What is a softback lamp shade?

A softback lampshade is made by gathering or stretching the outer fabric over a metal frame. This fabric is then cut off, stitched, and finished at the top and bottom of the frame. These shades are often created with a process that involves tucks, pleats, gathers, or smoking. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage softback lamps.

What color should my lamp shades be?

The color of your lampshade is totally up to you. The more sheer the lampshade, the brighter the light will be.

What is a mica lamp shade?

Mica is a natural mineral that is mined from the earth and then formed into sheets. These sheets can then be handcrafted into lamp shades, which when illuminated, emit a warm earthy glow. Shop a collection of mica lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What did brides wear in the 1930s?

What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.

How do you identify 1930s furniture?

To identify 1930s furniture, first see if you can spot a maker's mark in hidden areas, such as the back, base, inside of drawers or under tabletops and seats. Trusted online resources can help you determine who produced your furniture based on these markings, and from there, you can research more to get a rough idea of how old your item is. A piece's characteristics can also be helpful when dating furniture. Many items made during the 1930s are examples of Art Deco furniture. Art Deco furniture is characterized by geometric patterns and luxurious materials, such as shagreen, marble, mother of pearl, mirrored glass, exotic animal hides and rare woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert opinion on when your piece was likely made. On 1stDibs, explore a range of 1930s furniture.

Did they have record players in the 1930s?

Yes, people had record players in the 1930s. In fact, record players began to become more common during the decade and continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Thomas Edison made the first phonograph record player in 1877. Shop a variety of record players on 1stDibs.

Why do banker’s lamps have green shades?

Banker’s lamps are green because it was believed that the color would be mentally soothing to encourage concentration. It was also thought to reduce eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Can you paint a glass lamp shade?

Yes, you can paint a glass lamp shade. You can use glass paints or acrylic paint to give old glass fixtures an inexpensive makeover. You can also use stencils for added visual appeal. Find a variety of lamp shades on 1stDibs.

What did phones look like in the 1930s?

In the 1930s, phones typically looked like rotary telephones. They had either a round or square base with a numbered dial that spun when you dialed and a handset receiver with both an earpiece and a mouthpiece. A cord connected the handset to the base. Find a variety of rotary phones on 1stDibs.

What size should a shade be for a 22-inch lamp?

For a 22-inch lamp, the size of shade that you should consider is around 7 to 7.5 inches in height. Generally, a lampshade should be one-third of the height of a lamp. Its diameter should be twice as wide as the width of the base. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of table lamps.

Can I replace the shade on an antique table lamp?

Yes. Most table lamps accept standard harp and finial sizes, so a replacement shade can update the look without altering the base.

What color lamp shade goes with brass?

White color lamp shades go well with polished brass, whereas off-white or cream-colored lamp shades look better with antique brass. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage and antique lampshades to meet any style or décor scheme.

What are the different types of lamp shade fittings?

There are three main lamp shade fittings. Spider fittings which are most commonly used for table and floor lamps, uno fittings and clip-on fittings.

How can I make a DIY capiz shell lamp shade?

Using a lampshade as a guide, line up a row of pre-drilled capiz shells until you reach the desired length. String them together by using a fishing line and finish by tying the strands onto the lamp shade. Alternatively, shop a selection of capiz shell items on 1stDibs.

1930s Lamp Shade

Belgium Art Deco Furniture

1930s Fabric

1930s Ceiling Lighting Art Deco

Art Deco Pendant Light Fittings

Art Nouveau Glass Shade

Belgium Chandelier

1930s Vienna Furniture

Belgium Glass Pendants

1930's Wrought iron and molded glass shade table lamp

$2,008

$5,332

Old Version Johan Petterson Triplex Lamp with Green Shade, Sweden, 1930's

By Triplex

Located in Uithoorn, NL

Old version floor- or wall lamp by Petter Johansson for Triplex with green shade , beautifully patinated and in perfect working condition. The metal of the lamp is grey lacquered and...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Industrial Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel

Chrome Desk Lamp with Adjustable Shade, 1930s

$561

$669

$3,971

Harald Notini Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, Rattan Shade, Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1930s

By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Harald Notini

Located in The Hague, NL

This rare floor lamp was designed by Harald Notini in the early 1930s and produced as model number 15101 by Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

Scandinavian Art Deco Floor Lamp in Wrought Iron with Pleated Shade, 1930s

$2,382

Scandinavian Art Deco Floor Lamp in Wrought Iron with Pleated Shade, 1930s

Located in Odense, DK

Elegant Scandinavian Art Deco floor lamp from the 1930s, handcrafted in wrought iron with graceful scrollwork details and an adjustable-height stem.

Category

Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Art Deco Floor Lamps

Materials

Cast Iron

Finnish Art Deco Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Rattan Shade, 1930s

$4,765

$2,836

$8,509

$2,552

$995

Christian Dell for Kaiser "Idell" Black Table Lamp with Wide Black Shade, 1930s

By Christian Dell, Kaiser Idell

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Original Christian Dell "Idell" Kaiser Table Lamp with Black Metal Shade. Bedside Lamp. Desk Lamp Featuring an adjustable, tilt, arched tubular steel stem and a wide, adjustable bla...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Steel

Remarkable dual-shade Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark

$3,971

Remarkable dual-shade Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark

By Just Andersen

Located in Værløse, DK

A dual-shade table lamp designed by Just Andersen in 1937.

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pair of Elegant Art Deco Shell Shade Table Lamps Belgium 1930s

$2,893 / set

Pair of Elegant Art Deco Shell Shade Table Lamps Belgium 1930s

Located in Tilburg, NL

Art Deco Pair of Adjustable Shell Shade Table Lamps Belgium 1930s. Beautiful 1930s art deco table lamps with adjustable stem and shell shaped shade.

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Swedish Grace Table Lamp in Pewter with Rattan Shade Sweden 1930s

$3,347

$4,311

$2,496

Danish Art Deco Floor Lamp 1930s of Crome Metal and Dark Wood with New Shade

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Danish Art Deco floor lamp from the 1930s made of chromium-plated metal and lamp foot of wood with black lacquer.

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Floor Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Recent Sales

Felix Aublet Style Nickel-Plated Table Lamp with Rounded Shade, France 1930's

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 61.5 in W 19 in D 19 in

Antique Spanish Revival 1930s Malibu Tile Floor Lamp with New Mica Shade

Located in Pasadena, CA

Spanish Revival floor lamp with original Malibu tile on base. New mica shade.

Materials

Brass

Poul Henningsen 4/ 3.5 /3 Four-Shade Pendant Lamps in Yellow Painted Matt Glass

Unavailable

H 9.5 in Dm 17.5 in

Poul Henningsen 4/ 3.5 /3 Four-Shade Pendant Lamps in Yellow Painted Matt Glass

By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Poul Henningsen pendants in yellow painted matte glass with bakelite sockets from the 1930s. Henningsen's four shade lamp in matte glass was added to Louis Poulsen's catalo...

Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass, Bakelite

c.1930's French Art Deco Lamp w/Art Glass Shade

Sold

H 17 in W 14.5 in D 6.25 in

c.1930's French Art Deco Lamp w/Art Glass Shade

Located in Highwood, IL

Unique and stunning French Art Deco flower-form lamp with an interesting art glass shade, a classic stepped base, and hammered accents, too. This intriguing lamp would be right at ho...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Table Lamps

Materials

Marble, Metal

1930's french jacques adnet ball lamp and shade

Sold

H 8.75 in

1930's french jacques adnet ball lamp and shade

Located in London, GB

Ball Lamp by Jacques Adnet, with tilting, hemispherical, chrome shade, and circular chrome base.

Materials

Metal, Chrome

French Azure Blue Cracqueleur Glaze Lamp, Parchment Shade, France, c. 1930's

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

H 16.74 in Dm 9.85 in

Swedish Grace Table Lamp in Carved Wood, Svenskt Tenn Shade, Sweden, 1930s

By Svenskt Tenn

Located in The Hague, NL

This elegant table lamp was hand made in Sweden in the early 1930s.

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Birch

French 1930s Quimper Vase Table Lamp with Linen Shade

Sold

Sold

H 18.51 in W 8.27 in D 7.49 in

Model 6556 Wide Shade Kaiser Idell Table Lamp, circa 1930s

By Christian Dell

Located in Gloucester, GB

Model 6556 wide shade Kaiser Idell table lamp, circa 1930s - Steel shade and arm - Cast iron base - Inline switch on the base - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Designed by Christian...

Category

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Table Lamps

Materials

Steel

Swedish Art Déco Brass Table Lamp by Böhlmarks with a Painted Glass Shade 1930s

Sold

Sold

H 23.5 in Dm 13 in

Oscar Bach Bronze Lamp circa 1930s Rewired

By Oscar Bruno Bach

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant Bronze Lamp, made by Oscar Bach, unsigned, American, circa 1930s.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze, Metal

Vintage Industrial Table Lamp from Siemens, 1930s

Sold

$2,200

H 18 in Dm 7.5 in

Art Deco Forged Iron Lamp with Müller Freres Shade

By Muller Frères

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Classic French Art Deco table lamp by Mueller Freres, circa 1925, in hand forged iron with molded glass shade. 5. 7.5" diameter x 18" high. MULLER FRÈRES French glass manufactu...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Iron

Italian Desk or Table Lamp in Forest Green Lacquered Metal and Brass 1960s

$3,233

H 13 in W 9.06 in D 5.52 in

Italian Desk or Table Lamp in Forest Green Lacquered Metal and Brass 1960s

Located in Meer, VAN

A lovely Italian desk lamp in green lacquered metal and patinated brass. 1960s. Just a wonderful mid century desk lamp in a beautiful deep green color, combined with elements in br...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Adjustable Doctors Floor Lamp by Will Ross Inc. circa 1930's

$250

$4,311

$998

H 14.18 in Dm 6.3 in

French Art Deco Wrought-iron table lamp, 1930s

By Edgar Brandt

Located in leucate, FR

French Art Deco Wrought-iron table lamp. Beautiful handmade ironwork, very elaborate. Height excluding lampshade 36 cm / 14,17 inch Circular base with a diameter of 16 cm / 6,3 in...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Materials

Lacquer

Art Deco Wrought Iron Mirror with Scroll Detailing in the Manner of Edgar Brandt

By Edgar Brandt

Located in New York, NY

This elegant Art Deco wrought iron mirror was realized in the manner of Edgar Brandt in France, Circa 1930. It features scroll form detailing which resembles the tightly coiled frond...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Materials

Wrought Iron

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1930s Lamp Shade For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal 1930s lamp shade for your home. Each 1930s lamp shade for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, glass and brass. There are many kinds of the 1930s lamp shade you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each 1930s lamp shade bearing Art Deco, Scandinavian Modern or Art Nouveau hallmarks is very popular. A well-made 1930s lamp shade has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Scailmont, Just Andersen and Poul Henningsen are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1930s Lamp Shade?

Prices for a 1930s lamp shade start at $135 and top out at $505,166 with the average selling for $1,595.

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 1930s Lamp Shade

What is a softback lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A softback lampshade is made by gathering or stretching the outer fabric over a metal frame. This fabric is then cut off, stitched, and finished at the top and bottom of the frame. These shades are often created with a process that involves tucks, pleats, gathers, or smoking. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage softback lamps.
What color should my lamp shades be?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
The color of your lampshade is totally up to you. The more sheer the lampshade, the brighter the light will be.
What is a mica lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Mica is a natural mineral that is mined from the earth and then formed into sheets. These sheets can then be handcrafted into lamp shades, which when illuminated, emit a warm earthy glow. Shop a collection of mica lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What did brides wear in the 1930s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
How do you identify 1930s furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
To identify 1930s furniture, first see if you can spot a maker's mark in hidden areas, such as the back, base, inside of drawers or under tabletops and seats. Trusted online resources can help you determine who produced your furniture based on these markings, and from there, you can research more to get a rough idea of how old your item is. A piece's characteristics can also be helpful when dating furniture. Many items made during the 1930s are examples of Art Deco furniture. Art Deco furniture is characterized by geometric patterns and luxurious materials, such as shagreen, marble, mother of pearl, mirrored glass, exotic animal hides and rare woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert opinion on when your piece was likely made. On 1stDibs, explore a range of 1930s furniture.
Did they have record players in the 1930s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
Yes, people had record players in the 1930s. In fact, record players began to become more common during the decade and continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Thomas Edison made the first phonograph record player in 1877. Shop a variety of record players on 1stDibs.
Why do banker’s lamps have green shades?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Banker’s lamps are green because it was believed that the color would be mentally soothing to encourage concentration. It was also thought to reduce eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Can you paint a glass lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
Yes, you can paint a glass lamp shade. You can use glass paints or acrylic paint to give old glass fixtures an inexpensive makeover. You can also use stencils for added visual appeal. Find a variety of lamp shades on 1stDibs.
What did phones look like in the 1930s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
In the 1930s, phones typically looked like rotary telephones. They had either a round or square base with a numbered dial that spun when you dialed and a handset receiver with both an earpiece and a mouthpiece. A cord connected the handset to the base. Find a variety of rotary phones on 1stDibs.
What size should a shade be for a 22-inch lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
For a 22-inch lamp, the size of shade that you should consider is around 7 to 7.5 inches in height. Generally, a lampshade should be one-third of the height of a lamp. Its diameter should be twice as wide as the width of the base. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of table lamps.
Can I replace the shade on an antique table lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Yes. Most table lamps accept standard harp and finial sizes, so a replacement shade can update the look without altering the base.
What color lamp shade goes with brass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
White color lamp shades go well with polished brass, whereas off-white or cream-colored lamp shades look better with antique brass. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage and antique lampshades to meet any style or décor scheme.
What are the different types of lamp shade fittings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
There are three main lamp shade fittings. Spider fittings which are most commonly used for table and floor lamps, uno fittings and clip-on fittings.
How can I make a DIY capiz shell lamp shade?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Using a lampshade as a guide, line up a row of pre-drilled capiz shells until you reach the desired length. String them together by using a fishing line and finish by tying the strands onto the lamp shade. Alternatively, shop a selection of capiz shell items on 1stDibs.