At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal 19th century French table lamp for your home. Frequently made of
metal,
bronze and
stone, every 19th century French table lamp was constructed with great care. Find 2687 options for an antique or vintage 19th century French table lamp now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer 19th century French table lamp, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A 19th century French table lamp made by
Louis XVI designers — as well as those associated with
Empire — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made 19th century French table lamp over the years, but those crafted by
Gagneau Paris,
Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres and
Ferdinand Barbedienne are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
Antique table lamps became a category of their own once electricity moved light off the wall and onto furniture. The form split quickly: task-driven designs like the Anglepoise on one side, decorative ceramic and glass on the other.
Styles to Know
Base material shapes the light as much as the shade does: ceramic and glass diffuse a softer glow, while brass and metal read more directional. Layer the look with a mid-century modern floor lamp for ambient light, or set a pair on a mid-century modern nightstand for a bedroom.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Table Lamp
Buying individually rather than as a pair allows more flexibility when mixing eras across a room. For those shopping by name rather than by shape, the history of the Anglepoise lamp is worth a read. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.