Question 1

What is the difference between a table lamp and a buffet lamp?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a table lamp and a buffet lamp is the size. Although the two types of lamps come in similar heights, buffet lamps are usually narrower, so they take up less space on a buffet server filled with food. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of lamps from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 2

What is the difference between a table lamp and an accent lamp?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a table lamp and an accent lamp is its size. Generally, table lamps are larger pieces that people use for task lighting or to increase ambiance lighting in a room. Accent lamps tend to be smaller and provide supplemental light in spaces. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of lamps from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 3

What is a buffet table lamp?

Accepted Answer

Buffet lamps, also known as console lamps or candlestick lamps, are light fixtures that range in height from 32 to 36 inches. The lamps feature a small shade and a narrow base silhouette, which resembles a slim column or candlestick. Shop for antique and vintage buffet lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What are table lamps used for?

Accepted Answer

Table lamps are often used as a reading light or for task lighting. They can also simply serve as part of a room’s decor, perhaps adding light to an area that doesn’t get any illumination from overhead lights. Shop a collection of table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How big should a table lamp be?

Accepted Answer

How big a table lamp should be depends on your lighting needs and the size of the surface that you're placing the light fixture on. Most table lamps are 30 to 36 inches tall. On shorter tables, a taller lamp may be necessary to put illumination at eye level. Find a variety of table lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Do table lamps have to match?

Accepted Answer

Your table lamps do not have to match but it definitely is important that they still go together. This can be done by making sure they are of similar style or have something in common such as color, shape, lamp shade, or metal type.

Question 7

How does a table lamp work?

Accepted Answer

How a table lamp works begins with its cord, which gets plugged into an electrical outlet that provides a source of energy. Halogen and incandescent bulbs contain filaments. The filament in a bulb is a conductor of electricity. It’s attached to contacts made of metal that are connected to a power supply. This allows for electricity to flow through it. When the electrical current cycles through the filament, this component gets quite hot and emits light. Find a large collection of vintage table lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I fix an old table lamp?

Accepted Answer

To fix an old table lamp, take it to an appliance or lighting repair shop that has experience working with the type of fixture that you have. Many problems can cause an old table lamp to stop working. A professional can determine the cause and use the correct tools to address it. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage table lamps.

Question 9

How can I tell if a table lamp is vintage?

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to identify if your table lamp is vintage, but it does vary from brand to brand. If you can spot a maker’s mark or manufacturer’s label on your piece, it could tell you where and when it was crafted. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary table lamps from top sellers around the world.

Question 10

What size lamp should be on a sofa table?

Accepted Answer

To determine what size lamp should be on a sofa table, measure the table from the bottom of the legs to the tabletop. Then, choose a lamp that is equal to or up to 1.5 times taller than the table. Shop a range of table lamps from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Which company is best for table lamps?

Accepted Answer

There is no single best company for table lamps. A well-crafted antique or vintage table lamp does more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior, and over the years, many manufacturers and designers have offered a range of visually appealing table lamps. Examples include Artemide, Gordon & Jane Martz, FLOS, Søholm Stentøj, Louis Poulsen and many others. Shop a large collection of table lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How tall should a lamp be on a console table?

Accepted Answer

A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.

You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art, a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture. In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.

Find vintage table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Can ceramic table lamps be painted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ceramic table lamps can be painted. In fact, many lamps come with hand-painted finishes. If you choose to paint a lamp yourself, you may need two or more coats of paint to get the results you desire. You'll find a collection of ceramic table lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Which brand of table lamp is the best?

Accepted Answer

The best brand of table lamp is really a matter of personal preference. Choose a lamp that complements the style of your room and suits your lighting needs. On 1stDibs, find a range of table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 15

What is the best size for a bedside table lamp?

Accepted Answer

The best size for a bedside table lamp is between 24 and 27 inches tall. Finding the best table lamp for your nightstand depends on variables such as the shape of your bedside table, the size of your nightstand's tabletop and personal preferences when it comes to styling your nightstand.

Albert Hadley–trained designer Harry Heissmann says this about creating a bedside haven for his clients: “A reading lamp is essential and needs to be on a dedicated outlet. I like to keep clients’ nightstands edited, with a carafe for water and an alarm clock, and sometimes a landline phone for emergencies.”

Find a range of antique and vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.

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