Buffet lamps definitely are not as well known as desk, floor, or
table lamps. A lay person may even mistake them for a
rather ornate tall table lamp. While somewhat obscure in
the lighting universe, buffet
lamps nonetheless add diversity and a sense of style to
any décor. Traditionally, the slender candlestick
type lamps would only be found in the dining room. But,
some of the more adventurous designers have come to see the
accent lighting possibilities provided by buffet lamps.
Here are some classic and contemporary ideas for using buffet
lamps in your home décor.
In a conventional design scheme, buffet lamps would only work in
a traditional décor. Their ornate and highly
stylized nature make them a perfect fit in a classically
furnished setting. As their name suggests, buffet lamps
were originally made to light up the sideboard on a
buffet. The height of most of these lamps ranges in
between 30 and 36 inches. Their height is important
because it permits persons using the buffet to have easy access
to the food and drinks. The shades on buffet lamps send
soft light downward and illuminate food in a soft and subtle
light that adds elegance to any gathering.
In traditional settings, buffet
table lamps are also great for lighting
étagères. An étagère is a
piece of furniture with open shelves made to hold and display
small objects. So for anyone with a doll or figurine
collection, buffet lamps are excellent for showing off your
prized possessions. In this particular capacity, buffet
lamps are used for accent lighting. Try to search out a
lamp that will complement the collection in some way. For
instance, if you have a series of angels on display, try finding
a cherub base to help keep the theme consistent and more
dramatic!
Perhaps one of the best uses for buffet lamps is for lighting up
your fireplace mantel. Set on opposing ends of the mantel,
a pair of buffet lamps provide excellent accent lighting to
display the other decorative elements of the mantel while
providing their own complement to the décor. For
those with a stained glass fireplace screen, try finding Tiffany style buffet lamps
to produce a more compelling and visually appealing effect.
Finally, buffet lamps are an excellent alternative to the
traditional table lamps found at bedside. As with the
mantel, try to match the design style of the lamps with the
ceiling fixture in the room. Typically, they go best with
a traditional style hanging lamp but they can complement most
any ceiling fixture. For a truly dramatic effect, leave
only the buffet lamps on at night to set a romantic tone for the
bedroom.
Perhaps part of the reason why more people do not use buffet
lamps in their home décor has something to do with the
name itself. For those without a buffet in their dining
room or kitchen, the idea of using lamps bearing the namesake of
furnishing that they do not possess may seem silly. But,
the accent lighting feature of buffet lamps on places like the
mantel, bedside table, or even a display cabinet make these
lighting fixtures perfect for adding style and diversity to your
décor. So, if you need to think of them instead as
accent lamps, by all means do so! You will be glad you
did.
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