What we love most about vintage lamps is their ability to set the tone for any space. Their color, texture, and placement all impact the way the guests feel when they walk into a room, giving them a crucial role when it comes to curating your space. Whether you prefer hand-blown Murano glass lamps made in Italy or timeless ginger jar lamps produced in China, the history of a vintage light fixture adds an element of nostalgia and history into our homes.
Although you can certainly spend hours searching flea markets or local thrift stores, we often turn to Etsy for their wide array of vintage lighting. And we’re not the only ones: As of today, Etsy has over 126,000 listings for vintage lamps available, and in the past three months, there has been a 213% increase in searches for ’70s lamps or lighting and a 70% increase in searches for midcentury-modern lamps on the site.
“Shoppers are increasingly looking to stand out from the crowd and vintage is a surefire way to find that one-of-a-kind piece that no one else will have,” explains Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert. “Vintage items allow shoppers to avoid manufacturing delays that are affecting the decor industry during the pandemic, while buying something truly unique.”
To help you find the vintage lamp you’ve been dreaming about, we spoke with decor experts who share their brilliant tips for curating a collection you’ll love forever.
Find inspiration
Ahead of starting your search, Cortne Bonilla, Etsy–obsessed branded content editor at Vox Media, recommends saving pictures of lamps to help narrow down what your interior design style is. “It’s hard to look for things when you don’t know what you’re looking for,” she says. When searching for inspiration, Cortne recommends scrolling through social media and home decor publications and then saving items that stick out to you. This will help you see a pattern and give you a better sense of what you like before making purchases.
Don’t forget you can replace the lampshade
When browsing for vintage lamps, it’s common to see some lamps that come with a lampshade and some that come without. Katherine Thewlis, the owner of Hausmatter Interiors, advises looking past the lampshade and focusing on the actual base of the lamp. “The value is in the lamp itself,” she says. If you’ve found a lamp base that you love, but aren’t so keen on the lampshade, you can easily replace it by stopping by your local lighting store. Vintage seller and content creator Aarica Nichole actually prefers to purchase lamp shades separately because they’re “a great way to spunk up your lamps and add your own personality.”
Take your time
Searching for the perfect vintage lamp takes time, says Audrey Peters, content creator and self-proclaimed vintage lamp collector. But it’s worth putting in the work. When you search “vintage lamps” on Etsy, “You’ll get thousands of results,” Audrey notes. “I find that the best way to actually find the craziest unique find is to just dig and keep going through every page because you’ll find so many surprises on page, like, 150.”
If you know what you like, be extra specific
If you’re someone who knows exactly what type of lamp you’re looking for, Aarica recommends using specific key terms to help you find the lamp that fits your vision. “I like to narrow down my search by table lamps, pendant lights, floor lamps, etc.,” she says. “I also like to search by color, material, and era to quickly find what I’m looking for.”
Electrical wiring can be fixed
If you fall in love with a lamp, but find out that the electrical wiring is not compatible with your home, it doesn’t mean you have to part ways. Whether the wiring is older or the plug is for another country, Katherine says that this is a simple fix. “It can be done with a lighting repair kit,” she explains. But if you’re not into DIY, “most lighting supply stores will replace the socket and cords for a dime!”
Get to know the seller
When shopping on Etsy, it’s important to build a relationship with shop owners so that you know exactly what you’re getting when making a purchase. “Make sure to read the reviews,” Cortne advises, to get a sense of how the seller has interacted with other customers. If you’ve landed on a lamp to purchase, “make sure to ask for more photos if the listing is lacking that,” she notes. It’s important to know the exact condition the lamp is in before it arrives.
Be playful
Use lamps to add color to a space and show off your one-of-a-kind interior design style. “People are sometimes so afraid of color, but it’s what creates depth and individuality,” Audrey says. “Don’t be afraid to mix and match—not everything has to be neutral!”
Ready to light up your life? Here are nine Etsy shops we love for vintage lamps.
Cosmic Design NL
Based in Hilversum in the Netherlands, Rob de Boer founded Cosmic Design in 2016 as a way to share his love of vintage lamps. In his shop, you’ll find a collection of quality lamps from the midcentury forward—including plenty of Toucan Lamps and vintage IKEA designs if you’ve been searching for one. If your interior design style is whimsical or Space Age playful, this shop has one-hard-to-find lamps made for you.
New Times Finds
Husband and wife duo Fredd Albertus and Jenny Albertus-Vugts began selling vintage on Etsy in 2017. Their curation of vintage lamps is all about showing off the beauty of imperfections. “They tell a story,” Jenny says. “In how many homes and rooms have they stood?” Their shop is a must-visit if you’re looking for midcentury-modern lamps that add structure to your space.
Vinteye
Interior designer and founder of Vinteye Stratis Glinos began his Etsy shop in January of 2019. He has curated his collection of gorgeous mushroom Murano lamps from “bazaars around the globe,” he says, beginning in his hometown of Athens, Greece.
Sunrise Vintage
Malerie Suess, the owner of Sunrise Vintage, opened her digital doors in 2020 as a “love letter to the past,” she says. “It’s a way to share that love with a wider geographical audience.” In her collection, you’ll find refurbished vintage lamps that feel calm and look aesthetic in any space.
Shop Rochele
Based in Winter Park, Florida, founders Jess and Zach Glotfelty have curated a collection of vintage lamps that lean modern and are made with heavy, plaster bases and neutral tones.
ChezlManouche
Alexandre Lalonde’s Etsy shop is filled with Art Deco lamps that date back from the ’20s to the ’40s. ChezlManouche is a one-stop shop for timeless, eye-catching handblown Murano glass lamps that will make a statement on any side table.
Marvins Hall
Marvins Hall has the best of both worlds. With a mix of Art Deco and plaster lamps, this shop has it all if you’re still on the fence about what your interior design personality is. We’re eyeing this vintage brass shell desk lamp—so snag it before it’s gone!
The Best Things
Based out of Traverse City, Michigan, Kelly Nogoski opened The Best Things in 2009 as a way to share her appreciation for Art Deco lamps. Her shop is filled with pastel colors, interesting shapes, and simple silhouettes that add a structural, yet cozy element to any room.
Chatter Gal
Founder of Chatter Gal Pamela Gravel filled her Etsy shop with vintage lamps that make us feel nostalgic. In her shop, you’ll find timeless ginger jar lamps and lots of toile. This shop will instantly become your go-to for classic lamps that will stand the test of time.
