How to buy lighting on Etsy: the styles, shops and shapes to look for
A couple of the most frequently enquired about lamps and lampshades in my flat were found on Etsy (a pair of 80s brass column lamps, a tapered wicker pendant and a linen pleated shade, if you’re asking), so in the first of an Etsy mini series, we’ll dive straight into shopping for lighting. Once you know what to search for and who to buy from, it’s a fantastic little black book for vintage lighting and harder-to-find lampshade shapes.
The shades to shop for
Etsy is a goldmine for just about everything but especially for handmade rattan and wicker shades in just about every shape and size possible. They’ll almost always be made overseas by artisans who specialise in weaving and it’s worth the shipping cost for a sculptural pendant that will complete a whole room. Rattan is fashionable now but it won’t date, just make sure to consider where the light will be placed and how tight the weave is, as this will affect the way it shines on the surrounding walls and also whether you can see the lightbulb through it (which can be uncomfortable to look at). If it’s in a direct line of sight and you need it to be a soft light, choose densely woven raffia rather than rattan – you still get the tactility of the natural material but it’s easier on the eye. For interesting rattan or woven lampshades, try Libitii.
Vintage or new?
Vintage fabric shades (and modern iterations of vintage shapes) are easy to find on Etsy. Think scallops, waves, pleats, flutes and dramatically tapered sides or conical height. A quick search will return flouncy originals and their pared-back contemporaries. This is where, unless you’re lucky and find a vintage shade in perfect condition, I would recommend buying new as nothing crushes, accrues sun fading or grubby marks like a lampshade over the decades, especially if it’s in a light colour. I have had much better success with buying vintage parchment and glossy vinyl shades as their structure and dustable surface makes them easier to keep clean. I recommend Baradax Ceramics, Bannatree, Duzy Designs, Le Krazy Horse.
If you find a dream lampshade on Etsy and the condition is beyond saving, you could buy it anyway as a good lampshade maker can reuse the frame and recreate the shape for you.
What to avoid?
It feels right and in the cheerleading-for-small-business spirit of Etsy to focus your search on vintage and handmade lighting from independent makers. For that reason, although you can find affordable lampshades that have been heavily inspired by distinctive designs, I wouldn’t recommend buying them as the quality won’t be anywhere near as good as the originals, nor will the materials. I’ve learnt the hard way that cheaper copies are a false economy. If a design looks too familiar, champion the authentic version – that’s an investment piece you’ll always treasure.
When buying lamps from Etsy – especially if you’re buying from overseas – check the plug type and whether they’re working and have been PAT tested. If not, factor in the cost of having an electrician check or rewire them. It sounds obvious but if you don’t think you’ll get around to doing it, don’t buy a lamp that you’ll never use. It’s like buying beautiful shoes in the wrong size just because they were in the sale! The same logic applies to lampshades, in the US you will often find a harp or spider fitting, which don’t fit standard lamp bases made in the UK, so check before you buy.
Timeless styles to search for
- Italian marble and travertine lamp bases, which can be picked up inexpensively (but keep it simple and avoid ornate gilded trims to stay on the right side of chic).
- Brass clam shell desk lamps and brass or black wrought iron column bases are timeless pieces to find, especially if they’re in pairs.
- For a rustic look, search for large urn-shaped ceramic or terracotta bases in natural or black finishes.
- If you’re in the market for interesting mid-century lamps, there are some wonderful lighting sellers in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Italian glass lamps in mushroom shapes have become hugely popular in recent years and they do give a lovely glow in a room but vintage Murano styles can be inflated in price on Etsy. If glass is your thing, Demijohn-style bottle lamps are better value and less of-the-moment.
- Turned wood bases – especially in bobbin or bamboo styling – are good staples to buy as there are several makers selling these affordably in plain or painted finishes.
- Look out for household names such as Habitat and even IKEA and BHS lighting – some of their designs are collectors items now and despite BHS and Laura Ashley using solid brass for their older lighting designs, they can still be picked up for a song.
- Search for iconic designs and maker’s names such as Artemide, Flos, Noguchi and Paolo Rizzatto – you might not find them for a steal but you could happen upon styles that are out of production or at the very least, get immediate access to a design that ordinarily has a lead time of months.
- I recommend starting your search with Muc Design, Recycled and Natural, New Times Find, Lampmaker UK, Rosanna Lonsdale.
