They Were Big In The 1920s - Now It's The Thrift Store Find That'll Illuminate Your Space In Style

It can be easy to imagine sourcing certain household items from the thrift store. Wicker baskets, furniture, and even old mirrors, for example, are common go-to finds for seasoned secondhand shoppers. However, there is one super practical vintage piece that you may be able to thrift to instantly elevate your home. Bridge lamps from the 1920s are a wonderful find because they add history, personality, and light to your home all at once. The term "bridge lamp" refers to how the lightbulb is held out on an arm from the main pole, causing it to resemble a miniature bridge. These were popular in the 1920s, with ornate bridges being mass-produced and even grafted onto less decorative lamps.

Today, vintage bridge lamps from the Art Deco era can be found at thrift stores, antique shops, and on various online marketplaces that specialize in vintage pieces. However, it is important to note that the state of the piece, its usability, and its overall level of decoration can have an impact on the price. Pieces that include charming Art Deco-style details and are in good working order can be listed for thousands of dollars because they can be used straight away. But, if your budget doesn't allow for that amount, you can look for pieces that still retain their vintage charm but are either a little plain or do not currently have working electrics. Then, seek out a professional who may be able to get it working for a lower price. So, let's take a quick look at how you can effortlessly add vintage decor into your modern home, starting with these stunning vintage lamps.

Art Deco, one of the major art movements from the 1920s and '30s, often utilized geometric shapes and sharp angles as well as floral or nature-inspired motifs. As such, many of the bridge lamps from that period display those decorative themes. With that in mind, you can begin searching for a bridge lamp that reflects your own personal style and will fit in well with the rest of your decor. So, if you like organic shapes and textures as well as floral or plant motifs, you may want to search for one of the 1920s bridge lamps that have a tulip-shaped lampshade or a bridge arm that resembles winding ivy. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, more industrial look, you could instead look out for one that utilizes straight edges and symmetrical geometry, often used in architecture from that time period.

When you have found one you like that is within your budget, you can then gently clean it using substances suitable for that material. For example, vintage iron can be cleaned with a gentle detergent, warm water, and rust-removing products, if any rust is visible on the piece. Let the piece fully dry before plugging it in, then try styling it with other pieces that echo the themes and decorations from the 1920s, such as a sunburst mirror or vintage cocktail cabinet, in order to make a home bar the centerpiece of your space. Alternatively, if you really want the lamp to stand out, you could keep the rest of your decor relatively simple and modern, allowing the historic detailing on the lamp to speak for itself.