From flea markets to front rooms.

I have a beautiful rusty lampshade that I bought at a flea market in France. It didn’t fit in my suitcase, so I wrapped it up, found a post office, and sent myself a parcel. It arrived a few weeks later, slightly battered but completely charming, and now it’s one of my favourite things at home. If you spot something special while travelling, sending yourself a little box of treasure is absolutely worth it.

Sure, that Murano glass pendant from an online seller for two grand would be amazing. But let’s be real. We can’t always spend a few thousand dollars on a light. So here’s what you can do instead. Hunt down something with character, give it a little love, and create your own one of a kind glow.

How many vintage lights can you count in this picture?

Where to find them

The thrill of the hunt.

If you’ve ever fallen down an Etsy rabbit hole, you’ll know it’s full of vintage treasures, but postage can get a bit spicy if you're not careful. When searching for lights, filter your location to “Australia only” to avoid surprise shipping costs and lengthy waits. You can also sort by price or newly listed to catch the gems early.

Facebook Marketplace is another goldmine, especially if you’re after a bargain and don’t mind a bit of scrolling. Set your search area a little wider and look for keywords like retro, mid century, vintage pendant or even just lamp. You’d be surprised what people call things. Garage sales, local vintage stores, and even op shops can yield treasures too. Tip: Always check the back of the shop and don’t forget to look up!

Some websites of sellers of vintage lighting that I like but be aware, they aren’t cheap:

Before you buy, especially online, make sure to check the measurements. A light might look perfect in the listing, but could end up comically small or overpowering in real life. It’s good practice to measure the space you’re working with and, if you’re unsure, mock up a piece of cardboard in the actual size and hang it up to see how it feels in the room. It’s a simple trick that can save you from disappointment and make sure the piece works visually and proportionally.

What to look out for

Charm vs challenge.

It’s easy to fall for a pretty face, but vintage lights aren’t always plug and play. First, check the wiring. If it’s an older piece, chances are it will need rewiring. A quick trip to your local electrician can get it up to modern standards and make it safe to use.

Missing parts? Found the perfect base but no shade, or a gorgeous pendant without its ceiling rose? Don’t stress. There are plenty of shops and online stores that sell beautiful shades and replacement fittings to bring it all together.

If you can’t find a matching pair, don’t let that stop you either. Try grouping three different vintage pendants together at varying heights to create a curated cluster, or place two totally different table lamps on either side of the bed for something a bit more personal. Mind you, I would keep an assortment of lights either in the same era or colour.

A bit of surface rust or patina? I don’t mind. It adds charm and tells a story. But here’s what I would not do: I wouldn’t buy a glass shade with a crack. No matter how pretty it is, a cracked shade is risky and not worth the heartache. Fragile is fine. Broken is not.

On the hunt for a pair of matching lamps but you only find one really cute one? Surely there is a corner somewhere in your house where it will be just right.

How to use them

Style, function, and a bit of fun.

Vintage lights aren’t just for the living room. In the kitchen, you can swap out a sterile ceiling oyster for a bold pendant light or two above the island. Industrial fittings, milk glass, or even retro chrome can all work beautifully, depending on the mood you want to set.

Bathrooms are another great place to add character. Think vintage wall sconces flanking the mirror. It’s a lovely way to bring softness and warmth into a space that’s often all tiles and tapware. Just make sure the fittings are safe for wet areas and always check with your electrician.

In the bedroom, a pair of old school table lamps or wall mounted swing arms can elevate your bedside look instantly. They bring softness, warmth, and a feeling of intention, especially if you play around with shape or colour.

Even hallways or entryways can benefit from a little vintage magic. These spots are often overlooked, but a charming pendant or a quirky little lantern can really set the tone as you walk in the door.

Hot tip: Think outside the box! A vintage work lamp like a scissor light can be clamped onto a kitchen shelf or serve as an ace bathroom light next to your vanity.

Don’t underestimate the beauty of industrial lights!

Fixing up finds

Don’t be afraid to DIY (a little).

If you’re handy, or know someone who is, vintage lights can be pretty easy to refresh. Often all it takes is a new cord or fitting. You can find beautiful cords online in different finishes to suit your style. Think hemp look cords for something earthy and textured, or coloured ones if you want to add a pop of personality. A simple cord swap can completely shift the mood of a piece, and it’s a great way to customise a light without spending much.

For inexpensive cords: https://www.fatshackvintage.com.au/collections/textile-cloth-cords
Pendant light kits: https://luminariaco.com/products/classic-pendant-light-kit-in-antiqued-brass
Colourful and patterned cords: https://www.creative-cables.com.au/3302-fabric-cable/s-1/categories-fabric_cable

Some vintage pendants or shades can be surprisingly heavy, so you might also need a chain to feed the cord through and to give it proper support. You can pick up plain chains at places like Bunnings and spray them with brass or bronze paint to match your fitting. It’s a quick fix that can look surprisingly polished.

Then there are the shades. A fabulous base deserves something equally beautiful on top. Whether you love pleated, rattan, fabric or frosted glass, there are some great options out there.

For neat plain shades ones try this seller: https://houseofisabella.com.au/collections/light-shades?page=1
For beautiful handmade ones: https://www.pipandhaze.com.au/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22205260244&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiqbBBhCAARIsAJSfZkZ2OuV0IHqB5uXI6M1ktOju-zs7dvryTBWm7VZkTwXHpVzTf9BalcoaAt9ZEALw_wcB

And if you’re at all unsure about the wiring, hand it over to a pro. Most electricians are more than happy to rewire a lamp or help install your newly found pendant so it’s safe and secure.

There’s a special kind of joy in switching on a lamp that’s lived another life. Vintage lighting adds warmth, soul and just the right amount of quirk to a space. It’s a more sustainable choice, and often way more affordable than buying new.

So next time you spot a dusty old beauty at a market or scroll past a curious looking pendant online, give it a second look. With a bit of care and maybe a new cord, it could become your home’s favourite feature.

Until next time.

Vera x

Glow up