I tell you what… If you need a random something to put a smile on your face, go out to an antique store, thrift store, or secondhand shop and look at lamps. Lamps seem to be one of the places where home decor companies really let loose. Let’s make beige sofas and brown tables, but lamps? Let’s make those weird. Well, you at least find weird lamps in abundance when you’re shopping for vintage lamps!
As I’ve been out browsing antique and thrift stores, it’s almost been a fun little Easter egg hunt to spot the lamps that make me smile.
I’ve been looking for lamps because I sold almost all of my lamps when we moved. I kept the architecture salvage lamps that were by the bed in our room…
…and a few of the work lamps from my studio…
(The clamp lamp is from Etsy shop.)
…and one alabaster lamp, but the rest were sold.
The main reason I sold them is that they are hard to move, specifically the shades. If you took a Family-Feud-style survey of the number one item damaged in a move, I bet the top answer would be lampshades. They always seem to get wet, dented, ripped, or crunched. I took a chance with the shades on the architectural salvage lamps, but the rest of the lamps could be replaced on the other end.
So, I started shopping for vintage lamps, keeping an eye out specifically for solid brass lamps and alabaster/marble. These were some of the more colorful lamps I found in my lamps-that-make-me-smile Easter egg hunt…
I actually like figural lamps, but they really need the right shade and have to make sense in the space. These lamps sitting in a booth of random items didn’t stand much of a chance of looking their best!
I spotted this vintage lamp yesterday and it definitely made me smile. Someone put a lot of work and creativity into that lamp. It looks like something I might’ve made at a time when more ruffles and bows = better.
This lamp was in my colors, though, and could probably look kitschy-cute in the right room.
I kept my choices pretty conservative when shopping for vintage lamps to put in my own home, though.
I found this beautiful solid brass lamp at a thrift store in Raleigh. It even came with a nice rectangular shade. Usually, when I’m shopping for vintage lamps, it’s just a given that the shades will be replaced. This one was in good shape and complimented the lamp very nicely. It even has a scrolly M on it!
I don’t remember the exact price of it, but I think it was $7.00 or $8.00.
That’s been hanging out in our storage unit for a little while along with some ironstone and frames for paintings…
I found a beautiful pair of vintage when I was shopping on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve been combing listings several times a day to see if I come up with anything that is a must-have and worth storing until we have our new house. These were $80 for the pair and came with nice white shades as well. One is a little dirty, but I might want to make slipcovers for the shades, anyway.
I also picked up this small alabaster lamp. It’s a nice size for a bathroom, kitchen, or on a hall table to use as a nightlight. I think it was $12, so I snapped that up.
The best find in all of my adventures shopping for vintage lamps is these vintage brass Stiffel lamps…
My test when shopping for vintage brass lamps is to simply pick them up. If they are heavy, they are worth a second look. Some faux-brass lamps have weighted bases that might fool you, but you can turn them on their side to test that. If the weight is all on the bottom, they are likely not real brass. If the lamp is uniformly heavy (or you can see inside the bottom of the lamp and they are hollow), then they are pretty reliably solid brass. These were most definitely solid brass.
I had never heard of Stiffel lamps, but they are apparently well-known and sought-after lamps. They are quality, classic, and can work in so many decorating styles depending on the shade used. A gentleman at the antique store offered to carry them to the counter for me. As he cradled the heavy lamps in his arms he said, “Oh, Stiffel lamps! These are a great find. I used to work at a lighting store and these are the best lamps.”
So, I looked them up when I got home and he was right. There are some listings for $150+ per pair on local marketplaces and you can find them on and for a few hundred, but then there are listings like this one…
I paid $19 per lamp. Now, shades for large lamps can get pricey, but I had the help of someone on Instagram who shared she had a pair of lamps very similar to mine. She kindly took the time to share the dimensions of her shades, so I was able to order some online from . I bought and I can’t wait to try them on! Even though they are new shades, I still might make a slipcover for them to change out the look. I’d love to make some block print linen shade slipcovers with a hand-cut block I made. (You can read about my block printing HERE.)
I’d like to maybe find a floor lamp, but I think otherwise I’m pretty set for now unless I find another pair I can’t pass up! It would be fun to find some blue & white lamps…
24 Responses
Yessiree, there are some truly hideous lamps in the antiques/thrift shops!! But some gems as well. Your Stiffel lamps look like trophies. The ‘M’ lamp was just waiting for you! It never ceases to amaze me that you find all of these great things, and exactly what you were looking for, so easily. Thrifting is not exactly successful in many areas of the country/world.
I love Stiffel lamps. My mom introduced me to them in the late 80s – she was always eyeing them at Department stores- like Macys. So now if I see them when thrifting – I buy them! Shades can be tricky though…
You hit the lamp jackpot with that brass “M” lamp! I got all excited when I saw your topic today as I am in the market for a new lamp or better yet, a pair of lamps. One of my lamps was broken recently when it crashed to the floor while moving the sofa.
I have painted brass lamp bases that have seen better days or are not the best brass. After priming I painted them with a craft enamel and then antiqued them. They turned out great.
My mother had Stiffel lamps and was so proud of them. They were very tall and also had enamel on them…real beauties.
I have seen some outrageous lamps while out and about. They never fail to bring a smile.
I actually like the owl lamp and have one that is similar but is painted a subtle (not shiny) gold all over so it becomes more figural than garish. I think that one would have been a fun remake with a different finish and more appropriately sized shade. You found some lovely ones to keep. I am always on the hunt for vintage and antique lighting because quality lighting that I like that is new is way out of my price range. Happy hunting!
Yes I am very familiar with Stiffel lamps my grandmother and mother both had them and now they are mine. And many years ago when I was first married I purchased one at Strawbridge & Clothier dept store in Phila. They are very heavy and stand the test of time. I have of course carried all of them at different times to purchase new shades. You must take the lamp with you for new shades. I also have Baldwin brass lamps which are so pretty and I’ve winged it by not taking those to be fitted for new shades. and been successful for they all look very nice. And I just purchased a small solid brass lamp at our lighting store which I must stay away from because everytime I go in there for repairs,shades etc I buy a new lamp. I am not a thrift, antiques store shopper for I like only new items.
I found a pair of brass lamps at a thrift store about right years ago. My plan was to paint them. I saw the name on them. I’d never heard of Stiffel lamps either but I looked them up and saw a similar pair and they wanted $400.00 for them. I paid $5.00 for the pair. I didn’t paint them and just changed out the shades.
Participating with you as you shop is so much fun! Our lamps are brass , collected through the years. A few years ago I found a Stiffel floor lamp at Lowe’s. I was surprised and happy and still like it except the shade hasn’t held up very well. The path your shopping is taking is exactly what I love so very excited to accompany you on this new venture!
I love following you on your shopping tours. You are so lucky to have
so many good places to shop. The lamps are a great find. Thank you
for sharing the info with all. I’ve never slipcovered a shade.
Have you covered the “how-to” on a post? Would like to give it a try.
Blessings
I actually have a pair of trophy Stiffel lamps just like the example you show for $1,200.00! I bought them on ebay a few years ago for $40.00 each. I guess I did pretty well! I love them and I think brass is timeless. I fitted them with silk pleated shades in the color Sangria that I got for a steal on clearance from Restoration Hardware(when they still had some things with color!) Love!
Would love a tutorial on lamp shade making. I have a number of antique lamp shade wire frames.
I have several vintage table and floor lamps. I am having a difficult time finding affordable shades. In the past, I have found them at Tuesday Morning and HomeGoods. They no longer have them. Any ideas?
Peggy, I found a perfect shade at Burkes outlet for a vintage brass lamp that belonged to my parents. They also own Bealls outlet. You never know what they might have so it’s a fun hunt. They have 10% off on Monday for EVERYONE! Do you either one nearby?
Also I have found shades at Ross and TJ MAXX. Their stock changes weekly as all these stores do so have to keep checking. Good luck.
Thank you. I will check Ross as we don’t have a Burkes or Bealls outlet.
I love the alabaster/marble lamps and have one in my foyer that I bought at auction for a great price. All the lamps in my home are vintage. I don’t go out looking for them….just run across them on my “hunts”. I think I might just have purchased that patriotic lady lamp, taken it apart, and used it as part of a vignette for summer. Best….L
These are all charming but I’m partial to the alabaster marble ones. We dont have those kinds of prices where I live. I’d love to go shoping with you!
In the early years on my marriage, we saved up to buy Stiffel lamps and all of them are still look great and in working condition, though a new shade or two is needed. I inherited a pair of Stiffel lamps from my mother-in law that have the same profile as the ones you snagged but the wide “urn” parts are made of ivory Lenox china. They are very tall and need new shades so it will be and expensive purchase.
I hope you got all of the alabaster lamps, and the one with the initial M on it… AND the Stiffel lamps. If you did, you got some fabulous lamps for fabulous prices. I love them ALL!!! Good job. Wish I could follow you around – don’t have nice antique shops here or vintage shops either… it’s a bummer!
Great finds!!
Stiffel lamps are from my home town, sadly went out of business in 2000. I have a couple that I still love. Yup, they were expensive back in the day. Many of their styles were very colonial/early American.
Another high quality lamp also made here is Frederick Cooper. They have been long out of business. Still have a pair that grace my living room sofa table, timeless….
Great finds! I’m a sucker for alabaster/marble lamps, the pair you found is fantastic. I’m currently looking for a lamp to convert from electric to a battery pack, for our front porch – it’s proving harder than I thought!
I can easily ‘see’ how those alabaster lamps will fit in your home…simply based on the feel of your Rochester home! I have a pair of those ‘figurine’ type lamps. They are oriental in nature; my father brought them back (along with LOTS of furniture and dishes} from Singapore during WW II. I am currently on the hunt for buffet lamps for our piano. I stumbled on one just this week, but it is extremely tall. I may not find a mate that will match the height, in which case I will find a different spot in the house for it or simply donate it back and keep looking for a pair that are similar to each other.
I have been in the market for some new lamps as well. When you’re shopping for them, how do you make sure that they work? I would love to buy antique lamps rather then new lamps.
What a wonderful post! I, too, have one Stiffel lamp which was inherited from my husband’s grandparents. It is very tall, brushed brass and in a more modern urn shape with the original silk shade. It has a small tear, but I turn it to the wall so it doesn’t show. The mate went to my brother-in-law, but who knows where it is now? Sweet finds, indeed! Good shopping!
One of my treasured lamps is a base from a Tiffany style inherited from my grandparents. The stained glass inverted bowl type shade had apparently broken, and I had the metal base which looks like an inverted blossom for years. My husband re-wired it, extended the base with a brass tube and added a new harp. I then found a perfect little buffet lamp shade with crystals dangling from the bottom edge. This fits perfectly on a small end table.
The moral is, think outside the box on lamps whether it is re-purposing the intended use, tweaking the design, and definitely the shade. The last two floor lamps we purchased were from our local thrift store because I could not find anything I could afford or liked in stores.
Going “shopping” with you is such fun, Marian!
Vintage lamps are certainly quirky in my area as well and one of the best ways to add personality to your home. I’m on the hunt for alabaster lamps, brass lamps, figure lamps, and those lovely blue & white chinoiserie lamps. Thank for taking us along and sharing what you found. So enjoying this journey of your new home hunt with you!
Warmly,
Rachel
I love lamps! I am always picking up lamps and changing things around. When I’ve picked up a lamp that I love but it has a dirty quality shade I have literally put it into my laundry sink and used dish soap to clean it. So often it has worked out and there’s nothing to lose. Just air dry in the sun.