A Collection of Vintage Table Lamps

Before we all had ceiling fans and recessed lights, and before those awful fluorescent tube lights invaded our kitchens and bathrooms, most rooms had either wall sconces or table lamps. End tables and night stands,as well as desks were the most likely places to find some sort of table lamp. They often came in pairs although specialty lamps such as desk lamps or boudoir lamps were sold individually.  Every respectable bedroom, living room, or den had a pair of matching small tables on either side with a matching set of lamps on top. Dressing tables often had small boudoir lamps as well. Even children’s bedrooms were equipped with table lamps, often with fairytale characters or circus animals.

Underwriters Laboratories began labeling lighting in 1906, so you may have a very old lamp with a UL label on it. While not required, due to safety and insurance requirements the majority of items that plug into a wall socket will have a UL label on them. But back to our table lamps.

Pairs of antique and vintage table lamps are relatively easy to come across. Currently mid-century lamps are popular, as is mid-century furniture. Big bold and often oversized lamps were used as focal points adding both color and texture to the clean lines of mid-century furniture. Sometimes made of clay, or cork these lamps often had large bulbous bases tapering at the top with matching oversized shades.

Older lamps tend to be smaller and made of ceramic or porcelain. Many are painted or have decals, the designs tend to be softer. Glass lamps with metal bases were popular early in the 20th century as well. Many older oil, gas, or candle lamps were converted to electricity. By the mid 1920s, approximately half of the households in the United States had been electrified.

In the 1930s and 40s, Czechoslovakia was well known for its glass making. Many of these artisans created beautiful glass lamps. Pairs of table lamps were common as well as a style of boudoir lamp known as the fruit basket lamp. These lamps showcased the artist’s talents as they were made in the forms of fruits, leaves, and sometimes flowers including glass beads and set in a basket shaped from either glass beads or formed glass including handles and lit from within. Boudoir lamps are small decorative lamps designed for ambiance rather than task lighting. Fairy lamps, candlestick style, and hurricane lamps are popular styles of these smaller table lamps.

Several of these lamps are from my personal collection. Can you guess which ones? One last note about using vintage or antique lamps. Please, always get them rewired! It’s inexpensive and ensures your lamp is in tip-top working order and safe to use.