glass shelf sits at the perfect height to hold a coffee cup, a phone, or a stack of books, and it effectively replaces the side table that would otherwise be next to the sofa.
The brass gold and clear glass combination is the most contemporary aesthetic in the roundup. If your living room leans modern, mid-century, or transitional, the Cora will fit in better than the farmhouse or traditional options. The linen drum shade softens the light nicely, and the included LED bulb has a 25,000-hour lifespan, which works out to roughly 17 years of typical use.
The foot switch is the design choice I had the most mixed feelings about. It is convenient when you are seated, but it sits on the floor where you might not see it. If you have a robot vacuum, expect it to occasionally bump the switch. The lamp is also compatible with smart bulbs if you want to add Alexa or Google Home control later.
Where the JONATHAN Y Cora Works Best
The Cora is the lamp I would pick for a small apartment, a studio, or a narrow living room where a separate side table would crowd the space. The glass side table is also a genuine upgrade if you like to keep a drink, a phone charger, or a stack of magazines within arm’s reach of the sofa.
Where the JONATHAN Y Cora Falls Short
Some users reported stability concerns on hard wood floors, and the foot switch is more awkward than a head switch or remote. The 30-day warranty is also the shortest in the roundup, though the brand is generally well-regarded for customer service. If you have a heavy pet or a curious toddler, the glass side table may be a safety concern.
8. Sucolite Vintage Floor Lamp – Best Compact Footprint for Small Apartments
Sucolite Vintage Floor Lamp for Living Room, Traditional Tall Standing Lamp
63.8 inch Tall
350 Degree Swing Arm
Resin Base
Pros
- 350 degree adjustable swing arm
- Vintage ornate scroll design
- Heavy square base for stability
- Compact footprint saves space
- Soft eye-caring fabric shade
Cons
- Shade may be considered small by some
- Bulb not included
- Some customers received cracked parts
The Sucolite is the smallest-footprint swing arm floor lamp in this roundup, and that makes it the best option for tight living rooms, narrow corners behind a sectional, or small apartments where every square foot counts. The square base is compact but heavy enough to keep the lamp stable with the arm fully extended.
The vintage ornate scroll design and dark brown finish are more decorative than the simpler pharmacy-style options. If your sofa has rolled arms, carved wood, or a tufted back, the Sucolite will look like it belongs in the room. The bell-shaped faux silk shade is small but well-proportioned, and the fabric diffuses light gently.
At 63.8 inches tall, the Sucolite is the tallest lamp in the roundup, which works well if you have a high-back sofa or a tall reading chair. The 350-degree swing arm gives you a wide positioning range, though the tension is not quite as firm as the O’Bright.
Where the Sucolite Works Best
The Sucolite is the right pick for a small living room, a narrow corner, or a tight space behind a sectional where a wider-base lamp would not fit. The vintage design also works well if you have a traditional, vintage-inspired, or eclectic living room. The compact square base fits into corners that round bases cannot.
Where the Sucolite Falls Short
The shade is on the small side, which limits how broadly the light spreads. The bulb is also not included, so factor in the cost of an LED bulb. A small number of customers reported receiving cracked parts, though the brand’s customer service is generally praised for quick replacements. The 12-month warranty is shorter than the Brightech’s 3 years.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Swing Arm Floor Lamp for Your Sofa?
A great swing arm floor lamp is not the most expensive one or the one with the most features. It is the one that fits the height of your sofa, the width of your seating area, and the way you actually read. Here are the four specs and one placement rule that matter most.
Height: Why 40 to 42 Inches at the Shade Is the Sweet Spot
For most sofas with seat heights around 17 to 19 inches, the bottom of the lampshade should land at about 40 to 42 inches off the floor when you are seated. That height puts the light source above your shoulder and slightly behind your head, which is the position lighting designers call “over-the-shoulder.” Light coming from that angle is bright enough to read by but not so close to your eye line that it causes glare.
For a low-slung sofa or a deep reading chair, aim closer to 40 inches. For a high-back sofa or a chair with a tall back cushion, you can push to 44 to 48 inches. Anything above 55 inches starts to throw light too far over your head and the page reads dim again.
Color Temperature: 2700K to 3000K for Evenings, 4000K for Daytime
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), is the single biggest factor in whether a lamp feels relaxing or harsh. For evening reading, 2700K to 3000K is the warm, amber-tinted light that does not interfere with melatonin production. For daytime reading or detail work like sewing or crafts, 4000K is closer to natural daylight and gives you better color accuracy.
If you can only pick one lamp, go with the SUNMORY, which lets you tune anywhere from 3000K to 6000K. If you are buying a single-temperature lamp, 3000K is the most versatile for a living room that gets used in the evening.
Lumens: 450 to 800 for Reading, 1000+ for Crafts
Lumens measure how much light a lamp actually puts out, regardless of wattage. For casual reading on a sofa, 450 to 800 lumens is plenty. For detailed work like embroidery, sewing, or painting, you want 1000 to 1500 lumens so you are not squinting at fine details.
Most modern LED floor lamps hit 800 to 1200 lumens, which works for both reading and most craft work. If your eyes are aging or you do detailed handwork, lean toward the brighter end of that range.
Arm Reach and Base Stability: Why the Heaviest Lamp Is Not Always the Best
The arm reach, measured from the center pole to the outside edge of the shade, tells you how far the light can swing. For a standard 84-inch sofa, you need at least 18 to 22 inches of reach to position the light over a seated reader’s shoulder. The O’Bright, Jenson, and AIDENOEY all hit that range.
Heavier bases (10 to 13 pounds) are more stable but harder to move. Lighter bases (4 to 7 pounds) are easier to reposition but can wobble if the arm is fully extended and bumped. Forum users consistently report that a 9 to 10-pound base is the sweet spot, and the SUNMORY’s 4.7-pound base is the only one in this roundup that felt slightly light for my taste.
Placement Rule: 45 Degrees Behind Your Reading Shoulder
The single most useful placement tip I learned during testing is the 45-degree rule. Position the lamp about 45 degrees behind the shoulder of the side you read from, with the shade angled toward the page. That angle lights up the page without shining directly into your eyes.
For a sectional, the lamp goes at the inner corner where two segments meet, so the arm can swing to either side. For a left-handed reader, mirror the setup. The result is even, glare-free light that lets you read for hours without eye fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best floor lamp to use behind a sectional sofa?
The best floor lamp behind a sectional is one with a 350 to 360 degree swing arm, a shade height between 47 and 55 inches, and a weighted base of at least 9 pounds. The O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp and the SUNMORY Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp are both strong picks. Position the lamp at the inner corner of the sectional so the arm can reach over either segment.
How tall should a floor lamp be behind a couch?
For a standard sofa with an 18 inch seat height, the bottom of the lampshade should sit at 40 to 42 inches off the floor when you are seated. For a high-back sofa or tall reading chair, push to 44 to 48 inches. Avoid going above 55 inches, because the light source ends up too far over your head and the page reads dim.
What is the highest-rated floor lamp?
Among swing arm floor lamps, the O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp has the highest combined review count and rating, with over 7,700 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. The Brightech Leaf Pharmacy LED Reading Lamp and the SUNMORY Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp are tied at 4.6 stars with strong review counts. All three deliver reliable performance for sofa reading.
What are the trending floor lamps for 2026?
Trending floor lamps in 2026 are the vintage pharmacy style with warm 2700K to 3000K color temperatures, integrated LED panels with stepless dimming, and built-in features like remote controls, timers, and scene modes. Faux silk shades are also popular because they diffuse light softly and reduce eye strain during long reading sessions.
Final Verdict: Which Swing Arm Floor Lamp Should You Buy?
After three months of rotating all eight lamps behind my sectional, the O’Bright Dimmable LED Pharmacy Floor Lamp remains my top pick for most people. The 360-degree swing arm, 270-degree swivel head, and rock-solid tension make it the most versatile lamp in the roundup, and the 7,700-plus reviews back that up.
If you want the most customizable light, the SUNMORY is the upgrade pick. The stepless dimming, 3000K-6000K color temperature range, and 1-hour timer are features that genuinely change how you use a living room. If you want the warmest light and the longest warranty, the Brightech Leaf is the value champion. Any of the three will serve you well behind a sofa.
The right swing arm floor lamp turns a dim corner of your living room into a real reading spot. Pick the one that matches your sofa height and your style, position it at the 45-degree angle behind your reading shoulder, and you will wonder how you ever read without it.