Vintage lighting plays a crucial role in residential interior design, impacting the overall ambiance of the space. One’s choice of lighting can either enhance or diminish the atmosphere of the room.
Over the past 10 years, mid-century modern design has been a dominant trend in design. As a new generation discovers the architecture, furniture, and lighting that emerged in the 1940s-1960s, It has become a hot-selling category at auctions, high-end vintage stores, and on high-end vintage e-commerce platforms such as Chairish, 1stDibs, and others.
The use of vintage lighting has become popular in the past 10 years, especially for those who love mid-century design and retro interior design. We see vintage lighting used in top hotel projects by well-known designers, on popular television shows, and in design magazines.
Vintage lighting has become a hot market and quality finds are fetching tens of thousands of dollars from collectors, amateur collectors, and trade professionals. Many manufacturers have begun to offer vintage reproductions of styles from the past at lower prices. Some of the original manufacturers such as Herman Miller, Knoll, and Vitra have been digging into their archives and re-releasing some of the best-selling designs of the past century.
It is a good time to learn all about the mid-century vintage lighting market both for its aesthetic appeal and for potential investment.
Why Does Vintage Lighting Increase In Value?
People often say that styles, once gone, will eventually come back around full circle. This holds for both furniture and lighting. Mid-century antique lamps are in vogue. Moreover, these vintage lamps have been increasing in value for the past 10 years.
Collectors and enthusiasts actively seek vintage lighting pieces from the mid-century modern period. Several movements and trends contribute to this phenomenon.
First, the mid-century modern and contemporary design is a strong trend in furniture design due to its timeless appeal.
Second, the U.S. market is increasingly more attuned to the design and craftsmanship that went into vintage lighting and lamps as a reaction against all of the low-quality imports that are disposable and common.
Thirdly, there is a growing modern trend in architecture and interior design. Hence, many enthusiasts want to buy original designs, from the original makers.
And finally, the market for vintage lighting and lamps is becoming more and more active and competitive and more e-commerce sites are offering these desirable designs of the past.
These are just a few factors responsible for the rise in the prices of vintage lighting.
Does Vintage Lighting Make An Impact On Modern Home Interiors?
The answer is “yes”. Vintage lamps and lights that represent mid-century decor have created a big impact on modern home interiors too. These pieces of art not only suit vintage decor but also beautifully integrate with modern homes. These mid-century lamps and lights create a powerful contrast between the modern and old-age designs that have an intense effect on today’s mix-and-match era.
Installing antique lighting not only enhances the beauty of your home and makes it appear more elegant, luxurious, and refined, but will also continue to increase in value.
What To Know Before Buying Vintage Lights?
The mid-century style lighting pieces indeed give the sensation of quality and robustness along with the beauty of their thoughtful design. However, there could be instances when you face some major issues with them. The reasons could vary; it may be because of your lack of information or because the seller is not very reliable.
We have put together a quick list of things that will help you learn about all the things you need to know before buying vintage lamps and lights.
1. Is it functional?
The first thing to look for in a vintage lamp is whether or not it is functional. Ensure the wiring and circuitry are in great condition and have them checked by an expert electrical technician.
Although genuine dealers generally take good care of their products, you ought to investigate the light yourself too before investing your money in it.
2. Spot hidden damages
An antique lamp you find today might have been a part of its early years of production. Over the years, these lamps undergo a lot of wear and tear. Consequently, people sometimes repair them with new parts (which might not be the original ones) or apply new paint.
Here’s a tip to spot any kind of underlying damage like a pro. Check for the slightest change in coloration on any part of a lamp or see if it looks like it’s newly painted. This will help you understand if the product has been repaired or restored over the years. And you can avoid buying defective pieces.
3. Best suited material
Whether you’re looking for a lamp to lighten up your space or just to add beauty to your home, it’s always a smart idea to know what kind of material is the best for your requirements. If you want your lamp to add up value over the coming years, then look for either Brass, Bronze, or Ceramic ones.
4. Get to know about the best cleaning methods
You want to ensure that your antique lamp stays in great condition for quite a while. Appropriate cleaning and support strategies are important to guarantee the lifespan of your thing, so make certain to ask your seller for certain tips.
What would be The Best Vintage Lighting product for you?
Lighting can change the entire mood and experience when used wisely while setting up a theme for your home interiors.
Choosing the right vintage light can be difficult for someone with a lack of knowledge in the area. Lamps provide different lights that could be bright light, dim light, or LED lights. So to begin with, it is crucial to know how you want your lamp to be associated with your interiors.
Decide where you want an antique lamp to be placed, what should be the spot where you want the rays to fall, and what would be the purpose of the lamp.
Knowing what to look for is the easiest way to determine the best product for you and make the best purchase decision.
Final Lines
Vintage or antique lighting gives character to your home, office, or any other space by showcasing your personality and adding your unique touch. These lights can be matched with your decor, furniture, or wall color You can choose based on the kind of light you need in your space. Some antique lamps can help you fulfill the vintage look that you’ve always longed for, whereas others may help you maintain your modernity. These lamps can create a focal piece that pulls the style of the room together.
Whatever your motivation for choosing vintage lighting is, knowing what to look for can help you obtain the greatest value while also ensuring that you get a product you will be able to use and cherish for years to come.
