The IKEA Lighting Mistake A Pro Designer Warns To Avoid At All Costs

Of the many IKEA floor lamps that exist out there, few are as ubiquitous as the TAGARP lamp. Popular and budget-friendly, the TAGARP floor lamp is made of recycled plastic, with one bowl-shaped light fixture at the top and a second reading light halfway down. You may recognize it from your college dorm room or first apartment. You may still have it today — we won't judge. Although we can't say the same for Annie Elliott, interior designer and founder of Annie Elliott Design, who warns to avoid it at all costs. In a TikTok video, Elliott explains that the TAGARP reading lamp is not only visually unappealing, but the upward-facing light fixture — a design style known as torchiere — directs the light at the ceiling which creates an unflattering ambiance in the space. She adds that the reading light feature, though practical, has a harsh glare that is not ideal for unwinding on the couch with your favorite novel. Despite its very affordable price point of $13.99, the interior designer makes clear that it is not worth the money. The good news is that there are many alternatives out there that afford the same benefits without the eyesore. 

If you're on a mission to choose the perfect floor lamp for your space, we're here to help. There are many excellent choices out there; it's simply a matter of finding the one that is best suited for your needs, style, and budget. Let's explore the variety of options that you have and compare similar takes on the TAGARP-style lamp from different brands, so you can get to choosing the perfect floor lamp for your space.

When choosing a floor lamp, consider how you plan to use it in the room. For example, if your goal is to add more light to your living room, a six-way floor lamp is the way to go. With one large bulb and several smaller ones surrounding it, this style is considered the most effective at illuminating larger spaces. Arc lamps are another great choice. The long arch design distributes ambient light throughout the room while illuminating the specific area where it is placed. Like torchiere lamps, arc lamps are good for task-focused lighting as they can be placed to hover over a couch, desk, or dining table. If you're looking for a basic lighting solution for a smaller space, club floor lamps are worth considering. Club lamps are basic in design, featuring a straight neck, round base, and a lamp shade. The benefit is that the lamp shades are often customizable, allowing you to choose a style that suits your decor. 

All of this is not to say that torchiere lamps should be strictly avoided. They remain a popular choice in many homes and come in tons of stylish varieties. The Globe Torchiere Lamp from Amazon is nearly identical to the TAGARP lamp in terms of its price and features. If you're able to splurge a little bit more, this highly-rated torchiere lamp with a reading light retails for $80 on Amazon. Equally as functional as the IKEA lamp, this floor lamp comes with a stylish antique finish, along with energy-saving bulbs with a dimmable feature that allows you to control the brightness.