It Was Popular In The '30s — The Glass Antique Lighting That We'd Love To Find At The Thrift Store

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Lighting is an integral part of decorating any home. Beyond the obvious importance of being a functional addition to a room, it can also help to set the mood for a space. The right light will highlight aspects of your home that you want to see shine, and you can choose between procuring brand new lighting or adding some character with unique finds. Depending on your design aesthetic, there are plenty of antique, vintage, and old-fashioned lamps that you'd be thrilled to find on the secondhand market. One type of antique lighting that was popular in the 1930s and would add a stylish touch in any room would be slag glass lamps.

Slag glass lamps began their rise in popularity in the late 1800s. These lamps were often made with an iron lamp base, but it was their slag glass shades that made them truly special. This glass was actually the waste material left over from the production of iron. While there are reproductions on the market, genuine slag glass will feature imperfections from being made by hand. There likely won't be uniformity in the actual thickness of the glass, or there may be bubbles in the glass as well. The glass also often features a marbled effect that can cast a unique glow when the lightbulb in the lamp is lit. The ironwork details that were incorporated into slag glass lampshades help to complete the look of elegance and industrial beauty.

There are a number of companies that produced slag glass lamps, particularly in the U.S., including the Handel Company and the Empire Lamp Company. Many of these companies created beautiful vintage lamps that ended up being quite valuable over time. The quality and craftsmanship of these antique lamps, as well as the detail work found on the lampshades, contributed to their inherent beauty, pushing up their value on the secondhand market. 

As of writing, there are over 1000 listings for slag glass lamps on eBay, including a green slag glass table lamp for $180 and a Tiffany-style slag glass lamp listed for $250. Of course, there are also lamps that are listed for much higher, depending on the design of the lamp, the color of the glass, and even which company produced it. A green blue slag glass lamp with filigree work at the base of the shade actually sold for $600 on eBay. And if you're able to find a more high-end piece, such as a signed Miller Art Nouveau lamp (one of which sold for $749.95 on eBay), they can become a focal point in any room.

As with any vintage lamp, it's important to determine if it is safe to use. Rewiring may need to happen to prevent a fire and you should also check the overall stability of the lamp, as you don't want it to fall over and have the glass shatter. Additionally, check any sockets or switches for any signs of scorching, which can be a cause for concern. While you want a beautiful lamp, safety comes first.