It Was Hot In The '70s - Now This Sculptural Lamp Is A Valuable Thrift Store Score

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Thrift stores are full of items that enjoyed some level of popularity in the past, but there are some items that are hard to find in secondhand stores today despite their trendiness. For some things, it is a result of the item not being durable enough to withstand the years, but for others, like the Atollo lamps of the 1970s, their rarity is a result of a high price at the time of production and a resurgence of the style today. There are a few valuable vintage lamps you should always buy if you see them at a thrift store, and the retro Atollo lamps should certainly be on your list. These lamps feature a cylindrical base with a conical column and a perfect half-sphere lampshade all made from the same material for a smooth, uniform look.

The iconic mushroom-shaped lamp was created in 1977 by Vico Magistretti for use as a table lamp or bedside lamp. With it's geometric design and sleek look, the lamp was awarded the Compasso d'Oro, a prestigious design award, in 1979. The minimalistic lamp was originally made of lacquered aluminum. If you start searching for Atollo lamps, though, you'll see them in a variety of metallic finishes and even an opal glass material. The metal versions point light only downward, while the opal glass ones diffuse the light from the whole lamp. Found in three sizes, the lamps, even today, are produced in Italy using artisanal precision, which is part of what drives their price. The lamps are considered to be an investment piece, making them rare to find in thrift stores. If you're an avid thrifter or secondhand shopper, you may believe anything is possible to find, but if you are interested in these lamps, it's important to know their cost.

Whether you are lucky enough to find one of these retro treasures in the thrift store or have enough to buy one from an online marketplace, you'll see that their worth ranges. The smallest of the three sizes is often the least expensive, while the largest size is the most expensive. However, age and condition also make a difference. While the pieces are still made the same way today as they were in the 1970s, the truly vintage lamps tend to sell for more. Of course, any breaks, chips, dents, or other red flags to look out for when shopping at the thrift store will decrease the value of the Atollo lamps. 

A first edition model of the Atollo lamp in good condition could be priced at over $13,000, though versions made more recently sell for anywhere between about $750 and $1,500. Produced new by the brand Oluce, the lamps cost between about $1,500 and nearly $5,000. With prices like these, finding an Atollo lamp for any sort of discount at a thrift store would be incredibly lucky.

If you love the look but can't afford the high price tag, lamps with similar styles can be found at thrift stores still, thanks to the popularity of the shape. However, some reproductions of the Atollo lamp still cost hundreds of dollars secondhand. While it may not have the same handmade quality, you can get a similar aesthetic. Check out our expert's advice on incorporating 1970s-style decor into your home to make the most of the lamp's gorgeous silhouette in your space.