There is a range of reverse painted glass lamps for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique reverse painted glass lamps was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
glass,
metal and
brass. Reverse painted glass lamps have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Reverse painted glass lamps made by
Arts and Crafts designers — as well as those associated with
mid-century modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Not every interior allows for large reverse painted glass lamps, so small reverse painted glass lamps measuring 5 inches across are available at 1stDibs.
Pairpoint Glassworks,
Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company and
Handel each produced beautiful reverse painted glass lamps that are worth considering.
Reverse painted glass lamps can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,755, while the lowest priced sells for $100 and the highest can go for as much as $37,500.
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.