Vintage Desk Lamps

Samuel Atkinson
12 min readJun 19, 2024

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Dive into the world of timeless elegance with our vintage desk lamp review! Discover the perfect fusion of classic style and modern functionality as we take you on a journey through a selection of the best vintage inspired desk lamps available right now. Whether you’re looking to elevate your workspace or add a touch of history to your home, we’ve got you covered with our in-depth reviews and top picks.

The Top 10 Best Vintage Desk Lamps

  1. Antique Vintage Tripod Style Desk Searchlight Lamp with LED Spotlights — Illuminate your space with the exquisite Antique Brass Spotlight, a Nautical-themed Vintage Desk Lamp, featuring a beautifully crafted wooden tripod stand and adjustable angles for the perfect illumination.
  2. Vintage Antique E26 Edison Retro Iron Industrial Steampunk Desk Lamp — Add a touch of industrial charm to your home with the YUANKANG Wood Base Vintage Table Lamp, a modern take on steampunk design featuring an antique filament bulb.
  3. Mid Century Modern Green Ribbed Glass Shade Desk Lamp — Experience a touch of Mid-Century Modern elegance with the DoungRos Globe Table Lamp, featuring stunning green ribbed glass shades that add a unique charm to any bedside, end table, or nightstand.
  4. Traditional Vintage Desk Lamp — Bloomsbury Market Set — Add a touch of vintage charm to your living space with the Bloomsbury Market’s 2-piece Traditional Desk Lamp, perfect for creating ambient lighting in any room.
  5. Retro Robot Steampunk Desk Lamp — Illuminate your workspace with a touch of industrial chic: this Retro Robot Water Pipe Desk Light perfectly embodies the steampunk aesthetic, making it an eye-catching and versatile addition to any study or office setting.
  6. Retro Glass Desk Lamp with Antique Green Shade and Pull Chain Switch — Add a touch of nostalgia to your home decor with the YANSUN Retro Glass Desk Lamp, featuring a classic mid-century design, energy-saving bulb compatibility, and easy angle adjustment for superior lighting needs.
  7. Vintage Mahogany Propeller Desk Lamp — Experience the elegance of the past with our Vintage Mahogany Propeller Table Lamp, providing a classic glow to any space.
  8. Vintage Banker Desk Lamp with Traditional Style and Silver Finish — Discover the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality with the Bankers Vintage Desk Lamp, featuring a stunning white-silver finish and effortless installation.
  9. RORIANO Vintage Rustic Table Lamps: Farmhouse Style with USB Ports — Experience a warm and cozy ambiance with RORIANO Rustic Table Lamps, featuring dual USB charging ports and 4 LED bulbs to enhance your living space.
  10. Retro Steampunk Desk Lamp with Antique Wrought Iron Base — Experience the vintage charm of the XIHOME Industrial Steampunk Desk Lamp, featuring a handmade industrial art deco design, antique E27 small Edison bulb, and a minimalist loft-style accent wood base, perfect for coffee houses, bars, or bedrooms.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I earn from qualified purchases.

Reviews

Antique Vintage Tripod Style Desk Searchlight Lamp with LED Spotlights

This Antique Tripod Style Vintage Model Searchlight Wood Tripod Lamps LED Spotlights Desktop is a beautiful addition to any nautical-themed decor. Standing at 22 inches tall, this brass lamp offers a modern twist on vintage style, adding a nautical villa feel to your space. The LED spotlight is dimmable, providing adjustable ambient or task lighting for office or home use.

Ideal for small home decorations or as a gift, this lamp comes with country-specific wiring and is easy to install as a DIY project. With its elegant, bright, and classy look, this Retro Searchlight Design will be a perfect fit for your living room, bedroom, or office.

Vintage Antique E26 Edison Retro Iron Industrial Steampunk Desk Lamp

This vintage YUANKANG Wood Base Table Lamp exudes a rustic charm with its sturdy design and antique finish. Measuring 4.13 inches in height and 3.94 inches in both length and width, it sits perfectly on tabletops and adds a touch of elegance to any room.

The lamp features a classic E26 bulb base and sports a single LED uplight that enhances the ambiance, providing a warm and cozy glow. The round glass shade not only protects the light source but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look. Users can enjoy the convenience of a touch control method and a push-button switch, offering a 2-way switching feature.

Just remember to keep the device away from flammable materials, and allow the light bulb to cool down before handling to ensure safety.

Mid Century Modern Green Ribbed Glass Shade Desk Lamp

As a longtime user of the DoungRos Globe Table Lamp, I can confidently say that it’s a stunning addition to any living space. The Mid Century Modern design adds a touch of elegance to any room, while the green ribbed glass shade gives it a unique and attractive look.

One of the most notable features of this lamp is its versatility. It’s the perfect size for a bedside table or end table, and its compact design makes it perfect for small spaces. Plus, it’s a practical choice for a desk lamp or a nightstand lamp, making it a must-have for any bedroom.

However, one downside I encountered was the lamp’s voltage. It might not be compatible with all electrical systems, so make sure to check the specifications before purchasing.

Overall, the DoungRos Globe Table Lamp is a gorgeous and practical addition to any living space, and its unique design and versatility make it a standout choice.

Traditional Vintage Desk Lamp — Bloomsbury Market Set

This 2-piece vintage desk lamp duo from Bloomsbury Market is an eye-catching addition to any space. Its timeless design seamlessly blends with various decor styles, making it the ideal choice for ambient lighting. The fabric shade not only softens the light output but also lends a warm, cozy touch to the room.

Ideal for use in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more, this lamp set is a versatile lighting solution that will surely add charm to your home or workspace.

Retro Robot Steampunk Desk Lamp

Introducing this retro robot water pipe desk light, a stylish addition to any study or workspace. With its steampunk industrial vintage design, this unique table lamp is sure to impress. Standing 23cm tall, it offers a dimmable lighting function, making it perfect for your late-night office sessions.

The light itself features an impressive water pipe design, while the base is made of sturdy metal for durability. This creative piece can be a great gift for those who love vintage-inspired decor.

While it may require a bit of assembling, the overall build quality is solid. It’s small enough to fit on a desk, yet big enough to make a statement.

However, keep in mind that there may be some slight variations from unit to unit. Overall, a great option for those seeking an eye-catching, vintage table lamp.

Retro Glass Desk Lamp with Antique Green Shade and Pull Chain Switch

The YANSUN Retro Glass Desk Lamp, a timeless piece reminiscent of mid-century banking lamps, offers a classic charm with its green shade and brass base. Built with durability in mind, this lamp’s elegant design is the perfect addition to any office or study room, providing great lighting while remaining aesthetically pleasing.

The high-quality emerald glass shade, polished for smooth surfaces and resist discoloration, adds a touch of sophistication to your space. This versatile lamp boasts a size of 10.43 inches by 10.43 inches by 14.17 inches, making it ideal for various settings like living rooms, display cases, bookshelves, and reading corners. However, the bulb is not included, and it may require an energy-saving or LED bulb to function efficiently.

Easy to install, this antique-style lamp makes a great gift or decoration piece.

Vintage Mahogany Propeller Desk Lamp

The Vintage Mahogany Propeller Desk Lamp is a delightful addition to any room. Its classic design is sure to be a conversation starter, as it combines a timeless aesthetic with a touch of whimsy.

With a mahogany finish that adds warmth and sophistication, this lamp promises to be a faithful companion for those who crave a cozy and inviting environment. However, some users might find the propeller feature a bit distracting, but overall, the lamp’s practical functionality and attractive appearance make it a solid choice for any space.

Vintage Banker Desk Lamp with Traditional Style and Silver Finish

The Bankers Vintage Desk Lamp, or as some call it, the White Silver Bank Table Light, is sure to add a touch of charm and sophistication to any workspace. Its timeless vintage design, complete with a frosted white shade and solid silver finish, creates a striking contrast against the gold, giving it that perfect blend of both glamour and tradition. One of the best things about this lamp is its easy installation process — with just a quick pull of an on/off switch, you can have it ready on your desk in no time.

Plus, the adjustable shade makes it easy to customize the lighting according to your needs. However, do keep in mind that the bulb isn’t included in the package. Nonetheless, if you’re looking to add a stylish touch of elegance to your office, you won’t go wrong with the White Silver Vintage Bankers Desk Lamp | Bank Table Light.

RORIANO Vintage Rustic Table Lamps: Farmhouse Style with USB Ports

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I recently tried out the RORIANO Rustic Table Lamp set, and let me tell you, they surpassed my expectations. I’ve had the opportunity to try it with their amber glass nightlight, and it definitely brought warmth to my living space.

One feature that I especially loved is the double control switches that they come with. It allows you to control the main light or the night light separately, which is super handy for different lighting needs. I never thought I’d need two USB charging ports in a lamp, but now that I have them, I feel like I can charge all my electronics simultaneously. Plus, the included 4 bulbs were such a delightful surprise. They created a soft glow that filled my living space, providing the perfect warmth during chilly evenings.

However, I found that it was a tad challenging to assemble the lamps, despite it being quite straightforward. I had to watch a tutorial to understand how to put everything together properly. Once I got over that hurdle, I was able to appreciate the intricate design of the lamps.

The general size of the lamp was around 25 inches tall, and despite its height, it blended in seamlessly with my rustic, farmhouse style living room. The lamps’ design was a beautiful marriage of industrial and rural, lending an air of elegance and warmth to my space. They really added a touch of sophistication to my otherwise simple living room.

I absolutely love using these lamps for both ambiance and practicality. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a stylish and functional addition to their home. These are truly fantastic lamps that combine practicality with beauty, and they’ve become my new go-to favorites.

Retro Steampunk Desk Lamp with Antique Wrought Iron Base

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This Steampunk desk lamp brings a vintage industrial charm to any space. With its antique finish and loft-style design, it’s perfect for creating a cozy ambiance in bedrooms, cafes, bars, and even study rooms. Standing at 13 cm tall with an E26 lamp holder and dimmable control on the cable, this lamp offers adjustable brightness and can accommodate different shaped bulbs to suit your preferences.

Constructed from a solid wooden base in a dark brown finish and a wrought iron, steampunk water pipe flange, this lamp is both stylish and durable. Its uplight lighting method ensures that the warm, soft light is directed upwards, enhancing the space’s atmosphere. Despite its unique design, it’s not water resistant and is best suited for indoor use. And don’t forget, the lamp doesn’t come with a bulb, so get ready to select your preferred lighting from the many options available.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our buyer’s guide for Vintage Desk Lamps. In this section, we’ll be discussing the important features to consider, provide helpful advice, and highlight essential aspects to make the right purchasing decision. Let’s get started!

Material & Build

One of the key features to consider when buying a vintage desk lamp is its material and build quality. Classic materials such as wood, brass, and glass are common for vintage lamps. These materials not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the overall durability of the lamp. Opt for a well-constructed lamp with solid connections and sturdy components to ensure a long-lasting product.

Light Source & Brightness

The light source and brightness of a vintage desk lamp are essential factors to consider. Incandescent bulbs are traditional options that provide a warm glow and a yellowish tint, which is commonly associated with vintage lamps. LED bulbs, on the other hand, offer energy efficiency and a longer lifespan. For brightness, consider the lamp’s lumens rating, which indicates the overall light output. Choose a lamp with an appropriate brightness level to suit your requirements.

Adjustable Features

Vintage desk lamps should ideally come with adjustable features such as a swivel or tilt function, allowing you to direct the light exactly where you need it. Additionally, consider lamps with a 360-degree rotation base, which offers even more flexibility. These features make the lamp more versatile and functional, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your workspace.

Authenticity & Restoration

When purchasing a vintage desk lamp, be mindful of its authenticity. Look for lamps that maintain the original design and details, ensuring an accurate representation of the era it was made in. If you come across a lamp that appears old but has been recently restored, make sure to check the quality of restoration. Authentic, well-restored lamps may cost more but can be great investments, providing both functional and decorative value to your space.

FAQ

What makes a vintage desk lamp special?

Vintage desk lamps are special due to their unique design, craftsmanship, and historical significance. They often feature intricate details, fine materials, and timeless styles that make them stand out from modern desk lamps. These lamps also serve as conversation starters and add character to any workspace or home decor.

The vintage charm in these lamps comes from their ability to bring a touch of the past into the present. They are often associated with nostalgia, elegance, and a sense of tradition, making them popular among collectors and those who appreciate antique items in their interiors. Additionally, some vintage desk lamps have been designed by renowned artists and artisans, further adding to their value and appeal.

Can I use a vintage desk lamp as a task light?

Absolutely! Vintage desk lamps are designed to provide functional lighting as well as aesthetic appeal. They typically come with adjustable features that allow you to direct the light towards your workspace or reading area. Some models even have multiple light settings or a built-in shade to control the brightness and glare. This combination of style and practicality makes vintage desk lamps ideal for use as a task light.

However, it’s essential to consider the lamp’s wattage and bulb type before using it as a task light. Some vintage lamps may not be compatible with modern energy-saving bulbs or may require specific types of bulbs to function correctly. Always check the lamp’s specifications and compatibility before purchasing or using one as a task light.

How can I ensure the authenticity of a vintage desk lamp?

To ensure the authenticity of a vintage desk lamp, you should look for specific signs or characteristics that are indicative of its age and genuine vintage status. These include the lamp’s overall condition, materials used, style, and even any marks or stamps indicating the manufacturer or time period.

Authentic vintage desk lamps usually exhibit signs of wear and patina, which add to their charm. They may have minor scratches, dents, or discoloration but should not have any significant damage or alterations. Be cautious of lamps that appear too perfect or have been heavily restored, as these may be replicas or reproductions rather than genuinely vintage items.

Do vintage desk lamps require special care or maintenance?

Yes, vintage desk lamps typically require more care and attention than modern lamps due to their delicate materials and intricate designs. They should be handled with care to avoid damage and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight, as these factors can cause the materials to deteriorate over time.

Regular dusting and cleaning are essential for maintaining the appearance and value of a vintage desk lamp. You can use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove dust and dirt from the lamp’s surface, ensuring not to scratch or damage the finish. For more thorough cleaning, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional restorer with experience in antique lighting.

Are vintage desk lamps energy efficient?

Many vintage desk lamps are not energy efficient, as they were designed and manufactured before energy-saving technologies were available. These lamps typically use incandescent bulbs, which consume more energy and generate more heat than their modern counterparts, such as LED bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

However, there are some vintage desk lamps that have been designed with energy efficiency in mind. These lamps may be compatible with energy-saving bulbs or may have been built with materials that reduce energy consumption. If energy efficiency is a concern, it’s essential to check the lamp’s specifications or consult the manufacturer before making a purchase.

Can I find vintage desk lamps at thrift stores or antique shops?

Yes, you can find vintage desk lamps at thrift stores, antique shops, or online marketplaces specializing in vintage and antique items. These stores often have a wide selection of lamps from various time periods and styles, catering to different tastes and budgets. You may also come across rare or unique lamps that are not commonly found in regular retail stores.

When shopping for vintage desk lamps, it’s crucial to inspect the item carefully and ask questions about its history, materials, and condition. This will help you ensure that you are getting an authentic, high-quality lamp that meets your needs and preferences. Additionally, be prepared to negotiate the price, as vendors may be open to haggling to close a sale.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I earn from qualified purchases.

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