Pleated Umbrella Floor Lamp, 150cm

A pleated fabric shade, 46 cm across, on a slim metal stem standing 150 cm high. The pleating is what makes the shade: each fold catches light at a slightly different intensity, so the surface has texture and rhythm rather than reading as a plain drum on a pole.

At 150 cm this stands at proper standard-lamp height, which puts the shade above the back of a sofa or an armchair and throws light down over a shoulder onto a book or a table. That is what a floor lamp should do, and it is why the height matters more than the styling. Four colours are offered. Beige and white are the quiet options and sit with almost any scheme. Dark green is the confident one and gives a plain room a single strong point of colour. Black is graphic and disappears in the evening, leaving only the lit shade visible.

Fabric is pleated by hand, so the fall of the pleats varies slightly between pieces. Bulb is not included; energy-saving LED or incandescent bulbs of 60 W or less are recommended, and a bulb that runs cool should be used and kept clear of the fabric. Stand the lamp on a level, firm surface where it cannot be knocked over, and route the cable so it is not a trip hazard.

• Shade: hand-pleated fabric, 46 cm wide
• Height: 150 cm
• Colours: beige, white, dark green or black
• Best for: beside sofas and armchairs, bedrooms, dining corners
• Bulb: not included, maximum 60 W
• Safety: place on a level firm surface and keep the cable clear of walkways