Where To Find High Quality Vintage Lamps

Why Vintage Lighting Still Matters

Vintage and mid-century vintage light fixtures are the perfect way to add character into any interior space. Whatever your style - art deco, industrial or retro there's something for everyone. It's all about knowing where to find it! 

Where to Find High-Quality Vintage Lamps

With demand growing for vintage lighting with character and history, knowing where to source the best restored fixtures can save you time, money and hassle. Below are the key channels to explore—and what to watch out for.

1. Specialist Restorers

Businesses that focus exclusively on vintage lighting restoration—like us, Loomlight —offer the most dependable experience. These lights are professionally rewired with CE- or UL-certified components, tested for safety, and can be modified to suit your bespoke usage. We specialise in vintage industrial lighting reclaimed from industrial environments around the world, robust lighting made out of a variety of metals. 

For Art Deco antique lighting you can visit Exeter Antique Lighting Company who stock a wide range of antique lights which are fully restored and rewired. 

What you get:

• Fully refurbished, installation-ready lighting

• Transparent specs on size, weight, and compatibility

• Expert advice on placement, wattage and mounting

Tip: Make sure you are clear whether you are purchasing a restored lamp from a reputable dealer or a salvaged lamp straight from a reclamation dealer who don't do any restoration work. 

2. Antique Markets & Fairs

These can be great for sourcing unique finds, especially if you’re confident identifying solid build quality and original components. Newark Antique Fair is particularly good for all sorts of vintage finds.

What to check:

• Does the lamp have any markings to track its origin and year?

• Does the lamp holder need to be replaced? 

• Are glass diffusers and rubber gaskets intact?

• Has it already been rewired, or will that be needed?

Factor this check list when considering what to pay for the lamp. 

3. Online Marketplaces

You’ll find a mix of genuine vintage, reproduction and poorly described items. Be cautious—photos can conceal condition issues, and provenance is often lacking.

1st Dibs is a top quality vintage site with reputable dealers where you are able to make the dealer an offer n their asking price.

Vinterior is another fantastic vintage marketplace for lighting where you are protected somewhat by the marketplace. You can contact the dealer for negotiations on price. 

eBay is mixed and you need to proceed with caution. 

Checklist:

• Ask for close-up photos of joints, galleries and internal wiring

• Request dimensions and weight before committing

• Confirm return policies if unsure

4. Architectural Salvage Yards

While less curated, salvage yards will stock vintage lamps pulled from factories, ships and civic buildings. Perfect for people that love the search and the prospect of finding a hidden treasure.

Advice: Go with patience and a torch. Many treasures are dirty, unlabelled and need full restoration.

6 Professional Checks Before You Commit

1. Wiring & Certification – Insist on CE/UL-listed components and a recent PAT or Earth-continuity test certificate.

2. Ingress Protection (IP) Rating – For bathrooms & exteriors aim for IP54 or higher after restoration. An IP rated vintage lamp that hasn't been restored may no longer maintain the original IP rating.

3. Surface Integrity – Superficial scuffs add patina; structural rust, pin-holes or perforation mean walk away.

4. Glass & Gaskets – Original prismatic glass and intact rubber seals maintain enclosure rating and value.

5. Manufacturer Markings – Cast or riveted ID plates add provenance and help date the piece.

6. Spare Parts Availability – Ask the seller about replacement seals, galleries and diffusers before purchase.

Function First: Matching Lamp Type to Task

• Ambient – Large enamel pendants or Holophane prismatic globes disperse soft, room-filling light.

• Task – Anglepoise or Dugdills articulated arms bring light precisely where you need it without glare.

• Accent – Flame-proof bulkheads highlight architectural details and survive outdoor environments.

LED Compatibility

Modern E26/E27 LED filament bulbs now mimic warm tungsten glow (2200-2700 K) at a tenth of the energy. Look for high CRI ( ≥ 90) lamps to preserve colour accuracy in dining areas.

Restoration Cost vs. True Value

Professional rewiring, powder-coating and certification typically adds £120-£350 per fitting. For benchmark quality, budget this into your ceiling price rather than gambling on an untested find.

Quick-Reference Checklist

Tick every box above and you will rarely make an expensive mistake.

About Loomlight Design

Founded in 2014 by Victoria & Andy Iliffe, Loomlight is a specialist workshop dedicated to sourcing, restoring and certifying vintage industrial lighting for residential and commercial projects worldwide. Every fixture is stripped, rebuilt with modern components, PAT-tested and supplied ready for installation. View the current collection at loomlight.com or email hello@loomlight.com for trade enquiries.

© 2025 Loomlight Ltd – please credit when quoting or sharing.