Banyan 3 Light E14 Floor Lamp 30cm - Polished Nickel

Three lamp arms rise from a slim central column here, each ready for a candle lamp on an E14 socket, and the whole frame is finished in polished nickel that picks up whatever light is already in the room. It stands 1.6m tall and measures 30cm across, so it reads as tall and narrow rather than bulky. It arrives without shades, which is rather the point: you choose the fabric, the shape and the depth, and the lamp takes on a different character. A foot switch on the flex saves bending down to the socket.

We reach for it in living rooms where a table lamp sits too low and a pendant is not wanted, and it does good work in a reading corner, beside an armchair, or filling the awkward space at the end of a sofa. Splitting the light across separate lamps gives a softer spread than a single large bulb, so it suits rooms used mostly in the evening. Fitted with dimmable lamps and paired with a dimmer on the circuit, the output can be taken down. We would put LED candle lamps in it for warmth and low running cost.

The nickel is bright and close to mirror-like, so keep a dry microfibre cloth to hand and give the column an occasional buff; leave cream cleaners and polish sprays alone, as they dull the shine over time. Isolate the lamp at the socket before you wipe it, and let the lamps go cold first. It is meant for dry rooms indoors, running on a normal household supply. It carries a one year warranty. Small plain fabric shades keep it quiet in a busy room, while pleated or patterned ones make more of the branched shape above the column. Lamps and shades are not included.

What lamps does it take?

It takes three E14 candle lamps, up to 20W each. LED candle lamps in the C35 shape are the sensible choice. Lamps are not included.

Does it come with shades?

No, it is supplied without shades so you can pick your own. Each arm needs a small shade sized for a candle lamp.

Can it be dimmed?

Yes, provided you use dimmable lamps and a compatible dimmer on the circuit. A dimmer is not supplied with the lamp.

How is it switched on and off?

There is a foot switch on the flex, so you can operate it without reaching down behind furniture.

What are the dimensions and weight?

It stands 1600mm tall and 300mm in diameter, and weighs 6kg, which gives it a steady footing on carpet or boards.

How should the polished nickel be cleaned?

A dry soft cloth is all it needs. Avoid abrasive pastes, metal polishes and spray cleaners, and never wipe it while the lamps are warm.