Black Floor Lamps

Yes, as long as the body is slender and the shade is not oversized. A single matte black standing lamp in a small lounge or bedroom gives the eye one strong vertical line, which can make the ceiling feel taller. Keep the walls light, pick an open cage or a modest drum rather than a wide tray, and place it in a corner so the footprint disappears.

We think so, and so does the collection. On the Marceau and the Chandelle the base and stem are matte black metal, and that dark frame is what you see against the wall all day. The beige linen shade simply warms the light once it is switched on, which is why so many homes pair the two. If you want black from top to bottom, look at the Voltaire.

A soft dry cloth or a microfibre duster handles the everyday dusting, and the flat finish is forgiving of fingerprints between cleans. For marks, wipe with a cloth lightly dampened in warm water, then dry straight away. Skip abrasive pads, solvents and spray polishes, as they can dull the powder coat. Always switch the lamp off and let it cool before you start, and dust the shade separately.

For reading you want light that falls on the page rather than the ceiling. The Voltaire spreads light from three open cages, handy when two people share the corner. For a softer glow beside an armchair, the Marceau linen drum does the job quietly.