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

Newsworthy: The New Bohemians by Justina Blakeney

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I love bohemian style. I think it's because I enjoy all different styles: the clean lines of modern décor, the cool classics of midcentury furniture, a little Hollywood glamour, and a good dose of romantic furnishings, the kind that feels proper, but not too precious. And bohemian décor has all that and more. So when I heard that Justina Blakeney was coming out with a new book on bohemian style, I pre-ordered it right away. Justina Blakeney has built an awesome career around her bohemian sensibilities. In the book she makes reference to her multicultural background and love of travel, all which have informed her free-spirited sense of style. The book is packed full of beautiful bohemian homes categorized into six different types of bohemian looks including modern, folksy, romantic, earthy, nomadic, and maximal. And she invites us not to just look at pretty things, but encourages us to put our inspiration into action with an "Adapt an Idea" section for each home. It's a great way to hone your creativity, and you might even come up with some ideas of your own in the process. Justina also  sprinkles DIY treats throughout the book, an ode to her craftiness and belief in building a home that represents you. According to design psychology, needs for shelter are basic, but not sufficient for a self-actualized home, one that offers pleasure and beauty.  This book reinforces my desire to create a home that's beautiful and pleasurable to me. One I love to spend time in. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the book: Just the other day I posted about my affinity for tassels and pom-poms (see here), and one look at this chandelier certainly shows you why. It's such a show stopper, and EXUDES major bohemian glamour. I love it. Plants, plants, plants. I love how cozy and settled they make a home feel. It's hard to be tense and anxious when you've got bits of nature spread throughout your home. I like how it's presented here with midcentury modern furnishings. It feels so seasoned woman to me. The unabashed combo of colors and patterns here are so fun. Such a mix always seems to work in bohemian styled homes. The styling is not mechanical (like trying to remember what goes with what), rather it's more about being attuned to what colors or patterns "speak" to each other, and creating a vignette based upon that, even if the colors or patterns do not work together in theory. This room feels very glamorous to me, kind of like the owner spends her days at home with her dogs writing music while barefoot and wearing a long flowy dress with a myriad of bangles on her arm. Can you see it? What can I say about this turquoise, Navajo wallpaper. It goes to show you that multicultural style doesn't have to feel moody and woodsy, it can be bright and pretty too.  I've always wanted a dressing area that was bursting at the seams with beautiful clothing and accessories. This little dressing room makes me want to just dig in and see what treasures I can find. I really like big luscious plants like this, and the brass table lamp and mural gives such an East village vibe. I bet the person who lives here is down to earth, and all around cool--wouldn't you agree? This bedroom oozes with confidence and creativity. It's so bright with thoughtful details like the painting in place of a headboard, and pretty clothes displayed for all to see. I like the use of non-traditional window coverings, And that light! It has so much dramatic flair. So what do you think of bohemian style? Do you see yourself incorporating any ideas from these homes into your space? If you'd like to see more of the book, you can get it here.