The Retro Hat-Inspired Floor Lamp That Deserves A Comeback

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While lighting trends come and go, finding the perfect mix and layers of lighting for any space in your home is always on trend, particularly if your space lacks natural light or tends to feel rather cave-like once the sun goes down. This lighting trick that immediately boosts your home's ambience can include a combination of overhead fixtures, task lighting, and decor accents like wall sconces and candles. Floor lamps in particular are having a popular moment in design circles, especially those that feature lampshades made of rattan, wicker, or other woven materials, all popular in the mid-20th century. One specific style with its roots in the last century is due for a comeback: Conical shades inspired by the traditional Asian straw or bamboo sun hat design may be just the thing to elevate your room, whatever its aesthetic.

While the popularity of floor lamps in general peaked in the mid-twentieth century — where they could often be spotted next to seating and lighting up corners — they can still be a beautiful addition to interiors in a wide variety of styles imparting a distinctly retro feel. This particular conical hat-shaped shade differs from similar Empire-style shades that have less-angled sides and are typically open at the top, casting light both upward toward the ceiling and downward. The conical lampshades (which were often described using a now-dated derogatory term) instead direct the lighting down and away, perfect for use as reading lamps. Popular versions during the 20th century included the 9602 Floor Lamp designed in 1935 for the Hotel Aulanko by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell and more basic styles common in the 1950s and 1960s.

These stylish floor lamps brighten any dimly lit corner and are endlessly adaptable to a large variety of aesthetics, including tropical-inspired or Balinese-style interiors. They also work beautifully for boho spaces, cottage-style rooms, Scandinavian interiors, and coastal homes, depending on the design of the shade and base. The shades themselves can easily read as modern or traditional, making them endlessly adaptable and well-deserving of a comeback. You can find this style of floor lamp in more luxe models like the Yinj1835hh Ambient Chinese Floor Lamp or in more budget-friendly styles like the Kunjoulam pleated floor lamp, which pivots at the top to more intentionally direct the light.

Floor lamps don't typically require a lot of space, making them perfect for space-saving living room lighting. Their designs often feature a slender pole or column base that doesn't require a bulky table underneath, and can soften the ambient lighting for a cozy, refined feel. The conical lampshades disperse light more evenly than shades that are open at the top, making them great for reading or task lighting. The shade, often made with woven materials like rattan and bamboo, offers a warmer glow than traditional white fabric shades. The slender base also helps place a focus on the beauty of the shade, making this lamp design a beautiful way to add more texture in a room.