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What Is a Buffet Lamp?

Buffet lamps, also called candlestick or console lamps, are tall light fixtures that provide a pleasant ambiance in any room. The lamp base, which is long and thin, may reach anywhere from 32 to 36 inches in height. It features a pull chain and is topped off with an accent lamp shade that's no larger than 12 inches in size. Here's a closer look at buffet lamps and what makes them special.

What Do Buffet Lamps Look Like?

One factor that makes buffet lamps stand out is their versatility. Apart from their tall height and accent shades, buffet lamps don't share much in common — you'll find everything from dark bronze, antique brass buffet lamps with black shades to elegant, crystal buffet lamps with off-white shades. There are even smaller versions called buffet or console table lamps, which are under 30 inches in height and generally found on end tables or nightstands. To better understand the unique appearance of buffet lamps, let's break down what they're made of.
what is a buffet lamp View Items in Room

Base Materials

There are several materials that can be used to forge the base of buffet lamps, including the following:
  • Brass
  • Crystal
  • Mercury glass or clear glass
  • Acrylic plexiglass
  • Polished nickel
  • Wood

The base material will influence the lamp's external appearance and weight.

Lamp Shade

Every buffet lamp is topped with a shade that helps cast its subtle, incandescent lighting. Here are some popular lamp shades:

  • Drum shades: These shades are symmetric and cylindrical (resembling a drum).
  • Fabric shades: These shades are made of thin fabric and used to soften lighting.
  • Linen shades: These shades, also called Roman shades, are typically opaque and beige.

The lamp shade will impact the overall appearance and lighting capabilities.

buffet lamp definition View Items in Room
buffet lamps explained View Items in Room
31 Inch Light Sand Brown Urn Style Table Lamp 31 Inch Light Sand Brown Urn Style Table Lamp
$99
26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp 26 Inch Brown Cognac Smoke Glass + Bronze Base Round Table Lamp
$195
(28)
31 Inch Tall Patinaed Brown Urn Table Lamp With Empire Shade 31 Inch Tall Patinaed Brown Urn Table Lamp With Empire Shade
$165
(1)
27 Inch Patinaed Brown Wide Urn Table Lamp With Empire Shade 27 Inch Patinaed Brown Wide Urn Table Lamp With Empire Shade
$235
24 Inch Patinaed Brown Spherical Table Lamp With Drum Shade 24 Inch Patinaed Brown Spherical Table Lamp With Drum Shade
$145
24 Inch Brown Weathered Hive Table Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus And Jeremiah Brent 24 Inch Brown Weathered Hive Table Lamp W/ 3 Way Switch By Nate Berkus And Jeremiah Brent
$289
32 Inch Brown Resin Bird On Branch Table Lamp With Rectangle Shade 32 Inch Brown Resin Bird On Branch Table Lamp With Rectangle Shade
$215
(13)
29 Inch Textured Brown Hydrocal Geometric Totem Table Lamp 29 Inch Textured Brown Hydrocal Geometric Totem Table Lamp
$199
28" Brown Rope Table Lamp 28" Brown Rope Table Lamp
$225
18 Inch Brown Authentic Alabaster Table Lamp 18 Inch Brown Authentic Alabaster Table Lamp
$863
24 Inch Brown Brass + Teal Finish Table Lamp 24 Inch Brown Brass + Teal Finish Table Lamp
$290
20 Inch Antique Brass Orb Desk Table Lamp With Wireless Charge + Usb 20 Inch Antique Brass Orb Desk Table Lamp With Wireless Charge + Usb
$229

Light Bulb

There's no single bulb type you must use for buffet lamps. In general, you should choose a bulb that's 75 watts or fewer. The 75 watt bulb maximum is ideal if you're using your lamp to light up an entire space. However, if you're aiming for accent lighting (which is used to highlight certain objects), you should go with a lower wattage.

What Are Buffet Lamps Used For?

What makes buffet lamps great is that they can go pretty much anywhere in your home. Here are some popular uses for this lamp style.

Buffet Floor Lamps

Large, stand-alone buffet floor lamps integrate well in the following areas:
  • Living room
  • Dining room
  • Home office
  • Home entryway
  • Next to seating areas
Ultimately, a floor lamp can go in any area that needs more lighting. You could also use it to glam up a room and boost the aesthetic value.
buffet lamp defined View Items in Room
buffet lamp guide View Items in Room
28" White Table Lamp Set Of 2 28" White Table Lamp Set Of 2
$309
22 Inch Gold/White Table Lamp With USB 22 Inch Gold/White Table Lamp With USB
$119
21 Inch White Leather + Silver Satin Nickel Mushroom Desk Task Table Lamp 21 Inch White Leather + Silver Satin Nickel Mushroom Desk Task Table Lamp
$215
17 Inch White Ceramic Small Bottle Basic Table Lamp With White Shade 17 Inch White Ceramic Small Bottle Basic Table Lamp With White Shade
$45
23 Inch White Metal + Glass Night Light Table Lamps 2 Piece Set 23 Inch White Metal + Glass Night Light Table Lamps 2 Piece Set
$225
28 Inch White Ceramic Medium Bottle Basic Table Lamp With White Shade 28 Inch White Ceramic Medium Bottle Basic Table Lamp With White Shade
$65
Table Lamp-White With Black Stripes Table Lamp-White With Black Stripes
$159
(1)
Table Lamp-White Chevron Ceramic Table Lamp-White Chevron Ceramic
$110
(2)
21 Inch White Marble + Brass Cantilever Desk Table Lamp 21 Inch White Marble + Brass Cantilever Desk Table Lamp
$335
Table Lamp-White Textured Concrete Table Lamp-White Textured Concrete
$215
Table Lamp-White Marbled Ceramic Table Lamp-White Marbled Ceramic
$195
30 Inch White Step Textured Ceramic Table Lamp 30 Inch White Step Textured Ceramic Table Lamp
$225

Buffet Table Lamps

Introduce some extra lighting to any room by placing a buffet table lamp on the following:
  • Dressers
  • Bedroom tables
  • Side tables
  • Kitchen tables
  • Desks
If one lamp isn't enough lighting, consider buying a table lamp set (or a set of two buffet lamps) to prop on your table top.

How Do I Pick a Buffet Floor or Table Lamp?

Not only do buffet lamps provide excellent lighting, but they're also aesthetically pleasing and serve as great home decor items. If you're struggling to pick a buffet lamp, focus on your precise preferences. Do you need a strong lighting solution for your home's entryway? A brass buffet lamp is a wonderful way to welcome people to your home. Do you need some subtle accent lighting for your bedroom? A small, buffet desk lamp might be right for you. The possibilities are endless!
29 Inch Dove Grey Table Lamp 29 Inch Dove Grey Table Lamp
$270
17 Inch Grey Ceramic Small Bottle Basic Table Lamp With Grey Shade 17 Inch Grey Ceramic Small Bottle Basic Table Lamp With Grey Shade
$45
(1)
31 Inch Grey Ceramic Large Bottle Basic Table Lamp With Grey Shade 31 Inch Grey Ceramic Large Bottle Basic Table Lamp With Grey Shade
$75
28 Inch Grey Ceramic Medium Bottle Basic Table Lamp With Grey Shade 28 Inch Grey Ceramic Medium Bottle Basic Table Lamp With Grey Shade
$65
28 Inch Grey Glass + Brushed Nickel Base Table Lamp 28 Inch Grey Glass + Brushed Nickel Base Table Lamp
$135
(7)
Table Lamp-Grey Faux Marble Dimensions Table Lamp-Grey Faux Marble Dimensions
$130
(1)
29 Inch Grey Concrete Facet Geo Table Lamp 29 Inch Grey Concrete Facet Geo Table Lamp
$165
(7)
Table Lamp-Grey Brown Composition Table Lamp-Grey Brown Composition
$75
Table Lamp-Antique Grey Table Lamp-Antique Grey
$275
(2)
Table Lamp-Grey Metal Table Lamp-Grey Metal
$85
28 Inch Grey Rattan Table Lamp 28 Inch Grey Rattan Table Lamp
$250
Table Lamp-Grey Translucent Glass Table Lamp-Grey Translucent Glass
$165
20 Inch Metal Blue Table Lamp Set Of 2 20 Inch Metal Blue Table Lamp Set Of 2
$189
22 Inch Light Blue Table Lamp 22 Inch Light Blue Table Lamp
$240
26 Inch Solid Royal Blue Table Lamp 26 Inch Solid Royal Blue Table Lamp
$260
28 Inch Aqua Blue Glass + Brushed Nickel Base Table Lamp 28 Inch Aqua Blue Glass + Brushed Nickel Base Table Lamp
$135
(22)
26 Inch Blue Ceramic Cone Table Lamps 2 Piece Set 26 Inch Blue Ceramic Cone Table Lamps 2 Piece Set
$195
28 Inch Blue Ocean Glass Table Lamp Set Of 2 28 Inch Blue Ocean Glass Table Lamp Set Of 2
$216
(1)
21 Inch Blue Ombre Ceramic Table Lamp 21 Inch Blue Ombre Ceramic Table Lamp
$220
Table Lamp-Blue And Beige Ceramic Table Lamp-Blue And Beige Ceramic
$235
27 Inch Clear + Blue Hand Blown Art Glass Table Lamp With 3 Way Switch 27 Inch Clear + Blue Hand Blown Art Glass Table Lamp With 3 Way Switch
$225
Table Lamp-Blue Cream Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp-Blue Cream Glazed Ceramic
$230
27 Inch Blue Ombre Table Lamp 27 Inch Blue Ombre Table Lamp
$365
(7)
29 Inch Frosted Blue Glass + Brushed Silver Base Table Lamp 29 Inch Frosted Blue Glass + Brushed Silver Base Table Lamp
$295

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.