The Vintage Lamp That's Making A Huge Comeback

The "vintage" label, though sometimes vague, can have a huge impact on deciding if a nostalgic piece should be a trend or a faux pas. One area where it's crucial to know the difference between chic vintage trends and unworthy old junk is in lighting. There are plenty of vintage lamps that deserve major comebacks because of their top-notch quality and design, such as Tiffany lamps. These lights are a sought-after antique item for your home that people snatch up fast when thrifting and worth keeping an eye out for when you're shopping. 

With their ornate and colorful stained glass appearance, Tiffany lamps get their name from the Tiffany glass manufacturers — and yes, they're a family relation to the iconic Tiffany & Co. The first official Tiffany lamp was made in the year 1895 and designed by an employee of Tiffany Studios, named Clara Driscoll. Over the years, the lamps became known for their nature-inspired themes (like dragonfly designs and floral patterns) and for being entirely handcrafted. 

Tiffany lamps are most commonly made to be table lamps, but you can also find Tiffany lamps that are made to stand on the floor or hang from the ceiling. The last official Tiffany Studios lamps were made in the year 1913, but there are manufacturers today who used the same (or very similar) methods to make these lamps, giving you the option to buy a copy if it's too daunting to search estate sales and antique stores for the lighting fixtures. 

If you're looking for a Tiffany lamp, the trait to keep an eye out for is color. These lamps will often have colorful floral designs, and could even be shaped like flowers instead of taking on a traditional lampshade look. You'll also want to figure out if the lamp is made of glass or plastic. Beware: Authentic Tiffany lamps are made of glass covered in copper foil, which means it may sound like plastic. However, glass will always be heavier than plastic, so the weight of the lamp is a telltale signifier that you've got the real thing.

Once you've found the perfect piece, you can style it in a few ways. You could go for maximalist decor, leaning into the many colors of the lamp and matching them with your rugs, curtains, bedding, furniture, and pillows, making for a bright and colorful room that goes well with the rising trend of maximalism. Alternatively, you can make your Tiffany lamp into something of a statement piece by placing it in a room where it's the main pop of color. Surrounding the lamp with neutrals, like wooden tables and shelves in a home office setting, could bring more focus to the vintage piece and make it feel all the more special. Whatever you choose, be sure to account for the lower brightness due to the stained glass, and consider supplementing it with other light sources.