Vintage table lamps are to be found in a lot of shops nowadays. It got me to thinking what defines “vintage”. It was not as easy as I thought, each source I looked at seemed to come up with a different definition.
Eventually I decided that in terms of a table lamp, anything from 20 to 80 years old would be determined to be vintage. Any made more than 80 years ago would be called antique. So you can see that the phrase moves with the times. Also a different item does seem to have a different time scale. Something a good vintage wine could be much later.
Back to the subject, if you have a traditional home, they will look very classy. In a modern minimalistic setting, they will look out of place.
Lots of people think that objects made in those times were crafted to a much higher standard than today’s equivalent. Certainly they have been built to last if you can get one. The designers did seem to come up with a much more ornate code and decorated lamps than in recent years. Things maybe have gotten a bit plain.
They used to get an excellent balance between appearance and durability. Despite all the intricate detail om them, they do not seem to be over the top.
Like modern lighting, you can get them in different sizes and shapes. The colored ones have only come in fairly recently though. You did not really see any black table lamps then. They were quite often made of brass, cast iron, pottery or glass.
It is possible to have a combination of antique table lamps and modern ones but I tell you which ones will be most popular with your friends who visit you. They will wonder at how something so simple can last for so long.
Not only was the base complex, the shades were as well. They were sometimes made of glass themselves.
One thing that has changed dramatically is electricity. Make sure that you do have modern electrical fittings.
It may be necessary to be rewired and have a new shade.
Vintage table lamps will look good in any room in your home, no restriction. You can use them for bedroom lighting as they work very well as bedside table lamps.
Another word of warning for you though if you are considering buying one. There are some people who masquerade them as the real thing when in fact they are replicas and have only been made recently. Do all that you can to ensure that they are genuine.
These are not cheap table lamps, you can expect to pay considerably more than if you bought a modern one in the local store. The price will vary also dependant on a variety of factors such as the country of manufacture, materials and age. However, I am confident that you will consider them good value for money and they will actually enhance the decor of the rest of your home considerably.
Now I bet you want to rush out and find some vintage table lamps straight away.
