vintage glass shades (2024)

FAQs

How can you tell if a lamp shade is vintage? ›

Check For Makers' Marks

As with many types of antiques, vintage lamps are likely to have a date stamp or maker's mark somewhere. Typically, these marks are on the base of the lamp, but sometimes there are also stickers on the light fixing itself that will include a name or date or manufacturer.

Glass is the perfect material for light shades as it allows light to pass through it. The result is bright and vibrant light. This means that glass light shades offer almost as much illumination as a bare light bulb.

Glass shades were very popular when kerosene or gas lights were being used from the late 18th through the early 20th century.

Go over the lamp shade with a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dry dust. In a sink or basin, mix warm water and a gentle fabric detergent. Submerge the lamp shade in the water and let it soak for 15 minutes. Scrub any stains with a soft cloth.

One way to determine the worth of your lamp is by researching comparable sales and market trends. Look for lamps that are similar to yours and see how much they sold for. This will give you an idea of what your lamp is worth.

There are three types of lamp shade attachment types: spider, clip-on, and Uno. If you are replacing a lamp shade on an existing lamp, you need to ensure the new lamp shade attachment type is compatible with the lamp base. Learn more about the attachment types below.

Yes, it is safe to paint a glass lampshade as long as you are using glass-specific paint.

If your glass lamp shade is looking lackluster or dull, consider painting it. A quick coat of glass paint can transform any lamp shade from boring to interesting. If you have more time on your hands, you can even add a stencil.

An uncut sheet of glass will vibrate with a “ting” sound when tapped. However once it is cut into many small pieces that are soldered together to form a shade, its properties are changed. It will now produce a “thud” sound when tapped. The “tapper” will surmise the shade is made of plastic.

The green-tinted light was supposed to make reading and writing easier for people who spent long hours doing those things. Some sources point to the green visors, or eyeshades, that accountants once wore as proof of this.

What were old lampshades made of? ›

Tracing its modern roots to the 17th Century, lampshades began as pragmatic coverings often made simple materials such as parchment, glass, or metal, used for the diffusion of flickering candle or oil lamp light.

Sturdier shades made from brass and metal may benefit from cleaning with a damp cloth with soapy water. Non-fabric shades that have accumulated grease in the kitchen can often be cleaned with a damp cloth with a bit of white vinegar.

To clean the lampshade, use a soft toothbrush and wipe the brown spots with a mixture of dish soap and baking soda or non-bleach, non-gel toothpaste. Rinse with plain vinegar.

Antiques are items which must be at least 100 years old. That means, as of the date of this posting, an antique item was made on or before April of 1918.

Know The Look

Like midcentury architecture, furniture and textiles, the lamps from this period have geometric shapes, simple lines and a space-age feel. Look for shapes such as globes, hourglasses and rings to kickstart your search.

Tracing its modern roots to the 17th Century, lampshades began as pragmatic coverings often made simple materials such as parchment, glass, or metal, used for the diffusion of flickering candle or oil lamp light.

Your shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base (give or take an inch). Proportion is the key – too tall and the effect will be top heavy, but too short and your lamp will look out of balance.