An assortment of antique silk lamp shades is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique silk lamp shades was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
fabric,
silk and
metal. Antique silk lamp shades have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique silk lamp shades are generally popular furniture pieces, but
Neoclassical,
Empire and
Georgian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Antique silk lamp shades have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by
Steuben Glass are consistently popular.
Prices for antique silk lamp shades can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, antique silk lamp shades begin at $864 and can go as high as $13,200, while the average can fetch as much as $2,800.
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.