I have a soft spot in my heart for vintage lighting. If I see a unique fixture at a thrift store or antique store, you can bet that it’s coming home with me – whether I have an immediate use for it or not. I’m just a few lamps short of an episode of Hoarders.
On a recent trip to my favorite local antique store, I came across an amazing lamp in a booth that was going out of business. The lamp was sadly sitting on the floor all alone, sporting a price of just $10. It was far too cool to pass up, and it quickly found a home on my daughter’s nightstand.
The switch felt a little lose, so my husband wanted to replace the socket. When he opened up the lamp, he found a little surprise inside – a night light bulb!
What I thought was just an interesting metal piece at the bottom of the lamp was really a place for a night light to shine through. I didn’t realize it when I bought it, because the night light bulb was burned out. How cool is that?
This lamp got me thinking about other cool features that you might find “hidden” in a vintage lamp. Did you know that many of them have built in ashtrays and cigarette holders? I don’t smoke, but I think it’s cool that this was a lamp feature. Check out this one that my friend Marian found in her grandparents attic.
Many kitchen tables in the 1960s had retractable pull down light fixtures over them. Need more light at the table? Reach up and pull the light towards you. The extra cord is stored in the little pill shaped capsule. Via Etsy.
And how about a lamp/clock combo? If you had a small desk or table, this was the perfect space saving solution. I’ve seen them in aqua, red and yellow. And as an added surprise, the little button on the phone receiver is a cigarette lighter. Via Etsy.
One of the things I love so much about vintage lamps is the shapes and colors that they came in. And now with the added bonus of secret unique features? I’m afraid my vintage lamp hoarding is going to go to the next level.
Do you have a vintage lamp with a unique feature? Tell us about it in the comments! I’d love to hear all about it.
I’d love to know where you bought the polka dot sheets?
Hi Danelle – The polka dot sheets are from Land of Nod. I think they come in several different colors.
I had a lamp that I bought in the 70’s that had the nigh light feature. I loved it. The desk lamp that you show..I always thought that spot was used for paperclips. That is what I remember my Grandpa put in his.
It’s definitely perfect for paperclips, too!
GAH. I love this so much. I have two pendant lamps that need some love. I got them at a sale for $5.00 each. Love your blog!
Oh, nice! What are you going to do with your lamps?
So, did you know that my father in law owns a lamp shop in Amarillo? He spends his days (and nights) reworking old lamps/turning things into lamps. We went to his store over Thanksgiving and it was pretty awesome!
I think I did know that! So cool. Does he have a website?
Heck no! Well, at least I don’t think so… yeah, nope. You’ll just have to truck it up to Amarillo someday.
I love old lamps! Sometimes it makes you wonder what were they thinking? I’d be afraid to answer the phone, I might set myself on fire accidently! Lol
Ha! I think the phone portion doesn’t actually work – but I’d be the one who thought that and would light my hair on fire.
Lindsay, was the shade original to the lamp or did you have to purchase? So hard to find a drum that large these days. Beautiful!
Hi Jane – The shade is original. There are a few little tears in it, but I just turned them to the wall side. It’s nearly impossible to find one that size, isn’t it?
Love the curtains…did you make them?
Hi Nicole, I did! Here is the tutorial: http://makelyhome.com/diy-embellished-anthropologie-swing-stripe-curtains/
Hiii…
This post is giving us the idea about antique lights. This company is producing different types of lamps of different styles. These are too good and fashionable. It enhances the look of our house.