What is a rotary switch on a floor lamp?

On a floor lamp, a rotary switch is a part used to turn the light on and off. Specifically, it has a threaded stem with a knob at the end. To use it, you twist the knob. Find a collection of antique and vintage floor lamps on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a brass lamp is vintage?

To tell if a brass lamp is vintage, you'll need to determine if it is 20 to 99 years old by conducting online research or having an expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer, evaluate it. If you prefer to do the research yourself, first look for the maker's markings. Then, consult trusted online resources to identify the maker and read further to find out when the company was active and manufacturing similar lamps. Checking the plug can also be helpful. If it has two prongs of the same size, you can conclude that your lamp was made in 1962 or before, as U.S. standards set that year required all lamps to feature polarized plugs with one large and one small prong. Keep in mind that it is possible to rewire a lamp, and some makers switched to polarized plugs before the standard was established, so the lack of a non-polarized plug doesn't necessarily mean a lamp isn't pre-1962. Find a large selection of vintage brass table lamps on 1stDibs.

How do I identify a vintage porcelain lamp?

To identify a vintage porcelain lamp, check the base for markings. You may find a date stamp or the manufacturer's name. Check the porcelain for signs of wear like minor scratches and blemishes. If a lamp is in flawless condition, it's possible that it was simply stored well, but it's more likely that the piece is a newer reproduction. A certified appraiser can be of assistance if online research isn't enough to make an identification. Shop a selection of vintage porcelain lamps on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a floor lamp is vintage?

There are many different ways to tell if a table lamp is vintage. Your best option is to look for a manufacturer label that will give you information on the designer, the date, serial number and other information that you can then Google. It’s also a good idea to look at the condition of the lamp to see what shape it’s in and if it has all of its original pieces. Shop a large collection of vintage table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a table lamp is vintage?

There are a few ways to identify if your table lamp is vintage, but it does vary from brand to brand. If you can spot a maker’s mark or manufacturer’s label on your piece, it could tell you where and when it was crafted. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary table lamps from top sellers around the world.

How do I identify vintage Stiffel lamps?

To identify vintage Stiffel lamps, first check a piece for any markings. Nearly all Stiffel lamps have a marking at least on the switch, but some also feature large foil stamps on their bases or bulb sockets. By comparing the marks on your lamp to images and descriptions published on trusted online resources, you can often determine approximately when Stiffel produced your lamp. If your lamp is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage. Older Stiffel lamps are antiques, and newer ones are contemporary. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find an assortment of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.

Vintage Lamp Switch

Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamp

Bankers Table

Cobra Table Lamp

1960s German Lamp

Space Age Lamp Plastic

1970s Metal Desk

Piano Dining Table

Snake Furniture

Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

ASEA Skandia Shell Shaped "Coquille" Wall Sconce, Sweden 1940s

$1,100

Verona, Large Size Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Period: circa 1970. The light mounts 9 standard European e27 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Verona, Large Size Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

$3,560

Murano Glass Gold and Transparent Leaves Chandelier or Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

European e15 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa Standards. Excellent vintage condition. Perfect for

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Glass Gold and Transparent Leaves Chandelier or Flush Mount, 1970s

$2,136

Set of 2 Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

hues Period: circa 1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e14 lamp holders, possible to switch

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

$Vintage Set of 2 Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s$

$Set of 2 Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s$

Set of 2 Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

$3,797 / set

LS 134 Murano glass pendant by Carlo Nason for A.V. Mazzega, 1960s

By Carlo Nason, AVMazzega

Located in Rotterdam, NL

lamp is switched on, the inner part appears as a surprisingly bell-shaped element and the layering of

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Steel

LS 134 Murano glass pendant by Carlo Nason for A.V. Mazzega, 1960s

$9,976

Dubai, Murano Glass Gold Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e27 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa Standards

Category

1970s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Dubai, Murano Glass Gold Flush Mount, 1970s

$3,560

Set of 2 Dubai, Murano Glass Gold Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

. Period: circa 1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e27 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa

Category

1970s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Set of 2 Dubai, Murano Glass Gold Flush Mount, 1970s

$6,526 / set

Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

: circa 1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e14 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa Standards

Category

1970s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

$Vintage Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s$

$Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s$

Rome, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

$1,898

Ischia, Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

: circa 1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e14 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa Standards

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Ischia, Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

$1,898

Portofino, Murano Glass Gold Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e14 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa Standards

Category

1970s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Portofino, Murano Glass Gold Flush Mount, 1970s

$4,153

1940s Finnish Minimalist Plug-In Wall Light Attributed to Paavo Tynell

By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Glendale, CA

. Retains original switch on lamp. Not UL listed, but recommended UL listing possible from authorized 3rd

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

1940s Finnish Minimalist Plug-In Wall Light Attributed to Paavo Tynell

$2,000 / item

Pair of 1940s Finnish Minimalist Plug-In Wall Lights Attributed to Paavo Tynell

By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Glendale, CA

-style US wall plug. Retains original switch on lamp. Not UL listed, but recommended UL listing possible

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1940s Finnish Minimalist Plug-In Wall Lights Attributed to Paavo Tynell

$4,000 / set

Positano, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

: circa 1970. The light mounts 6 standard European e14 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa Standards

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

$Positano, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s$

Positano, Murano Glass Gold\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

$2,136

Brutalist illuminated wrought iron mirror, Germany 1970s

By Jean Touret, Atelier Marolles

Located in ECHT, NL

Round brutalist mirror. Made from wrought iron. It is illuminated from the back by 4 lamps operated

Category

Late 20th Century German Brutalist Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brutalist illuminated wrought iron mirror, Germany 1970s

$1,483

Pair of Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s

By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

without the switch. Each lamp takes two small Edison screw base bulbs type E14 (max. 40 W per socket). It

Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

Pair of Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s

$3,700 / set

elegant mid century SCONCE crystal glass prisms and chrome by kinkeldey 1960s

By Kinkeldey

Located in Mannheim, DE

bulbs. For direct wall connection without a switch on the lamp. Dimensions in cm: Length 23 cm, width

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

elegant mid century SCONCE crystal glass prisms and chrome by kinkeldey 1960s

$415

Pair of Wall Lights by Anvia, 1960

By Anvia, J. J. M. Hoogervorst

Located in Los Angeles, CA

/off switch on each lamp, wired for US standards, one E12 socket each, max. wattage 60w per socket or

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Pair of Wall Lights by Anvia, 1960

$1,400 / set

Palermo, Large Size Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Period: circa 1970. The light mounts 9 standard European e14 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Palermo, Large Size Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

$4,746

Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus White Sconce Double Wall Light, Linder Germany, 1950s

By Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Lindner

Located in Vienna, AT

light sources and is preserved in very good condition. The lamp has a built-in switch, but it can be

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Porcelain, Glass, Opaline Glass

Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus White Sconce Double Wall Light, Linder Germany, 1950s

$1,200

Mid-Century Swiss Space Age Brass Sconce by E.R. Nele for Temde 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

can be screwed over the frame with a thread. The lamp has a train switch. The lamp is in very good

Category

20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Swiss Space Age Brass Sconce by E.R. Nele for Temde 1960s

$1,407

Mid-Century Murano Ice Glass Sconce Wall Fixture, Modernist 1970s, by Hillebrand

By Hillebrand

Located in Andernach, DE

Magnificent wall lamp by 'Hillebrand', Germanys famous mid 20th century manufacturer of fantastic

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Murano Ice Glass Sconce Wall Fixture, Modernist 1970s, by Hillebrand

$293 Sale Price

29% Off

Catania, Large Size Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Splendid Large Size Murano glass ceiling lamp in coloured glass bead with trasparent clear glass

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Catania, Large Size Murano Clear trasparent Vintage Glass Ceiling Light, 1970s

$4,509

Taormina, Murano Glass Amber\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Splendid Murano glass ceiling lamp in coloured glass bead with amber gold\orange hues ispired to

Category

1970s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

$Taormina, Murano Glass Amber\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s$

Taormina, Murano Glass Amber\Orange Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

$1,898

Mid-Century Swiss Space Age Brass Sconce by E.R. Nele for Temde, 1960s

By E. R. Nele

Located in Hamburg, DE

can be screwed over the frames with a thread. The lamp has a train switch. The lamp is in very good

Category

20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Swiss Space Age Brass Sconce by E.R. Nele for Temde, 1960s

$1,759

Vintage Swiss Space Age Visier Sconce by E. R. Nele for Temde, 1970s

By E. R. Nele

Located in Hamburg, DE

Wall lamp from the swiss manufacturer temde after a design by e. R. Nele from the 70s. The design

Category

20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Vintage Swiss Space Age Visier Sconce by E. R. Nele for Temde, 1970s

$4,103

Ballarò, Italian Pink Murano Glass Leaves Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

e14 lamp holders, possible to switch for Usa standards Height measures 30 centimeters from the

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Ballarò, Italian Pink Murano Glass Leaves Ceiling Light or Flush Mount, 1970s

$2,966

kinkeldey mid century SCONCE crystal glass and chrome 6 glass prisms 1960s

By Kinkeldey

Located in Mannheim, DE

4" each). Holds 3 round E14 light bulbs. For direct wall connection and external switch, no switch

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Chrome

kinkeldey mid century SCONCE crystal glass and chrome 6 glass prisms 1960s

$498

Fat Lava Scones Set of 6 Wall Lights in Orange Brown, Germany. 1970s

Located in Hannover, DE

-construction means that a lamp can be switched on via a power source, for example, so that you have an

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Ceramic

Fat Lava Scones Set of 6 Wall Lights in Orange Brown, Germany. 1970s

$2,373 / set

Set of 2 Bogotà, Wall light Iridescent Rainbow Colour Murano Glass Leave, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

European e14 lamp, with the possibility of switching for the United States. Measures 25 centimeters in

Category

1970s European Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Set of 2 Bogotà, Wall light Iridescent Rainbow Colour Murano Glass Leave, 1970s

$1,661 / set

pair of italian 1980s glass SCONCES lamperti design alberto podestà model illo

By Lamberti Design

Located in Mannheim, DE

included in the offer). For direct wall connection without switches at the lamps. The offer applies to

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Glass

pair of italian 1980s glass SCONCES lamperti design alberto podestà model illo

$1,056

White Plexiglass Adjustable Shade Pair of Sconces, 1950s, Germany

By Paul Neuhaus Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

elegant and Minimalist wall lamps. There are two switch on-off ropes Lamps are in very good condition

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

White Plexiglass Adjustable Shade Pair of Sconces, 1950s, Germany

$1,756 / set

J.T. Kalmar Vienna Pair Mid-Century Frosted Ice Glass Sconces, Austria, 1960s

By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar

Located in Vienna, AT

textured ice glass lampshades, complemented by charming nickel-plated brass knobs. The lamps come with

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal, Brass, Nickel

J.T. Kalmar Vienna Pair Mid-Century Frosted Ice Glass Sconces, Austria, 1960s

$2,400

Wall light Pink Jewel Murano Glass Leave by Barovier e Toso, 1950s

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Roma, IT

of a glass leave and a brass structure. It mounts a European standard e14 lamp, possible to switch

Category

1950s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Wall light Pink Jewel Murano Glass Leave by Barovier e Toso, 1950s

$2,136

Murano Sputnik Chandelier - Italy-

By AVMazzega

Located in The Hague, NL

ceiling. There is a metal pullcord to switch the lamp on and off. The Murano chalices are in particularly

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Chrome

Murano Sputnik Chandelier - Italy-

$3,500

Set of 2 Wall light Pink Jewel Murano Glass Leave by Barovier e Toso, 1950s

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Roma, IT

consist of a glass leave and a brass structure. It mounts a European standard e14 lamp, possible to switch

Category

1950s Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Set of 2 Wall light Pink Jewel Murano Glass Leave by Barovier e Toso, 1950s

$4,153 / set

Six-Arm Brass and Opal Glass Chandelier, Sweden ca 1950s

Located in Utrecht, NL

brass body is enriched with the warmth the light creates when the lamp is switched on, creating a cosy

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

Six-Arm Brass and Opal Glass Chandelier, Sweden ca 1950s

$5,500

One of the Four Modern Crystal Glass Wall Sconces by Bakalowits, 1960s

By Bakalowits Söhne

Located in Rijssen, NL

workmanship. The lamp has a pull switch but can also be clamped to a switchable wall connection. Very

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

One of the Four Modern Crystal Glass Wall Sconces by Bakalowits, 1960s

$1,661 / item

Plexiglass Metal Pair of Sconces by Paul Neuhaus, 1950s, Germany

By Paul Neuhaus Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

switch on-off on the base Lamps are in very good condition. These lamps works with E14 standard

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal, Brass

Plexiglass Metal Pair of Sconces by Paul Neuhaus, 1950s, Germany

$1,186 / set

Frederick Ramond Mid-Century Smoked Glass Chrome Swag / Pendant / Chandelier

By Frederick Raymond

Located in Las Vegas, NV

in wide. All lights work. As does the switch lamp has all original wiring.

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Chrome

Frederick Ramond Mid-Century Smoked Glass Chrome Swag / Pendant / Chandelier

$900 Sale Price

54% Off

Midcentury Sconce Glass Metal Chrome Murano Ice Glass, 1960s 70s

Located in Mannheim, DE

switch on the lamp. The lamp is in very good condition without damages. In full working order. We

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Murano Glass

Midcentury Sconce Glass Metal Chrome Murano Ice Glass, 1960s 70s

$491

Kai Ruokonen Three Arm Pendant Light in Brass, Lynx, Finland, Early 1970s

By Kari Ruokonen, Lynx Edition

Located in The Hague, NL

distinct light distribution once the lamp is switched on. We also have a five arm version of the same

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

Kai Ruokonen Three Arm Pendant Light in Brass, Lynx, Finland, Early 1970s

$10,917

XL Mid-Century Modern Teak Light Fixture by Kristian Frederiksen for Torring

By Torring Mobelfabrik

Located in San Diego, CA

x 5.5"H. It has four spotlight lamps that are controlled by two dimming switches (each switch

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Teak

XL Mid-Century Modern Teak Light Fixture by Kristian Frederiksen for Torring

$2,400 Sale Price

20% Off

Kai Ruokonen Five Arm Pendant Light in Brass, Lynx, Finland, Early 1970s

By Kari Ruokonen, Lynx Edition

Located in The Hague, NL

distinct light distribution once the lamp is switched on. We also have a three arm version of the same

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

Kai Ruokonen Five Arm Pendant Light in Brass, Lynx, Finland, Early 1970s

$13,647

Black-White Metal Adjustable Shade Pair of Sconces by Staff, 1950s, Germany

By Staff Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Adjustable Reflectors Very elegant and Minimalist wall lamps. There are two switch on-off ropes Lamps

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Black-White Metal Adjustable Shade Pair of Sconces by Staff, 1950s, Germany

$901 / set

Copper Handcrafted Flower Shaped Single Sconce Flush Mount Ceiling, 1950 Germany

By Hillebrand

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Sculptural very elegant rare heavy ceiling lamp flush mount Heavy product Switch on/off button on the

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Copper

Copper Handcrafted Flower Shaped Single Sconce Flush Mount Ceiling, 1950 Germany

$1,435

Italian modern black metal and light floor mirror by Forcolini for Alias, 1980s

By Alias, Carlo Forcolini

Located in MIlano, IT

semicircle top. Textured black metal frame with black metal rod arc lamp and round diffuser. The switch is

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Italian modern black metal and light floor mirror by Forcolini for Alias, 1980s

$2,373

Italian modern black metal and light floor mirror by Forcolini for Alias, 1980s

By Alias, Carlo Forcolini

Located in MIlano, IT

semicircle top. Smooth black metal frame with black metal rod arc lamp and round diffuser, the switch is

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Italian modern black metal and light floor mirror by Forcolini for Alias, 1980s

$2,373

Sweden Mid Century Appliques by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, 1950s

By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd

Located in MIlano, IT

glass diffuser, with central part in ceramic with double lamp holder and switch. Design by Hans-Agne

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

Sweden Mid Century Appliques by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, 1950s

$3,999 / set

Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Turquoise by Achille Castiglioni

By Achille Castiglioni

Located in Brooklyn, NY

anodized aluminum and contains the excess power cord. There is an on/off switch on the lamp holder

Category

20th Century Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Stainless Steel

Flos Lampadina LED Table Lamp in Turquoise by Achille Castiglioni

$210 / item

Swedish Floor Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass by Böhlmarks, 1950s

By Bohlmarks

Located in Karlstad, SE

. The light switch is the brass rod in the center, which switches on the lamp by pushing it down; one of

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Brass

Swedish Floor Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass by Böhlmarks, 1950s

$9,493

Sculptural Mid-Century Pair of Blackened Metal Musician Lamps

Located in Mount Penn, PA

bases. The push lamp switch is on the base. The measurements of the figures only are 10" high.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Sculptural Mid-Century Pair of Blackened Metal Musician Lamps

$3,500 / set

White Metal and Brass 5 Armed Floor Lamp with Opaline Glass, 1960s, Italy

Located in Hagenbach, Rheinland Pfalz

opal glass lampshades with a brass & white metal body. There is 3 level of light on lamp switch

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal, Brass

White Metal and Brass 5 Armed Floor Lamp with Opaline Glass, 1960s, Italy

$3,560

Striking 1950s Italian Modernist Black Iron, Brass and Rope Tripod Floor Lamp

By Arteluce

Located in Mount Penn, PA

and two black iron circles that could hold ashtrays or flower vases. The three separate lamp switches

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Striking 1950s Italian Modernist Black Iron, Brass and Rope Tripod Floor Lamp

$4,800

Exceptional Sculptural Opal Blue Murano Lamp by Mazzega

By Mazzega

Located in Mount Penn, PA

polished chrome base fitted with the lamp switch on the base. The lamp sockets takes one candelabra bulb

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Chrome

Exceptional Sculptural Opal Blue Murano Lamp by Mazzega

$3,800

Standing Flash-Head Spotlight

Located in VUGHT, NL

web. The lamp still owns its beautiful original bleu/green Industrial paint. Mechanical switches

Category

1960s English Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Metal

Standing Flash-Head Spotlight

$1,388

Table Lamp with Wireless Switch by Walter and Moretti

By Walter Moretti

Located in JM Haarlem, NL

Aluminium 'Colomba' table lamp with wireless switch by Walter et Moretti, France, 1970s. Long time

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Materials

Aluminum

Table Lamp with Wireless Switch by Walter and Moretti

$2,136

Mid-Century Wood Danish Metal Three Switch Table Lamp

Located in Fair Oaks, CA

This table lamp is made out of wood and metal. It has two lights facing either direction. You can

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lamp Switch

Mid-Century Wood Danish Metal Three Switch Table Lamp

$650

Lighting Under $1,000

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Vintage Lamp Switch For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the vintage lamp switch you’re looking for. Each vintage lamp switch for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and plastic. Your living room may not be complete without a vintage lamp switch — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Each vintage lamp switch bearing Mid-Century Modern, Industrial or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one vintage lamp switch that is appealing in its simplicity, but Cedric Hartman, Angelo Lelii and Arredoluce produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Vintage Lamp Switch?

Prices for a vintage lamp switch start at $200 and top out at $12,500 with the average selling for $987.

Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Vintage Lamp Switch

What is a rotary switch on a floor lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
On a floor lamp, a rotary switch is a part used to turn the light on and off. Specifically, it has a threaded stem with a knob at the end. To use it, you twist the knob. Find a collection of antique and vintage floor lamps on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a brass lamp is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
To tell if a brass lamp is vintage, you'll need to determine if it is 20 to 99 years old by conducting online research or having an expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer, evaluate it. If you prefer to do the research yourself, first look for the maker's markings. Then, consult trusted online resources to identify the maker and read further to find out when the company was active and manufacturing similar lamps. Checking the plug can also be helpful. If it has two prongs of the same size, you can conclude that your lamp was made in 1962 or before, as U.S. standards set that year required all lamps to feature polarized plugs with one large and one small prong. Keep in mind that it is possible to rewire a lamp, and some makers switched to polarized plugs before the standard was established, so the lack of a non-polarized plug doesn't necessarily mean a lamp isn't pre-1962. Find a large selection of vintage brass table lamps on 1stDibs.
How do I identify a vintage porcelain lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
To identify a vintage porcelain lamp, check the base for markings. You may find a date stamp or the manufacturer's name. Check the porcelain for signs of wear like minor scratches and blemishes. If a lamp is in flawless condition, it's possible that it was simply stored well, but it's more likely that the piece is a newer reproduction. A certified appraiser can be of assistance if online research isn't enough to make an identification. Shop a selection of vintage porcelain lamps on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a floor lamp is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are many different ways to tell if a table lamp is vintage. Your best option is to look for a manufacturer label that will give you information on the designer, the date, serial number and other information that you can then Google. It’s also a good idea to look at the condition of the lamp to see what shape it’s in and if it has all of its original pieces. Shop a large collection of vintage table lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a table lamp is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few ways to identify if your table lamp is vintage, but it does vary from brand to brand. If you can spot a maker’s mark or manufacturer’s label on your piece, it could tell you where and when it was crafted. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary table lamps from top sellers around the world.
How do I identify vintage Stiffel lamps?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify vintage Stiffel lamps, first check a piece for any markings. Nearly all Stiffel lamps have a marking at least on the switch, but some also feature large foil stamps on their bases or bulb sockets. By comparing the marks on your lamp to images and descriptions published on trusted online resources, you can often determine approximately when Stiffel produced your lamp. If your lamp is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage. Older Stiffel lamps are antiques, and newer ones are contemporary. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find an assortment of Stiffel lamps on 1stDibs.