The majority of people would consider the meal to be the most important part of a dinner party. But for me – a design-obsessed style editor – it's, of course, the decor. I'm all about color schemes, layering, and little details that make a tablescape come to life – my favorite detail being lighting. I come from the school of thought that believes no tablescape is complete without little light ideas – they bring the ambience. My fall tablescapes are usually adorned with rows of taper candles that illuminate the scene, set the mood, and radiate a warm, tasteful glow.
However, this hosting season I am switching the candles for something cleaner, safer, but just as cozy. After one too many mishaps with flames and family-style dinner parties, I'm styling my tablescapes with IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light.
This light is a tiny table decor detail, measuring just 7" tall and 2" wide. From its sleek glass chimney to its brass collar and its adjustable knob, it's designed to resemble a vintage oil lamp – the only difference is that this model is battery-operated. This light can even be controlled with a timer for your convenience.
Despite its small size, this portable light can make a huge difference on tablescapes. For starters, it's far safer than a traditional taper candle – with its battery-operated LED light source, there's no need to worry about accidentally starting a fire when passing a plate across the table.
Not only that, but it has a charming look. Inspired by vintage oil lamps, this light can bring some traditional, old-world elegance to fall tablescapes. And since the price is so low ($12.99 is a steal), I'd get a few of these and stagger them along a table – creating a layered, vintage-inspired, and ambiently lit scene, just as you would with candles.
Although I plan to have this light become the star of my fall dinner party set-ups, there are so many more creative ways to style it within the home. I picture it on a credenza, adding a soft glow to a vignette, or even on a bedside table as a tiny but tasteful nightlight.
It's no surprise that IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG Table Light comes with glowing reviews (pun intended). 'This little light is absolutely perfect for adding a little twinkle to your space,' one reviewer remarks. 'I love it so much I went back and bought 5 more! I use them inside and out, wherever I want a little light and magic. Brilliant design!'
How I'd Style IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG Light On A Fall Tablescape
IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light is sure to make tablescapes glow with old-world elegance. Here's how I'd style it for fall.
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Ground your fall tablescape with a tablecloth that signals the season with soft sophistication. I love this option from Terrain – it's not too busy, so a great piece for layering.
I love using place cards at dinner parties – it's a thoughtful touch that takes just minutes. They are like jewelry for the table – tiny decorative details that add an extra sense of occasion.
You don't need to buy a whole new dinnerware set for fall hosting. Instead, I recommend getting a few decorative appetizer plates. These smaller plates can stack elegantly on top of your standard dinnerware.
Shop More Portable Lighting From IKEA
Aside from the KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light, IKEA has lots of other portable lighting styles that can enhance tablescapes as well as other areas of the home. Find a few of my favorite styles below.
This indoor/outdoor lamp can bring chic sophistication to your home. Keep it beside you on your front porch as you enjoy the last bits of warm weather, or bring it inside your home to accompany you with ambient light.
If you could turn a lollipop into a lamp, it would probably look like this – colorful, playful, and charmingly fun. With its pink-tinted globe, this lamp has a rosy-colored illumination. It also features three dimming levels, allowing you to create the perfect ambience.
This sleek white lamp is a timeless choice, but it can change color depending on the atmosphere you'd like to create.
As you schedule dinner parties this fall, make sure to plan your decor with as much consideration as your menu. With IKEA's KNÖLTÅNG LED Table Light, both the meal you serve and the tablescape underneath it all will glow with timeless charm.
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