How To Use Brass Table Lamps In Modern Decor

The fact is that brass table lamps are timeless. They can be used anywhere and everywhere as they blend in with their surroundings effortlessly. Or do they?

In this article, we will discuss all the nuances surrounding brass table lamps - when and when not they should be used, as well as how they can be combined with the rest of your decor.

But before we get started, what exactly are brass table lamps and how can you know if it's the right choice for you?

What are brass table lamps?

Brass table lamps are made of, well, brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. This alloy gives the lamp a characteristic golden tone that sometimes feels a bit rusty or used.

That's not always the case though, as brass from brass varies. It all depends on the proportion of each metal in the alloy.

But let's not get too technical, the point is that brass is a commonly used material in design styles that emphasize a blend of the classic with the contemporary. Some of the most popular design and architecture styles that use brass extensively include:

1. Mid-century modern

Mid-century modern design (1940s–1960s) is known for its minimalist forms, functional layouts, and use of natural materials, and brass fits perfectly with these principles.

2. Art Deco

Art Deco design (1920s–1930s) is all for luxury, glamour, and geometric forms. Brass was frequently used in Art Deco lighting, hardware, and decorative objects for its rich, golden tone that complements marble, glass, and mirrored surfaces often seen in this style.

3. Industrial

Industrial style draws inspiration from old factories and warehouses, so raw and unfinished materials like brass are common.

4. Modern glam

In this design style, brass is used for its luxurious yet contemporary appeal, often paired with marble and velvet.

5. Traditional and transitional

Brass is also a common feature in traditional and transitional styles, particularly for hardware, lighting, and accent decor. In traditional spaces, brass is typically polished and paired with darker woods, while in transitional styles, it’s often used in softer finishes or paired with neutral tones to bridge classic and modern elements.

But why am I saying all of this?

Well, the point I'm trying to make is that brass is a very versatile material that can be used in your home almost no matter your style.

The same goes for table lamps - you definitely need them to properly layer your light and maintain a design balance.

So? A brass table lamp might just be the perfect choice for you who are curious and want to experiment.

For example, check out this lamp:

Can you *not* see it anywhere from traditional and rustic to Victorian and industrial type of designs? Of course you can! That's because brass is insanely good at fitting in.

When you have a brass lamp, its design matters less than the material itself. This is why it is important to focus on the entire aesthetics of the fixture you're buying rather than just the shade or the light it puts out.

How to use a brass table lamp

Brass or not, table lamps are meant to be used for task light, meaning light that you need to perform certain activities like reading a book or playing board games.

Your new brass table lamp should be positioned near an area where you perform said activities. Of course, it can also be placed on your bookshelf to illuminate your books or other decorative elements, in which case we enter the realm of accent lighting - light used for decor and stylistic touches.

But as long as you place it carefully in a functional spot and you make sure that it is not overpowered by other fixtures, you are good to go.

To be honest, brass table lamps don't need any special handling, they can be used just as any other table lamp.

However, they do look best when combined with other brass furniture around them or when they stand on minimalistic glass or black tables.

Now, let's look at a couple more examples of brass table lamps and you'll notice one thing they have in common: they all magically fit in with their surroundings as if they were meant to be there. Not only that, they become statement pieces while still being discreet and subtle.

The Ervyn table lamp is good for the bedside table but I can also imagine two of them on each side of the couch, giving off that glam look. This definitely belongs to the modern glam category but it's difficult to not see it in industrial and Victorian settings as well. Although I have to be honest, despite it being one of the most interesting brass table lamps out there, for me, it's the marble that steals the show.

Resembling an old-school candle holder, the Orena table lamp is a perfect brass lamp for outdoor use, as it is rechargeable and portable. It also features adjustable brightness and color temperatures, making it extra versatile. Of course, it can also be used indoors, especially in contemporary homes. See how brass blends in with all styles?

Finally, we have another rechargeable and portable brass table lamp - the Elysain lamp. This is a mini but powerful lamp at 100 lumens per watt (5 W) that is also weather-resistant so you can use it outdoors.

These are just some of my favorite picks that I used as examples - our brass table lamps are timeless and you can check them all out here!

Wrapping up

Brass table lamps are extremely versatile and interesting. Use them for task lighting in combination with floor lamps and (ideally) cove lighting to create a dramatic effect. They can also be combined with ornate chandeliers but make sure your chandelier is either metal or black. Not that wooden or glass/crystal chandeliers would not work well with brass table lamps, it's just that you don't want one fixture to overpower the other.

Besides, as we saw already, brass table lamps fit in almost every design thanks to the nature of the material.

So go ahead and explore our selection, and don't forget to combine your new brass table lamp with our unique brass switches - the devil is in the details!