At 1stDibs, there are several options of tortoise shell lamps available for sale. Frequently made of
metal,
brass and
bone, all tortoise shell lamps available were constructed with great care. Tortoise shell lamps have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Tortoise shell lamps made by
mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with
Hollywood Regency — are very popular at 1stDibs. Some tortoise shell lamps are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller tortoise shell lamps, measuring 5.91 inches across, are available at 1stDibs.
Arthur Court,
Gaetano Sciolari and
Mutual Sunset Lamp Co. each produced beautiful tortoise shell lamps that are worth considering.
Tortoise shell lamps can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,396, while the lowest priced sells for $552 and the highest can go for as much as $49,500.
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.