Trend Spot: Lamp Tables

So I was sifting through piles of interesting junk at the flea market when I came across what looked like a classic mid-century Platner side table. My heart leaped because it isn’t often I find a classic at my local flea market. After clearing out the table, I saw that it was attached to a lamp with a less than thrilling lampshade on top—not exactly what I was looking for. At the time, I had no vision for a lamp table and thought the table would have been perfect without it. I’d always associated lamp tables with being a little hokey or dated, and had a hard time figuring out how I could make it work. So I sat there for 20 minutes (literally) trying to decide if I should get the table or not. I thought of cutting out the lamp but that would have been a disaster. Without a clear vision, I decided to just let it go, and walked away. I wasn’t quiet settled in my decision as I knew anything that looked like a Platner table was hard to find.

After walking away, I decided to look it up and found a number of lamp tables online, including the one I saw! “Wait, did I misjudge this piece?” I learned it was a reproduction, but a really good vintage one. I immediately turned around and power-walked my way back to the vendor hoping no one had taken the lamp. And luckily, it was sitting right there, out in the open. No one even noticed it, including the vendor who was just happy to get rid of it.

On the way home with my new lamp table in tow, I wondered if this is how people adapt to new styles. I started out with no intention of buying a lamp table, and didn’t even think they were that cute until this experience propelled me to consider a new vision for it. I already loved the table, but couldn’t accept the lamp until I realized it was a classic piece, and could possibly work in my space. Maybe sometimes that’s all we need, just to consider that something could work; or even better, seeing it presented in a way that we can relate to.

In honor of my new, not yet styled lamp table, I’m featuring a few that might make you re-think the lamp table. Some are no longer available, but I’m showing them anyway so you can see what’s out there, particularly if you were like me, and lamp tables aren’t on your radar.

One obvious thing about these lamp tables is their functionality. How convenient is it to have a lamp and table all in one. But pure function does not a beautiful piece make, and it’s up to designers to blend function and aesthetics—something all these designers have in common. This nickel finish lamp table from Miles Redd is classic traditional glamour. It adds glitz to a modern traditional setting, but like with any piece of furniture, it can probably work in most settings if it fits in with your vision for the space.

This minimalist modern lamp by Paolo Cappello and Simone Sabatti, made of metal and wood, looks great against ornate architecture like the molding on this wall. I love the juxstaposition of minimal and maximal styles.

Here is one from Urban Outfitters in all its bohemian minimal glory. It’s tall, lean, wood and aluminum structure work together to create a modern vintage look.

Here is Justina Blakeney’s version of the lamp table from her new line at Target. This rattan and metal lamp table with the large, elongated lampshade gives-off warm vintage vibes in such a homey way.

Have you thought about lamp tables? Which ones do you like the best? I’m looking forward to styling mine with a patterned lampshade for the living room. Pic to come.

Miles Redd Articulating Floor Lamp/Cappello & Sabatti Ozz Lamp/Victor Tripod Floor Lamp/Mix Material Shelf Floor Lamp by Justina Blakeney for Target