Types of Lamps & Lighting: The Complete Names List (100+ Types with Pictures)

By the JX Lampshade manufacturing team — glass lampshade makers since 2008 · Last updated June 2026 · 8-minute read

A complete, categorised list of more than 100 types of lamps and light fixtures — by placement, by style and era, by light source, and by shade — each named, pictured and briefly explained. Use it as a quick reference whether you are specifying lighting for a project, sourcing as a buyer, or simply learning the names.

Quick answer: Lamps and light fixtures are usually grouped four ways — by where they sit (table, desk, floor, wall, ceiling), by style or era (Tiffany, banker’s, Art Deco, industrial), by light source (incandescent, halogen, LED), and by shade type (glass, fabric, drum, globe). The list below names 100+ of them.

⬇ Download the free lamp types chart (PNG)

Types of lamps by lighting function

Before the names, it helps to know the job a lamp does. A good lighting plan layers three or four functions, and many lamp types can serve more than one.

Types of lamps by placement and type

The most common way to name a lamp is by where it lives and how it mounts. This covers table, desk, floor, wall and ceiling lighting.

Table lamps

1. Table lamp — the everyday lamp for side tables and consoles, with a base and a shade.
2. Buffet lamp — tall and slim, designed for narrow surfaces like sideboards and buffets.
3. Banker’s lamp — a desk classic with a brass base and a green glass shade. More on the banker’s lamp.
4. Piano lamp — a low, wide-shaded lamp that throws light down onto sheet music or a desk.
5. Accent lamp — a small decorative lamp used for mood rather than task light.
6. Bedside / nightstand lamp — a compact lamp sized for a bedside table.
7. Tripod table lamp — a lamp on three splayed legs for a modern, sculptural look.
8. Arched table lamp — a curved-stem lamp that reaches light out over a surface.
9. Gourd lamp — named for its rounded, double-bulge ceramic or glass base.
10. Column lamp — a tall, straight-sided base resembling a column or pillar.
11. Candlestick lamp — a slender candlestick-style base, often used in pairs.
12. Novelty lamp — a shaped, decorative lamp valued for its form as much as its light.

Desk lamps

13. Desk lamp — a task lamp sized for a work surface.
14. Gooseneck lamp — a flexible neck that bends the light exactly where you need it.
15. Swing-arm desk lamp — a jointed arm that extends and folds away.
16. Architect lamp — a sprung, balanced-arm task lamp built for detailed work.
17. Magnifying lamp — a task lamp with a built-in magnifier lens for fine work.
18. Clip-on lamp — clamps to a shelf, headboard or desk edge to save space.
19. LED task lamp — a slim, energy-efficient desk lamp with adjustable brightness.
20. Banker’s desk lamp — the traditional green-glass-shaded version for an office desk.

Floor lamps

21. Floor lamp — a free-standing lamp on a tall pole, no surface needed.
22. Torchiere — an uplighter with an upward-facing shade that washes the ceiling.
23. Arc floor lamp — a long curved arm that arches light over a sofa or table.
24. Tripod floor lamp — a sturdy three-legged base for a contemporary look.
25. Tree / multi-head floor lamp — one base branching into several adjustable lights.
26. Column floor lamp — a tall, sculptural column that glows along its length.
27. Swing-arm floor lamp — an adjustable arm for reading beside a chair.
28. Club / reading floor lamp — a classic straight lamp positioned for reading.
29. Candelabra floor lamp — a chandelier-style cluster of lights on a floor stand.
30. Down-bridge lamp — an arm that angles the light downward for tasks.
31. Task floor lamp — a directional floor lamp for focused light.
32. Drum-shade floor lamp — a floor lamp finished with a wide drum shade.

Wall lights & sconces

33. Wall sconce — a wall-mounted fixture for ambient or accent light.
34. Swing-arm wall lamp — an extendable wall arm, popular beside beds.
35. Picture light — a slim light that illuminates artwork or photographs.
36. Plug-in sconce — a wall light with a cord, no hardwiring required.
37. Hardwired sconce — a permanently wired wall fixture.
38. Half-moon wall light — a half-shade that casts light up and down the wall.
39. Up/down wall light — a sconce that throws light in both directions.
40. Vanity light — a bar of lights mounted above a bathroom mirror.

Ceiling & hanging lights

41. Pendant light — a single fixture hung from the ceiling by a cord or rod. More on pendant lights.
42. Mini pendant — a small pendant, often used in rows over a counter.
43. Multi-light pendant — several pendants hung from one ceiling plate.
44. Globe pendant — a spherical opal-glass pendant with an even glow.
45. Bell pendant — a flared bell-shaped glass pendant.
46. Drum pendant — a wide cylindrical shade suspended from the ceiling.
47. Chandelier — a branched, decorative fixture with multiple lights. More on chandeliers.
48. Candle chandelier — a chandelier styled with candle-shaped lights.
49. Flush mount — a fixture fitted tight to the ceiling for low rooms.
50. Semi-flush mount — hangs slightly below the ceiling on a short stem.
51. Recessed light — a downlight set into the ceiling, also called a can light.
52. Track light — adjustable heads mounted along a powered track.
53. Linear / island light — a long suspended fixture for kitchen islands and tables.
54. Lantern pendant — a framed, lantern-shaped hanging light.
55. Schoolhouse pendant — a rounded opal glass shade on a fitter neck.
56. Cluster pendant — many small pendants grouped at varied heights.
57. Cage pendant — an exposed-bulb fixture inside a metal cage.
58. Inverted dome pendant — a bowl-shaped shade facing upward or down for diffuse light.

Types of lamps by style and era

Lamps are also named for their design language. These styles carry strong visual associations and help match a fixture to an interior.

59. Tiffany lamp — a stained-glass shade in the Art Nouveau tradition. More on Tiffany lamps.
60. Banker’s lamp — green glass shade and brass base, the library classic.
61. Art Deco lamp — bold geometry, stepped forms and frosted glass. More on Art Deco.
62. Art Nouveau lamp — flowing, organic, floral forms in glass and metal.
63. Industrial lamp — exposed metal, cages and clear glass shades.
64. Mid-century modern lamp — clean lines, tapered shades, warm woods.
65. Farmhouse lamp — rustic finishes with opal or schoolhouse glass.
66. Traditional lamp — classic shapes, fabric or empire shades.
67. Contemporary lamp — minimal, sculptural and current.
68. Rustic lamp — natural materials and a handmade feel.
69. Coastal lamp — light, airy forms with glass and rope details.
70. Hollywood Regency lamp — glamorous, polished metal and crystal.
71. Scandinavian lamp — pale, simple and functional.
72. Vintage / antique lamp — original or reproduction period pieces.
73. Oil lamp — a fuel-burning lamp with a glass chimney. More on oil lamps.
74. Hurricane lamp — a candle or oil flame protected by a tall glass chimney.
75. Lava lamp — a novelty lamp with rising coloured wax.
76. Neon lamp — bright gas-discharge tubing bent into shapes or signs.
77. Moroccan lamp — pierced metal and coloured glass casting patterns.
78. Paper lantern lamp — a soft, diffused rice-paper or fabric globe.
79. Edison-bulb lamp — a fixture built around a decorative filament bulb.
80. Salt lamp — a carved mineral lamp giving a warm amber glow.
81. Lantern lamp — a portable, framed light with a protective glass enclosure.
82. Candle lamp — a small clip-shaded lamp styled like a candle.

Types of lamps by light source

“Lamp” also means the bulb itself. These are the light-source technologies you will see specified for fixtures.

83. Incandescent — a heated tungsten filament gives a warm glow; low efficiency, short life. More on incandescent bulbs.
84. Halogen — a brighter, longer-lasting incandescent variant with halogen gas.
85. Fluorescent — gas-discharge tubes giving cool, efficient general light.
86. CFL — a compact fluorescent that fits a standard socket.
87. LED — efficient, long-life semiconductor lighting in any colour temperature. More on LED lamps.
88. Smart LED — an app- or voice-controlled, dimmable colour LED.
89. Filament / Edison LED — an LED that mimics a vintage filament bulb.
90. Xenon — a bright, daylight-like arc lamp for projection and accent use.
91. HID (high-intensity discharge) — powerful lamps for large or outdoor spaces.
92. Neon / cold-cathode — gas tubes for signage and decorative light.
93. UV / blacklight — ultraviolet lamps for effects and inspection.
94. Infrared / heat lamp — emits warmth as much as light.

The table below compares the most common light sources by efficiency, lifespan and typical use.

Lamp shade types (and the glass we make)

A lamp is only as good as its shade. Shades are named by material and by shape. As a glass lampshade manufacturer, we produce the glass types below in every shape — see the full lampshade shapes glossary for the silhouettes.

95. Glass shade — durable, easy to clean, available clear or diffusing.
96. Opal glass shade — milk-white glass that hides the bulb for an even glow.
97. Clear glass shade — shows a decorative bulb and adds sparkle.
98. Coloured glass shade — adds mood and accent tone.
99. Borosilicate glass shade — heat- and thermal-shock-resistant for enclosed fixtures.
100. Tiffany / stained-glass shade — coloured glass pieces leaded into a pattern.
101. Drum shade — straight-sided, equal top and bottom.
102. Empire shade — gently flared, narrow top to wide base.
103. Bell shade — curved, flaring sides.
104. Globe shade — a spherical glass shade.
105. Fabric shade — linen, cotton or silk over a frame for soft light.
106. Paper shade — light, inexpensive and highly diffusing.
107. Metal shade — directs light sharply, common on industrial fixtures.
108. Rattan / woven shade — natural fibres casting textured shadows.

Parts of a lamp

If you are sourcing or replacing components, it helps to know the names of each part of a lamp.

Which type of lamp for each room?

The right lamp type depends on the room and the job it has to do. Use this as a starting point when planning a space.

How to choose a lamp: a quick checklist

Whatever the type, the same handful of decisions get you to the right lamp:

• Proportion. Size the lamp to the furniture and the room, not in isolation. A lamp that is too small or too tall looks off (see the size guide below).
• Brightness, in lumens. Judge output by lumens, not watts. Around 400–800 lumens suits a bedside or accent lamp; 800–1,600 suits a reading or task lamp.
• Colour temperature. Warm white (2700–3000K) for living rooms and bedrooms; neutral to cool white (3500–4000K) for kitchens, bathrooms and offices.
• Shade and glass. Choose an opal or frosted glass shade for soft, glare-free light, or clear glass to show a decorative bulb.
• Fitter compatibility. Make sure the shade’s fitter (spider, UNO, fitter neck or clip) matches the fixture.
• Dimmability. Dimmable LEDs let one lamp move between task and mood lighting.
• Layering. Combine ambient, task and accent fixtures rather than relying on a single light.

Lamp size and proportion guide

A few simple rules cover most situations:

• Table lamps. The shade should be about one-third of the total lamp height, and slightly wider than the widest part of the base. When seated, the bottom of the shade should sit near eye level so the bulb is hidden.
• Floor lamps. Most stand 58–64 inches (150–165 cm) tall. For reading, position the bottom of the shade around eye level when seated.
• Pendants over a kitchen island. Hang the bottom of the shade about 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) above the counter.
• Pendant or chandelier over a dining table. Hang the bottom about 30–34 inches (75–85 cm) above the table; the fixture width should be roughly one-half to two-thirds of the table width.
• Chandelier for a room. Add the room’s length and width in feet — that figure in inches is a good chandelier diameter. A 12 ft × 14 ft room suits a chandelier around 26 inches wide.

Custom glass shades for any lamp type

Every glass shade on this list can be produced to order in opal, clear, coloured or borosilicate glass, for home, hotel and restaurant lighting. We supply lighting brands and importers worldwide via OEM/ODM, with custom shapes, sizes and fitters. MOQ starts at 500 pcs.

Frequently asked questions

References & further reading

This guide draws on established references for lamp and lighting types:

• Wikipedia — Light fixture (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_fixture)
• Wikipedia — Pendant light (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendant_light)
• Wikipedia — Chandelier (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier)
• Wikipedia — Tiffany lamp (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_lamp)
• Wikipedia — Banker’s lamp (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banker%27s_lamp)
• Wikipedia — Incandescent light bulb (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb)
• Wikipedia — LED lamp (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED_lamp)