Retro Lamp Ideas

Lava Lamps

• One of the most iconic home decor accessories in the 1970s was the lava lamp. These cone-shaped lamps featured illuminated, multicolored blobs of thick liquid that changed shapes and flowed throughout the lamp when it was plugged in. The lava lamp is the best psychedelic option for a swinging seventies room. Lava lamps can sometimes be found used, but it is usually best to buy them new so that the gel insides are still functioning properly.

Art Deco Lamps

• From the early 1920s to the late 1930s, art deco was the prevailing design style. With its emphasis on balancing hard geometric lines with modern-inspired curves, art deco gave way to bold lamp styles. For example, cylindrical wall sconces, lamps with bases made of scrolling iron work or chrome detailing and lampshades with bright, vibrant colors all call to mind the art deco style. Look for art deco-inspired pieces as estate sales or vintage shops.

Mid-century Lamps

• Mid-century style homes sometimes featured lamp styles that were geometric in shape and futuristic in tone. Mid-century style borrowed from the art deco style that preceded it while introducing bolder colors to the mix, such as saturated reds, blues, greens, oranges and yellows. One of the most iconic examples was the atom-inspired lamp. Atomic lamps were identified by a circular center surrounded by straight lines and smaller circles. To mark this era, also look for floor lamps with tall, curved poles, round bulbous lighting elements and frosted glass lampshades.

Tiffany-Style Lamps

• Tiffany lamps were very popular during the early 20th century. Featuring handmade glass lampshades with colorful patterns, these delicate lamps are an inspired addition to your retro home. Authentic Tiffany lamps cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, depending on the lamp style, size and rarity. Tiffany-inspired pieces are more economical and easy to find in thrift stores and antique shops.

Make Your Own

• Inexpensive lamp kits are easy to find online or local department stores. Create your own lamps from elements of your particular favorite era of vintage style. For example, if you love the 1970s, place a lighting kit in a disco ball. If you love the 1980s, make a lamp to look like the band Devo's iconic red hats using sheets of plastic. The possibilities are endless.