Vintage lighting can add a touch of glamour and style to any room. Table lamps are a great option for both owned and rented homes and can be an item that moves from office to bedroom, to the living room, and more, as styles and needs change; meaning the same lamp can be used time and time again and even passed down to future generations. Many table lamps also come in matching pairs, which can be great for adding balance and harmony to a room.
In this article, we’ll be sharing with you our top tips and tricks for finding the perfect vintage or antique table lamp for your space, as well as sharing our top online picks to get you started.
What to Look for When Buying Vintage Table Lamps
As a vintage electrical item, there are some considerations you should make before purchasing an antique table lamp.
- Is the lamp tested/in working condition?: Some lamps for sale on Etsy appear as bargains because they’re not currently in working order. This is great if you’re looking for an upcycled project, but could be a nasty surprise if you’re expecting to receive a working item.
- Is the cord in good condition?: The cords are where most old electrical items take damage and can become a safety hazard if frayed or excessively worn. If the listing doesn’t include pictures of the cord then you can ask the seller for some clearer pictures.
- Has the item been safety tested?: Some countries require electronic items to pass safety testing before they can be used in a commercial place, so if you’re purchasing your lamp for display in a shop or office you may need to make this consideration.
- What socket does the lamp use?: Europe uses different sockets in the US and the UK, you may need to purchase an adapter if you want your chosen lamp to work in your country.
- Does the lamp require a special bulb?: Does the lamp come with a working bulb, or does the lamp require a niche type of bulb that will need to be especially ordered? You may need to factor in the cost of this when considering purchasing your item.
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Vintage Table Lamps For Sale
We’ve done some of the hard work for you. Listed below are some of our top picks of table lamps from different eras from the ’20s onwards. You’ll find a mixture of kitsch, classic, and timeless items here which we hope will help you in your search.
I) 1920’s Table Lamps
1. 1920s Art Nouveau Cockatoo Maiden Double Candle Mica Lamp
Material: Mica, copper
Price: $675.00
This stunning 1920’s lamp features an art nouveau design on its shade which becomes visible when the lamp is illuminated.
2. 1920’s Vintage Art Nouveau Barbola Boudoir Table Accent Lamp
Material: Spelter, zinc
Price: $168.00
This metal lamp comes with a metal shade and ornate stand and is in complete working order.
3. Original vintage Art Deco 1920s Silver Globe Lamp
Material: Chrome, glass
Price: $228.90
This chrome lamp dates from the late 1920s and has been rewired with a UK power cable.
4. 1920’s Vintage Lightolier Table or Desk Lamp
Material: Pewter, brass
Price: $298.00
This table lamp has a brass adjustable shade and base which imitates a candlestick.
5. Tall table lamp in brass from the 1920s
Material: Brass, paper
Price: $641.71
This ornate table lamp has a brass base and a hand-painted and folded paper lampshade.
6. Very elegant French wrought iron Art Deco lamp
Material: Iron, glass
Price: $354.83
This stunning table lamp has a frosted glass shade and a wrought iron base with a leaf design.
II) 1930’s Table Lamps
1. Antique Cabinet Green Lamp of 1930s
Material: Glass, metal, wood
Price: $195.50
This lamp features a design iconic to the art deco era and has an attractive emerald green glass shade.
2. LOUIS CARVIN – Art Deco Sea Lion Lamp with Pate De Verre Globe on Marble Base, Circa 1930
Material: Glass, metal, marble
Price: $1038.61
This lamp was designed by Louis Carvin and features a metal sea lion balancing a glass globe on a marble base.
3. Antique French Art Deco Lamp
Material: Metal, glass, marble
Price: $158.00
This table lamp features a playful fawn reminiscent of Disney’s Bambi, with a glass globe and marble base.
4. Lovely and elegant Art Deco chromed table/bedroom uplight lamp, the 1930s
Material: Glass Metal
Price: $232.16
This chromed table lamp features a tiered glass shade plus a convenient on/off switch on the base.
5. Vintage Hollywood Regency, Blue Satin Glass Boudoir Lamp
Material: Glass, metal
Price: $54.95
This table lamp features a Regency-style figure in blue glass with a matching ornate glass shade1950s
6. 1930’s Vintage Gooseneck Desk or Table Lamp with Ornate Base
Material: Metal
Price: $105.00
This 1930’s table lamp is entirely constructed from metal in different finishes and features an attractive seashell cast base.
7. Vintage Art Deco 1930s gold brass white globe side lamp table light
Material: Glass, brass
Price: $214.47
This Art Deco-style table lamp features a female figure playing the flute and is cast in brass with a glass globe.
8. Elegant Art Deco Table Lamp
Material: Glass, metal
Price: $397.12
This highly decorative lamp features ornate metal and glass work and features a frosted floral pattern on its shade.
III) 1940’s Table Lamps
1. 1940s Vintage Acme Lite Industrial Fluorescent Desk Lamp Mid-Century WW2 Era
Material: Metal/bakelite
Price: $64.99
This lamp dates from the war years and is beige with chrome accents.
2. Vintage 1940s Lamp Pair, Clear Hobnail Bases
Material: Glass, wood, metal
Price: $22.00
This pair of table lamps make for a perfect restoration project and feature stylish hobnail bases.
3. Vintage Mid Century Modern 4-tier Venetian Blind Metal Table Lamp
Material: Metal, fabric
Price: $425.00
This table lamp was created in the Midcentury Modern style and has a four-tiered lamp shade.
4. Art Deco Brass Table Lamp 1940s
Material: Brass
Price: $400.00
This table lamp is constructed entirely from brass and features a tiered shade.
5. French Art Deco Lamp, Vintage Bauhaus Retro Table Light
Material: Wood, glass, metal
Price: $292.03
This Art Deco-style lamp has a glass shade that imitates marble and a convenient on/off switch on its wooden base.
IV) 1950’s Table Lamps
1. The 1950s 2 TABLE LAMP Calla Lilies
Material: Metal
Price: $395.00
This pair of 1950’s lamps are designed to mimic the shape of Calla Lilies and comes in an attractive black and white design.
2. Vintage Mid Century Lamps ~ Pair Pink Bows
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $32.00
This pair of lamps date from the 1950’s and features bases in the shape of pretty pink bows.
3. Table Lamp Set Mid Century Ceramic Green Orange and Gold
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $63.96
This pair of vases feature two oriental figures with red and gold accents.
4. Mid Century Lamp, Green Modular Lamp
Material: Metal, Ceramic
Price: $73.97
This stylish 1950s lamp features a modular ceramic design reminiscent of a desert cactus.
5. Mid Century, Art Nouveau, Desk Lamp
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $105.40
This 1950s desk lamp features a stylish leaping deer and has a small holder at its base for nick-nacks or keys.
V) 1960’s Table Lamps
1. Stylish Vintage Bedside Lamp, Mid Century Retro Table Light
Material: Glass, metal
Price: $169.84
This 1950s table lamp comes in an attractive mint green with a milky glass shade.
2. Mid Century Mod (50s) Orange BEEHIVE TRIPOD Table LAMP
Material: Fibreglass, metal, wood
Price: $135.00
This table lamp features atomic-style legs and a vibrant orange fiberglass shade.
3. Vintage 1950’s Pink Poodle Lamp
Material: Ceramic, metal, fabric
Price: $225.00
This kitschy pink poodle lamp can be bought as a pair and feature ceramic poodles as the base and come with complimentary purple shades.
4. Adorable Vintage 1950s Cute Little Pony LAMP
Material: Ceramic, fabric
Price: $14.99
This adorable ceramic pony lamp is child’s size and has a complimentary white shade.
5. Vintage Pink Table Lamp Ceramic Light Decor
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $88.00
This stylish pink ceramic lamp requires a shade and would look perfect on any dressing table.
6. Pair (2) Vintage 1960s MCM Laurel SPUTNIK Lamps Brass
Material: n/a
Price: $4,000
This stunning pair of original 60’s table lamps have a sputnik design and features brass metalwork and its original milk glass shades.
7. Vintage Lamp Brand Zaphir Spain
Material: Ceramic
Price: $122.19
This ceramic lamp comes from Spain and features a colonial-style lady sitting with a lamb.
VI) 1970’s Table Lamps
1. Mid Century Sphere Table Lamp
Material: Metal, glass
Price: $136.33
This 1970’s table lamp mimics a crystal ball and has a striking orange metal base.
2. Vintage 1970s Lady Head Lamp
Material: Ceramic
Price: $45.00
This kitsch lamp base features a glamorous constructed out of ceramic and would make for a standout piece on any table.
3. SPACE AGE- Pop Art Retro Chrome Table Lamp
Material: Acrylic, metal
Price: $395.89
This table lamp was made in Germany and was inspired by the space race. It features a shiny chrome-like finish designed to reflect the light.
4. 1970s Table Lamp, small Hawill Space Age Lamp
Material: Glass, plastic
Price: $54.99
This quirky table lamp features an ornate glass shade and rectangular base with an on/off switch.
5. White table lamp made in metal – Danish design from company Lyskær, 1970s
Material: Metal
Price: $317.69
This table lamp was made by Danish design company Lyskær and has a space-age design in white metal.
VII) Vintage Table Lamps for Bedroom
1. Mid Century Bedside Lamps – 1950s Desk Lamps
Material: Metal, wood, paper
Price: $84.31
This pair of table lamps feature a quirky design and bright pops of color from their pleated shades.
2. Pair Vintage 1950s Savoy Ewer Black & Weeping Gold Boudoir Lamps
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $85.00
This pair of table lamps are designed to mimic ewers and feature a black and gold design.
3. A Pair of Mid Century Bedside Lamps
Material: Metal, glass
Price: $305.47
This pair of table lamps have a striking green color and decorative glass shades.
4. 2 Table Lamps Ball Lamps Bedside Lamps
Material: Plastic, wood
Price: $226.05
This pair of space-age table lamps date from the 1970s and emit a warm orange glow.
5. Table Lamp Wall Lamp Mid Century Bedside Lamps Yellow Pastel
Material: Metal, wood, glass, plastic
Price: $219.94
This pair of pastel yellow table lamps date from the 1950s-60s and have decorative clear glass shades.
6. A Pair of 60s DORIA Table Lamps
Material: Glass, metal
Price: $183.28
This pair of orb-shaped lamps are in MCM style and are fitted with European power plugs.
VIII) Vintage Ceramic Table Lamps
1. Danish Mid-century, Black and White Ceramic Table Lamp
Material: Ceramic, fabric, plastic
Price: $147.89
This table lamp dates from the 1950s and has a striking black and white marbled ceramic base.
2. Vintage Pair Of Signed Ceramic Lamps
Material: Ceramic
Price: $115.00
This pair of table lamps date from the 1950sfiberglass1950sthatal designs including birds and flowers.
3. Mid Century Orange Pottery Table Lamp
Material: Ceramic
Price: $295.00
This table lamp dates from the 1960s and features a rounded ceramic base with geometric patterns.
4. Ceramic Table Lamp With Yellow Glaze
Material: Ceramic, fabric
Price: $557.88
This table lamp is Danish and features a round glazed ceramic base and pleated fabric shade.
5. Antique Stoneware Whiskey Jug Table Lamp
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $125.00
This table lamp has been upcycled from an old stoneware whisky jug dating from the 1940s.
IX) Cast Iron Table Lamps
1. 1930s Cast Iron Scottie Dog Table Lamp National Sewing Machine Co. Texaco “Listen” Advertising Campaign
Material: Cast Iron
Price: $122.99
This table lamp features two adorable Scottie dogs and was used as a promotional item for Texaco.
2. Art Deco Wrought Iron Double Table Lamp L.Van Boeckel
Material: Glass, iron, marble
Price: $325.00
This double table lamp was created by L.Van Boekel and features an ornate cast iron rose atop a marble base.
3. Vintage Cast Iron Art Deco Lady Lamp With Rose Petal Shade
Material: Cast Iron, glass
Price: $125.00
This table lamp is a 1980’s reproduction which features a reclining lady and a glass shade in the shape of a rose.
4. Pair Vintage Victorian Table Lamp 2 Matching Elegant Man and Woman
Material: Painted cast iron
Price: $99.50
This pair of table lamps feature a man and a woman in Victorian attire and likely date from the first half of the 20th century.
5. Art deco wrought iron table lamp MARCEL JOBERT
Material: Wrought iron, glass
Price: $395.00
This table lamp dates from the 1930s and was designed by Marcel Jobert, it has a metal base made to look like growing leaves.
6. Art Deco Style Wrought Iron Table Lamp,with delicate Paste Glass Shade.
Material: Glass, wrought iron
Price: $189.00
This table lamp features an attractive blown-glass shade with a wrought iron base including leaf motifs.
X) Retro Table Lamps
1. Early 1980’s Sesame Street Big Bird Ceramic Table Lamp
Material: Ceramic
Price: $45.00
This table lamp features the iconic Sesame Street Character, Big Bird, and is the perfect nostalgia item.
2. Vintage 1980’s Table Lamp Green Art Deco Revival
Material: Ceramic, metal
Price: $65.00
This table lamp has been created in Art Deco Revival style and features gold accents.
3. Vintage Mushroom Desk Lamp, Retro Red Bauhaus Lamp
Material: Metal
Price: $185.73
This table lamp features a mushroom-style design with a chrome stem and red shade and base.
4. Pink Ceramic Shell Table Lamp
Material: Ceramic
Price: $75.00
This table lamp was most likely created in the 1980’s and features an attractive pink shell design.
5. 80s Ceramic Clam1950shell Lamp With Opalescent Globe
Material: Ceramic, glass
Price: $422.50
This quirky table lamp has been made to look like a clamshell with the globe light representing the pearl.
6. Midcentury Vintage Brass Shell Desk Lamp
Material: Ceramic, glass
Price: $422.50
This table lamp is made completely out of brass and has a shade with a seashell design.
Are Vintage Table Lamps Worth Money?
Similar to vintage glassware or sculpture, some vintage table lamps can be worth a pretty penny thanks to their provenance; such as being designed by a well-known or sought-after artisan or manufacturer of the period. These pieces will usually be signed or have a maker’s mark that identifies them that you can use to undertake further research; and it’s always worth doing so, as you may just have a valuable piece of history on your hands.
You should also research the material your lamp is made from. Some pieces can accidentally be labeled as bronze or brass when they are constructed from a much cheaper spelter- a zinc/alloy blend designed to imitate the aforementioned materials. The same can be said for metals, as solid silver, for example, is worth far more than a silver-plated item.
Final Thoughts
Table lamps make for a great keepsake item that can add a touch of style and flair to any space whilst also providing practical lighting. Many table lamps feature timeless stands or bases which can be modernized simply by adding a new shade that matches your decor or aesthetic.
