Looking for the perfect vintage lamp? Here are my tips
Hi vintage lover!
I hope I’ve managed to get you a little excited about vintage lighting. I still find it amazing how just one lamp can completely change the feeling of a room.
My favourite part of the job? Definitely the hunt. I regularly travel through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain and Italy looking for special vintage finds. Sometimes I come home empty handed, and sometimes I spot a lamp and instantly think: you’re coming home to Amsterdam with me.
And trust me, no matter how beautiful a photo is, some lamps are even more impressive in real life. Murano glass especially keeps surprising me. The light, the colours and all those little details really come to life when you’re standing right in front of it.
Looking for a vintage lamp yourself? Here are a few tips I’d love to share with you.
Take your time
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s to take your time. The best vintage lamps aren’t always found in a single day. Sometimes you walk into a shop with no expectations at all and suddenly, there it is: exactly the lamp you’ve been looking for.
But if you really fall in love with one, don’t wait too long. I regularly have to disappoint customers because the lamp they had their eye on has just been sold. And with vintage, finding the exact same one again can be nearly impossible.
Check the condition of the lamp
Always take a good look at the condition. Small signs of wear are part of vintage, but check whether the glass is intact, all the parts are there and the wiring has been inspected or replaced.
At Vintage Pareltjes, we replace the wiring and sockets on almost all of our lamps. With older lighting, we regularly come across wiring that has become worn, damaged or even burnt over the years. By renewing it, we make sure the lamp is ready to be safely enjoyed again.
That way, you’re not only buying something beautiful, but something you can enjoy for many years to come.
See the lamp in real life if you can
Try to see a lamp in person whenever possible. Photos can show you a lot, but never everything. Especially with Murano glass, the light, colours and texture can look completely different in real life. Once the lamp is switched on, you really understand why people fall in love with it.
And remember: vintage lamps often come with small imperfections. Embrace them. Just like with us, those little imperfections are what give something its character.
Choose what feels right for you
And perhaps the most important tip: choose a lamp that makes you happy. Trends change, but a vintage lamp you still love looking at every day can stay with you for years.
Trust your gut. When you really fall for a piece, you usually know straight away. And that’s often the best way to avoid buying something you’ll regret later.
I hope these tips make your search for the perfect vintage lamp a little easier. And if you’re still not quite sure what you’re looking for, come and visit me at the shop in Amsterdam.
You’ll always find a changing selection of vintage pendant lights, ceiling lights, floor lamps and wall lights. And of course, I’m more than happy to help you find the one that works best in your interior.
Love,
Lindsay