Find many varieties of an authentic antique silk lamp shade available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of
metal,
fabric and
silk, every antique silk lamp shade was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique silk lamp shade, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique silk lamp shade, designed in the
Neoclassical,
Empire or
Victorian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture.
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.