Stem Floor Light vs Skipper Small Stem: Which to Pick
By Tom Raffield | Luxury British Wooden Lighting Designer | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Stem Floor Light and Skipper Small Stem Floor Light on shade style, light character, and size to choose the right wooden floor light for your reading corner.
Quick answer
Choose the Skipper Small Stem Floor Light if you want a sculptural lampshade that creates a unique display of light; choose the Stem Floor Light if you prefer a sleek Kanna shade that throws a glowing spotlight. Both share the same steam-bent oak stem, so the decision comes down to shade character and how each light suits your room.
Shade character changes the light, not the silhouette
Both lights are built on the same steam-bent solid oak stem, so the base and arch are identical. The difference is the shade: the Skipper Small uses a sculptural shade that scatters light for a decorative effect, while the Stem uses a sleek Kanna shade that focuses light into a spotlight. That makes the Skipper Small better for ambient interest and the Stem better for directed illumination.
Neither product page lists dimensions or bulb specifications, so if you need exact measurements for a tight corner, check the product details or contact the store before ordering. The absence of published dimensions is a real limitation when comparing small stem floor light size.
Price and value: what the catalog shows
The Skipper Small Stem Floor Light is listed at USD 408.75 (compared with USD 545.00), and the Stem Floor Light at USD 361.35 (compared with USD 495.00). The Skipper Small carries a higher price, which reflects its more elaborate shade. If budget is tight, the Stem is the lower-cost route into the same steam-bent oak construction.
Where each light works best in a room
For a floor light for reading corner use, the Stem's glowing spotlight is the more practical choice because it concentrates light where you need it. The Skipper Small's unique light display suits a living room or hallway where you want the fixture itself to be a feature rather than a task light.
Because both are handcrafted from sustainably sourced solid oak, they will sit naturally in rooms with warm wood tones and natural materials. Avoid placing either in a spot where the steam-bent arch would be blocked by furniture, as the curve is the design's main visual asset.
Key trade-offs
- Light character: Skipper Small: unique display of light; Stem: glowing spotlight. Choose based on whether you want ambient decoration or focused illumination. If you need light for a specific task, the Stem's spotlight is the deciding factor.
- Shade style: The Skipper Small's sculptural shade is the more expressive option; the Stem's Kanna shade is understated and sleek. Pick the shade that matches the room's existing style, not just the light effect.
- Price: The Stem Floor Light is listed at USD 361.35, while the Skipper Small Stem Floor Light is USD 408.75. The Skipper Small costs more for its more elaborate shade. Set a budget before deciding; the Stem leaves more room for other purchases.
- Size information: Neither listing provides dimensions. If small stem floor light size is critical, confirm measurements with the store before ordering. Measure your space first and treat published dimensions as a must-have check.
Product facts
- Skipper Small - Stem Floor Light: Sculptural Skipper Small lampshade on a steam-bent solid oak stem. The shade creates a unique display of light, making it a decorative focal point rather than a focused task light.
Skipper Small - Stem Floor Light - Stem Floor Light: Sleek Kanna lampshade on a steam-bent solid oak stem. The Kanna shade produces a glowing spotlight, which is more useful when you need directed light for reading.
Stem Floor Light
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Reading corners where focused spotlight is needed (Stem Floor Light)
- Living rooms or hallways where the light itself is a decorative feature (Skipper Small Stem Floor Light)
- Buyers who want the same steam-bent oak craftsmanship at a lower price (Stem Floor Light)
Not for
- Anyone who needs published dimensions before buying (both lack them; confirm with the store)
- Rooms where a sculptural shade would compete with other decor (choose the Stem instead)
- Tight budgets where the lower-priced Stem is the better fit (skip the Skipper Small)
