The Unique & Valuable Vintage Lamp You Should Definitely Scoop From The Thrift Store

These exotic lamps emerged in the 60s, gained popularity in the 70s, and were still doing the rounds during the early 80s. You might remember them from your grandma's house: a hanging lamp with a brass top and bottom section, warm light shining down on a Venus-like goddess figure emerging from plastic greenery, and surrounded by slow-running oil that often ran at a gravity-defying angle. Oil rain lamps are the decor item you should always check the thrift store for first, according to designers.

Apart from being beautiful, the appeal of an oil rain lamp is simple. Between the gentle hum of the pump, the soothing movement of the oil flowing slowly down the gut, and the warm lighting, the overall effect of having one in your space is relaxing. A few minutes staring at one of these is enough to calm your mind and soothe a stormy mood. Beads of oil catch the light as they run, offering a gentle sparkle of light that is more demure than beads or crystals but equally captivating.

An oil rain lamp is somewhat similar to having a fountain; both involve moving liquid with the goal of helping us relax. A water feature's splashing noises can add a subconscious chill to a room. As the flow of oil is smooth, quiet, and lit by lamplight, the overall effect is warmer than a water feature, while still retaining the impact of movement and flow.

While some modern oil rain lamps feature neon colors and blacklight-reactive mineral oil, the vintage ones are infused with an undeniable charm. Traditionally, the designs leaned towards Greek goddesses, statues of lovers embracing, or delightful multi-story mill houses complete with waterwheels. Some statues were bronze or golden to match the lamp itself, others remained antique white, and some were transparent glass. All of them carried a timeless appeal that still catches our hearts today. 

If you snag a thrift bargain that isn't quite your style (let's face it, not everybody wants a goddess watching them do life), it's worth grabbing anyway. You can always replace the statue with something more in keeping with your vibe. Depending on the size of the lamp, a StealStreet Marine Life Dolphin Design Figurine or a religious figure may be just the thing. The other popular trend that pairs perfectly with an oil rain lamp is fairy culture. While you can DIY the perfect fairy garden using only Dollar Tree supplies, you can also add old-world charm and magic to a miniature scene in an oil rain lamp with its glow and glisten.

Alternatively, you could make a profit by reselling your bargain lamp. Vintage oil rain lamps are fetching incredible prices on online marketplaces like eBay, with individual examples being sold for several hundred dollars.

The downside of using oil as a liquid is that it attracts dust and grime. Over time, you may find your lamp looking shabby or not working as it should. Much like the easy way to breathe new life into a vintage lava lamp, your lamp can be as good as new after some TLC. To perform a basic clean, switch the lamp off and let it cool down completely. Wipe the exterior top and bottom sections using a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and gentle dish soap. Using anything stronger may damage the vintage patina look of your thrifted lamp. Rinse your cloth and carefully wipe down each string using the same soapy warm water mix. Damp cotton swabs or soft paintbrushes can work well for hard-to-reach places. 

When it comes to replacing the oil, make sure you use mineral oil and not regular olive or sunflower seed oil. Cooking oil is thicker than mineral oil and can cause the lamp to clog up and stop working. Cooking oil will go rancid eventually and attract all sorts of bugs. Use oil specifically made for oil rain lamps, such as Amiatch Rain Lamp Oil, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep enjoying your thrifted vintage oil rain lamp.