A freestanding garden lamp is the most important decision in garden lighting design—once installed, it shapes the look of your property for years to come. The selection is vast: decorative globes, low posts, classic lanterns, patio lights—and each of these types provides different lighting and serves a different purpose. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know before making a purchase: types of floor lamps, choosing the right height, placement along pathways, technical specifications, and common mistakes.