When it comes to adding personality to a room, there is nothing better than a vintage lamp. Jill and I share a real love for them. We both have them featured throughout our homes, and whether they are big or small, they really define the spaces. Vintage lamps are instant conversation pieces in a room.
For me, I love old French style lamps and sweet small ones. Jill loves the oversized mid-century or 70’s lamps, with an extra love for pairs. Mixing a vintage lamp on a modern table or somewhere unexpected is such an easy way to add personality to a space.
What to Look For
Hopefully we can provide some insights on what to look for and where you can find these gems. My first rule of thumb is to follow your heart. If you come across a vintage lamp that stops you in your tracks, you might want to listen to that instinct. What drew you to it? Could you see it fitting in your home, was it the color, shape or size that spoke to you? Was it just the right amount of quirky to fit your personality? Chances are, something you stop for will continue to speak to you when it’s in your home.
Also, it’s always a good idea to have an understanding of your personal style before you go on a hunt. Are you drawn to a specific era? A certain style (retro, urban chic)? Do you prefer brass over silver? You might even be looking for a specific material to balance a space – ceramic, wood, wicker? Maybe you’re looking to add color? Whether you’re just open to possibilities or looking for something specific to fit a space, it’s always good to make note of your needs and preferences because it will help you process options in your search.
Where to Find
If you can be flexible with what you’re looking for, I think shopping in person is always best. Especially for something as delicate as a lamp. Antique malls, estate sales, flea markets and thrift stores are all great sources for vintage lamps and they are the best way to find something unique at a reasonable price. Lamps are plentiful here and you will see them in all shapes and sizes. And bonus, you won’t have to pay for shipping.
That said, when I’m looking for something really specific, I have the most success with online sources. They can be a huge timesaver because you can really target your search criteria. Just know that there are thousands of options to search through, likely at high price points, and you’ll have to deal with shipping. My go-to place to shop for a lot of vintage things is Etsy, and its no different with lamps. They have a great search function that will easily pull up a surplus of options based on your search – such as “mid-century lamps,” “1970’s pair of lamps”, “vintage French lamp”or “vintage brass lamps”.
Here is a short list of my favorite vintage dealers to shop for lamps on Etsy:
Bordeaux Brocante: I love French antiques and this is one of my favorite Etsy dealers for that reason. They always have pretty small lamps and gorgeous chandeliers too.
Vintropolis USA – This vendor has a fantastic selection of vintage lamps and other items that they’ve personally collected. They are also open to consider reasonable offers, which isn’t something you see often with online sellers.
Rose Manor Vintage – They sell a lot of feminine and ornate pieces which I’m always drawn to. Detailed descriptions are provided for each item, so you can feel confident that you know what you’re buying.
Mid Mod Teak and More – Here you will find a ton of mid-century lamps, lighting and other fabulous pieces.
Are Vintage Lamps Safe?
Safety is an important consideration when buying older electronics. Vintage lamps are perfectly safe to use as long as you use common sense. Be sure to inspect the piece to evaluate its general condition, particularly the power cord and plug. If the lamp is in good shape, it’s ok to plug it in to ensure its working well. If the piece appears to have any damage at all, I would wait to plug it in until it can be inspected. It’s always a good rule of thumb to have your vintage lamp inspected by a professional so you can rest assured that its safe. And if you do find that the wiring isn’t good on a piece, it’s fairly inexpensive to have it rewired – and the professional that inspected it can probably do that for you. DIY kits are also readily available at any home improvement store, but when it comes to electrical, I personally will always stick with the pro’s.
If you’re on the fence about adding a vintage lamp to your space, start small with a thrift store or flea market find. Place it in a visible space in your home so you and your guests will see it often. Keep note of how you feel when you walk by it or if guests comment on it when they visit. We think it will be the first of many vintage lamps that will enter your home and warm it up with charm.
~ Beckie