Space Age Lighting: How to Recognise an Original Vintage Lamp
You might already recognize Space Age design by its rounded shapes, shiny chrome and that typical futuristic look. But how do you actually know if you’re looking at an original vintage Space Age lamp?
Because not every chrome globe is automatically Space Age, and not every vintage lamp still has a sticker telling you exactly where it came from. Luckily, there are a few things you can look out for.
How do you recognize a Space Age lamp?
Space Age lighting mainly comes from the 1960s and 1970s, a period when designers were experimenting with new shapes and materials. You can really see that reflected in the lamps from this time.
Rounded and globe shaped shades, geometric forms and designs that almost look like they belong on a spaceship are typical of Space Age design. Materials such as shiny chrome, aluminium, plastic, opal glass and coloured glass were also commonly used.
Still, you can’t recognise a Space Age lamp by just one feature. Plenty of lamps are made today that are inspired by the 60s and 70s. So always look at the bigger picture. The materials, finish, details and signs of age can all tell you a little more.
Want to know more about how this style started in the first place? In our blog What is Space Age Design? I tell you all about it.
A label or sticker helps, but it doesn’t tell you everything
Found an interesting vintage lamp? Turn it over or take a look inside. Sometimes you’ll find exactly the information you’re looking for. An old sticker, brand name, model number or other marking can help you find out who made the lamp and which period it comes from.
But don’t worry if you can’t find anything at all. A paper sticker that was added in 1970 could easily have disappeared somewhere over the past fifty years. So no label doesn’t automatically mean that a lamp isn’t an original vintage piece.
If you do find a name or number, it’s definitely worth looking it up. Sometimes that’s how you suddenly discover the whole story behind a lamp, which of course makes it even more fun!
Not every Space Age lamp is a designer lamp
This is something I personally find important, because online, special vintage lamps are sometimes a little too easily attributed to a famous designer.
Names like Joe Colombo, Verner Panton and Harvey Guzzini are absolutely connected to this period, and their original designs are highly sought after. But there are also so many great Space Age lamps out there where the designer is simply unknown. And those unknown pieces can be just as special!
I’d rather tell you that the designer is unknown than attach a famous name to a lamp without having any proof. In the end, a lamp can be special because of its shape, its material or simply because it’s such an interesting design.
Original vintage doesn’t mean perfect
A Space Age lamp from the 60s or 70s has quite a few years behind it by now. A small scratch in the chrome, some discolouration or other signs of use are completely normal. For me, that’s actually part of buying vintage. After all, you’re choosing something that has already lived a whole life.
Of course, there’s a difference between a nice imperfection and actual damage. Check whether the lamp is complete and take a good look at the materials, glass and any possible damage.
And don’t forget the wiring. A lamp can look fantastic on the outside while the electrics inside are still decades old. At Vintage Pareltjes, we therefore almost always replace the wiring and fittings. That way, an old lamp can safely be enjoyed for many more years.
What do I look for when sourcing?
When I’m searching for new lamps for Vintage Pareltjes, I almost never start with the name of a designer. I look at the lamp itself first. The shape, the material, the condition and most importantly: does it have something special?
I love rounded shapes in pretty much everything I buy, so when it comes to lighting, I naturally end up being drawn to Space Age design quite often.
During my sourcing trips through the Netherlands and different parts of Europe, I come across so many pieces, but definitely not everything makes its way back to Amsterdam. Sometimes I recognise a designer or manufacturer straight away, and sometimes the research only starts after I’ve found a lamp. Quite often, the maker simply remains unknown, and I don’t mind that at all.
Looking for an original Space Age lamp yourself?
Try to look beyond just the famous names. Pay attention to the shapes and materials, look for old labels, check the condition and, if possible, see the lamp in person. And don’t be put off by a small imperfection. With a lamp that’s fifty years old, it’s perfectly fine to see that it has already lived a little.
Not quite sure what you’re looking at? You’re always welcome to visit my shop in Amsterdam. Here you’ll find a changing collection of vintage lighting, including special Space Age lamps from time to time. And of course, I’m always happy to help if you’re unsure which lamp would work best in your interior.
Love,
Lindsay