Bring a touch of charm and personality into your home with retro lamps! For those looking to add a unique yet affordable style to their home – look no further than our guide to retro lamps and lighting.
From living rooms to bedrooms and hallways, these classic design pieces can reveal the character of any room. So whether you prefer old-style banker lamps or something funky, like a Lava Lamp – you'll find something to light up your space.
Not only will we guide you through the best retro lamps. We'll explore various retro lighting solutions, from funky 1970s lamps to elegant, timeless designs of the 1920s – and everything in between!
So let's get started on our journey of retro lamps and lighting – it's time to add some real character to your home.
Keep It Simple
Combining styles of different eras can be disjointed and messy. Stick to one era for a cohesive look and don’t be afraid of color!
Accessorize
To amplify the nostalgic ambiance of any room, incorporate vintage wallpaper, rugs or clocks. Complement this classic look by hanging period movie posters to take your décor to a whole new level!
Thrift Store Retro
Local thrift stores and garage sales are a great place to find affordable vintage lighting.
Gallery
Browse through our selection of vintage lamps and retro lighting to discover an appealing array of illumination solutions!
Shop for Retro Lamps
Searching for a retro lamp to complement your home decor? Look no further! We have done the hard work for you by collecting only the best lamps and lighting options from trustworthy brands.
The beauty of retro lamps and lighting is that there are countless styles to choose from. To help you find the perfect vintage lamp for your home, Here's a rundown of some of the most well-known varieties:
LAVA LAMPS
We have to start with the most popular retro light – the Lava Lamp! This iconic design has been around since the 1960s and remains famous today. With its ever-changing colors and mesmerizing movements, a lava lamp is sure to be a real showstopper in any room.
Thrift stores are still a great place to find authentic and original Lava lamps from the 1960s, but one must remember that these items may be fragile due to their age. Fortunately, the company (Mathmos) that manufactured the first Lava Lamp in 1963 is still in business and offers a wide range of new lamps that retain that classic styling but with modern safety features. Prices range from $60 up to several thousand dollars.
Alternatively, Amazon and eBay are excellent sources for finding more affordable versions of this design classic. They still look the part but are much cheaper than the original lamps.
FIBER OPTIC RETRO LAMPS
Fiber optic lamps were first developed in the 1970s to replace traditional lamps. Utilizing small, flexible pieces of glass or plastic, these lamps created beautiful light spectrums that featured subtle yet eye-catching patterns.
As a child, I would play with these lamps, swaying the fiber optics around and watching in wonder at the patterns of light that were created. The lamps are still available today, offering a unique and nostalgic lighting solution to any bedroom or living room.
These lamps were considered the height of fashion in the '70s and are now making a comeback. If you want to add some retro flare to your home without breaking the bank, this is the lamp for you!
You can find fiber optic lamps in many shapes and sizes – from table lamps to ceiling fixtures – with prices ranging from \$15 up to several hundred dollars.
ANGLEPOISE LAMP
British designer George Carwardine designed the Anglepoise lamp in the 1930s. Since then, it has become one of the most iconic lamps ever created.
This retro design is still highly sought after today, with various lamps available from different manufacturers. These lamps offer adjustable arms and heads that can be maneuvered into just about any position.
The industrial style of the Anglepoise Lamp can enhance modern apartments and homes without looking out of place. Whether you're looking for a modern, updated version of the Anglepoise Lamp or an original piece from the 1930s, this design will never go out of style.
RETRO FLOOR LAMP
If you want to make a real fashion statement, the Retro Floor Lamp is an ideal choice. This lamp style was all the rage in the 1970s and happened to be found in nearly every home back then!
Typically tall and thin, with long arms that can be adjusted to suit your needs. The lamps came in various colors and shapes, the most memorable 70s style includes a vibrant orange glass shade shaped like a dome.
In the 1980s, the floor lamp maintained its status as a popular choice for the home; however, their design underwent an evolution. Metal became the material of choice, and traditional large dome glass shades were swapped out for much more elegant glass shades that evoked 1920s flair.
You can still find many 1980s floor lamps at second-hand stores and auctions. Original pieces from this time can be worth a lot of money, depending on their condition and style. Make sure you keep your eye out for them.
RETRO CARNIVAL GLASS LAMPS
Carnival glass lamps are an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of antique nostalgia to their home. Carnival glass lamps were first produced in the late 19th century and featured beautiful iridescent colors that would bring a warm glow to any room.
These lamps often have intricate detailing, such as cut-glass shapes and ornate metal bases. The lamps were often produced in limited quantities, so if you want to find an original piece, it can be quite hard to come by.
Fortunately, modern lamps with a similar glass style are much more common and easier to find. If you're looking for a retro carnival glass lamp but don't want to break the bank, these lamps are an excellent alternative.
BANKER'S LAMP
What is a Banker's Lamp? It is a traditional desk lamp that was designed in the late 19th century. The lamps were originally used by bankers and accountants, but they quickly became popular lamps for the home as well. The lamps usually feature a green glass shade, which was intended to help reduce eye strain when reading documents or books. These lamps are still available today, and they can give any desk or home office a classic touch. A modern twist on this classic is the smart Banker's lamp. These lamps allow you to charge your devices, adjust brightness, and change color without sacrificing the traditional style of this timeless piece.
70's MUSHROOM LAMP
The mushroom lamp trend became popular in the mid-1970s. These lamps featured a curved, bowl-like shape with a stem-like base that resembled a mushroom. Popular materials used for these lamps included ceramic, metal, and high gloss plastic.
With their iconic style, these retro lamps have made a major resurgence in recent years. They come in various sizes and designs to perfectly coordinate with your home aesthetic.
These lamps are perfect for small spaces since they don't take up much room on the floor or table surface. They can also be used as ambient lighting, paired with other lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
FABRIC SHADES
Transform your modern lamp into a retro classic with the cost-effective addition of a fabric shade. This simple switch will instantly give any room an inviting vintage look and feel.
By choosing a design pattern that's associated with a certain era, you can easily create a retro lamp look that's reflective of your personal style. For a 1970s vibe, choose geometric shapes or bold, bright patterns. If you're looking for something with a more Victorian feel, look for floral designs. Elegant lines and muted tones will give off a classic 1920s vibe.
OLD PHONE LAMPS
A new trend we're seeing is people using old GPO rotary dial telephones to create stunning retro lamps. These lamps typically feature a telephone receiver and base with an adjustable neck, allowing you to change the angle of the light.
The lamps usually come with modern fittings, so you can use them in any home. They will make a great conversation piece for your next dinner party! You can buy these phone lamps online at Etsy or on eBay.
Whether you want to add a modern twist to an old classic or bring a little nostalgia into your home, retro lamps and lighting will help you create the perfect atmosphere. Next up, we'll look at tips for styling your home with retro lamps.
LAVA LAMP
The classic Lava Lamp from the 1960s is iconic and rarely out of fashion.
ANGLEPOISE LAMP
This classic design is the perfect choice for the retro office.
MUSHROOM LAMP
The Mushroom lamp is a retro classic that is finding new fans.
RETRO ROOMS
Are you looking to give your home a unique, retro feel? Installing furniture and decorations from the past can create an atmosphere that's both stylish and timeless. From bright colors to bold patterns, here are some tips for styling your room.
When deciding how you want your retro room to look, it's important to pick an era and stick with it. This will help create a cohesive design throughout the room and prevent it from looking too eclectic or busy. Researching popular furniture styles, colors, and patterns from that time period can be a great way to start putting together the perfect retro-inspired space.
1950s & 60s
When it comes to creating a retro-inspired space, certain eras make for great inspiration. The 1950s and 60s are one of the most popular decades for creating a vintage aesthetic; with plenty of furniture and decor pieces from this time period still around today, you won't find it hard to find the perfect pieces to complete your look.
Art Deco
The Art Deco era of the 1920s and 30s is also a great choice, with its bold, classic lines and glamorous geometric patterns. While it can be harder to find original items from this period, the reproduction market is full of lamps, furniture, and decorations that will give your home a sophisticated Art Deco flair.
Finally, the 1940s is an era that's often overlooked, but it should still be considered for its classic style. With plenty of lamps and furniture pieces to choose from in vibrant colors like green and pink, you can easily create a charming retro look.
Once you have your furniture and decorations in place, the finishing touch will be some classic lamps and lighting. Choose lamps with classic shapes or colors that reflect the time period of your chosen era. Installing vintage-style lamps can be a great way to add authenticity to your space.
The classic Victorian style can look both sophisticated and homey simultaneously. However, the architecture of your home will need to lend itself to the era you’re trying to recreate.
If you're aiming to recreate a true Victorian-style lamp, scour the antique markets for lamps crafted during the late 1800s that have been kept in their original condition. To achieve authenticity, also make sure to acquire similar shades and tassels.
There you have it! With a little bit of research and some creative thinking, retro lamps and lighting can be used to help you create a unique and timeless look for your home.
RETRO LAMP & LIGHT GALLERY
WHERE TO BUY RETRO LAMPS?
The great thing about retro lamps and lighting is that you don’t have to buy original lamps from the time period. You can find plenty of retro lamps in modern stores, as well as on online shopping sites like Etsy or eBay.
One of my favorite places to buy is Etsy, as you can find lamps crafted by independent sellers from all around the world. Not only is this a great way to buy unique lamps that match your décor, but it also supports small businesses!
In the real world, you can have lots of fun hunting for gems in thrift stores, garage sales, and antique stores. You must learn the art of haggling to get the best deal in these places.
Here are some tips for haggling:
Always maintain a friendly attitude – no one wants to buy from someone rude.
Research the piece and decide what you think it’s worth before making any offers. Use your phone to look up similar pieces on eBay to get a price guide.
Always start with a lowball offer, but don't insult the seller by offering too little for an item.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate—it’s expected in these settings.
Don’t be afraid to walk away if your offer isn’t accepted.
Modern online stores like Ikea and Amazon are full of retro lighting solutions; while these lamps might not be authentically vintage, they’ll still bring a timeless style to your home at a fraction of the price.
STYLING TIPS FOR RETRO LAMPS
If you're aiming to create a retro-inspired space, here are a few tips to get the job done.
Don't mix your eras. It’s best to stick with a single period for a cohesive look. Don't overdo it. Your room shouldn't be a time capsule. A few lamps and accent pieces are enough to create a retro vibe.
Don't be afraid of color! Bright colors were popular in the 50s and 60s. For example: if you’re trying to recreate a classic 1950s look, opt for fun colors like salmon pink or teal blue paired with warm woods such as walnut or oak. Incorporate items like atomic age clocks and vinyl record players for a true 1950s vibe.
Other items, such as vintage wallpaper and rugs, can also be used to give the room a nostalgic feel. Period movie posters can be a great way to complete the look.
Finally, a few period furniture pieces can really tie the room together. Try adding a couple of vintage armchairs or occasional tables.
CONCLUSION
Retro lamps and lighting are a great way to bring vintage charm into your home. With the right styling, lamps can help you create an inviting atmosphere that’s full of character.
The "naked" lampshade provides a stylish and retro look to any space. Its wire frame construction allows a visible bulb to be exposed, creating an exciting combination of elements that will make any interior stand out.
The open design of the shade gives off a vintage vibe, while its modern materials bring in a touch of contemporary flair. Whether you use this shade as a centrepiece or as part of your overall lighting scheme, it will surely add character and charm to any room.
The Perfect Shade For Retro Light Bulbs
The combination of the exposed bulb and modern wire frame wiring offers a nostalgic feel, especially when combined with the new range of retro 'edison' light bulbs.
Put your room in a contemporary light with this classic Bankers table lamp! With this touch control lamp, tap any part of the metal base, and you will get different lighting for all your needs, never have a hassle of fumbling on/off switch when waking up, and it is easy to operate for all ages.
With a green retro clear emerald glass lampshade and satin brass finish, this Bankers lamp perfectly fits any room decor from modern to vintage. A modern twist on a design classic.
The Edison bulbs are great for creating a vintage-style statement in any home or business. They are perfect for use in living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and any other space you want to add an extra touch of style. With the amber glass, your home or business can have a timeless look with modern convenience.
The bulbs come in a pack of four and are suitable for use in a wide range of lamps and lights. They are easy to install and can be used with any standard E26/E27 bulb socket.
It's important to note that these bulbs are incandescent and will likely require more energy than other bulbs, such as LED. While they might not be as efficient as other lighting solutions, they still offer a unique and stylish look that is hard to find elsewhere.
On average, these bulbs offer 3000 hours of lifespan and are suitable for use with dimmer switches. Overall, Edison bulbs are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add a touch of vintage style and charm to their home or business.
What is a Banker's Lamp? It is a traditional desk lamp that was designed in the late 19th century. The lamps were originally used by bankers and accountants, but they quickly became popular lamps for the home as well. The lamps usually feature a green glass shade, which was intended to help reduce eye strain when reading documents or books. These lamps are still available today, and they can give any desk or home office a classic touch. A modern twist on this classic is the smart Banker's lamp. These lamps allow you to charge your devices, adjust brightness, and change color without sacrificing the traditional style of this timeless piece.
