The Rise of the Table Lamp: Hospitality's New Obsession
The LED table lamp has become an essential fixture in global dining, transforming restaurant ambiance from candlelit intimacy to overlit uniformity. This opinion piece critiques the hospitality industry's overreliance on table lamps, arguing that they often add clutter rather than atmosphere. The author recounts a recent trip to the Gulf, where a Lebanese restaurant used table lamps despite bright overhead lighting, questioning their purpose. The article suggests that restaurants should embrace real candles and flames instead of plastic LED alternatives, which are described as mood killers. It also humorously proposes a new role of 'chef d'ambience' to oversee lighting, akin to sommeliers. The piece concludes with a practical tip for entertaining, recommending brass from Skultuna and glass from Svenskt Tenn, and permanently parking LEDs. The article is part of Tyler's 'Faster Lane' column on Monocle, published on August 2, 2025.
Key facts
- LED table lamps have become ubiquitous in restaurants, bars, and hotel dining rooms.
- The original purpose of table lamps was to create pools of light in dimly lit spaces.
- Candles and glass oil vessels were historically used for warm, flattering light.
- The author visited a Lebanese restaurant in the Gulf that used table lamps despite bright overhead lighting.
- The article criticizes plastic LED candles in hotel lobbies and spas as mood killers.
- The author proposes a new role of 'chef d'ambience' to manage restaurant lighting.
- The article recommends using real candles and brass from Skultuna and glass from Svenskt Tenn for entertaining.
- The piece is part of Tyler's 'Faster Lane' column on Monocle, published on August 2, 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Tyler
Institutions
- Monocle
- Skultuna
- Svenskt Tenn
Locations
- Gulf
Sources
- Monocle —