Basic Shape

The torchiere lamp is a lamp characterized by a solid, heavy base, possibly a long metal pole, ending at the top with the light source. A lamp shade, in the case of interest torchiere glass lamp shades, cover this light. These lamps are usually tall enough to serve as light sources for a room, in which case they are subclassified as floor lamps.

But occasionally they can be made short so they rest on a table and serve as a reading light or low light source.

Upward Illumination

Because the torchiere lamp directs light upward, in contrast to ceiling lights that direct light downward, rooms acquire illumination from light rays reflected off the ceiling and directing into all corners of the room. This is reminiscent of how a premodern torch works, which is characterized by a fire at the end of a stick, also directing illumination upward into the room.

Variatons

The shape of torchiere lamp shades can vary widely to serve different purposes. For example, a torchiere lamp can be made to sit with its flare downward toward the ground. This is known as dish type torchiere glass lamp shades which usually rest on a wireframe structure that in turn rests on the base or perhaps even the light bulb itself. Although for heavy shades this is infeasible. Other torchiere glass shades flare upwards, such as the reflector glass. They can also be screwed into the base. Tiffany, a lamp shade maker, is famous for popularizing a long neck torchiere. These have a flamboyant, vase-like structure to the glass lamp shade and also flare upward toward the ceiling. The dragonfly and the Tiffany-style flower are two examples of such lamp shades.

Flair

The shape of the lamp shade is but one component of torchieres. Because of their potentially tallness, a torchiere can be further enhanced by attaching extra arms serving as smaller light sources in addition to the central, main one. These smaller lights help increase the illumination of lare rooms, and in some cases can be adjusted in some manner to direct the light. Each of the small side-arms can also have glass shades.

Variations and Mood

The qualities of the material can also affect the mood exuded by the torchiere. The fancy dragonfly and flower lamp shades are very colorful, and give off a feel of a different age. The color of the shade can be monochromatic for a simpler look, or multicolored like stained windows. Other types are also possible, such as frosted ones for a colder, modern feel that is appropriate in hypermodern home designs or perhaps an office at a place of work. Frosted glass is also known as opaque, produced by acid etching of what is initially a clear surface. The opacity means that the light is not as intense, after diffusing through the microscopically rough surface of the acid-etched product.