Antique Stiffel Lamps

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For a classic way to give your room a glow, an antique stiffel lamp is just the ticket. Cast in steel with a brushed metal exterior, the antique sheen gives these lamps a quality that adds charm to any room. Throw on an ornate lamp shade and let these beautiful pieces keep your home lit for years. Check out this extensive collection and pick a couple antique stiffel lamps for your home.

15 Recommendations and 189 Ideas

Updated 21/07/2021
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1
Stiffel brass lamp

Stiffel brass lamp

Stiffel

One of the most popular questions we hear about this company’s products is: ‘are stiffel lamps solid brass?’ And, while it’s not a given, they certainly can be.

In fact, we recommend looking for a Stiffel brass lamp if you’re hoping to introduce some color or mirror other elements in the same finish to ensure a cohesive feel.

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Stiffel lamp with empire shade

Stiffel lamp with empire shade

Stiffel

When you think of Stiffel lamps, the chances are that you’re picturing a design with an empire shade. After all, they’re some of the most popular models, and definitely one you can’t go wrong with.

Far from being boring, sticking to a classic empire shade will still allow you to add your own decorative touch by focusing on a more or less ornate base, as well as considering different finishes.

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3
Stiffel table lamp with a twisted base

Stiffel table lamp with a twisted base

Even though the shade will end up being the brightest part, the base of your antique Stiffel lamp can become the most attention-grabbing element.

This doesn’t mean that it must be over-the-top or extremely elaborate (although that would work really well in period-inspired interiors): it can still make a conscious statement through a recognizable feature, just like this twisted design.

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Antique Stiffel lamps with column style base

Antique Stiffel lamps with column style base

Stiffel

Even though this collection includes different Stiffel lamp shades, let’s be honest: it’s the base that will make them stand out in your room!

Another option to introduce a sophisticated feel is to go for a Stiffel table lamp whose base is designed to look like a Greek or Roman column.

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Stiffel brass lamps with hourglass shade

Stiffel brass lamps with hourglass shade

Stiffel

While you’ve probably seen a few empire or drum shades, we bet you haven’t seen many antique Stiffel lamps relying on an hourglass shape!

If you were looking for a feature that could help you make a statement, this rarer design is certainly a great candidate.

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Simple Stiffel lamps

Simple Stiffel lamps

Stiffel

If you want to shout to the world that you have an antique Stiffel lamp but aren’t a fan of extremely ornate models, relax: these bad boys are immediately recognizable by sophisticated collectors like you and your usual guests even when they rely on simpler designs.

After all, the lack of switches is already a big giveaway! 

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7
Vintage Stiffel lamps with triple cylinder base

Vintage Stiffel lamps with triple cylinder base

This design is guaranteed to become the most eye-catching element in your room. While not the most common, you can find a few antique Stiffel lamps relying on double or triple cylinder bases.

This majestic design almost resembles traditional candle holders, adding an elegant touch to a nostalgic element.

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Stiffel table lamps with candle style base

Stiffel table lamps with candle style base

Stiffel

Another example of triple cylindric bases: some antique Stiffel lamps take this one step further by delighting us with designs that look just like actual candles.

We especially recommend them to anyone who loves combining different styles or is drawn to balanced mixtures like transitional interiors.

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9
Versatile gray Stiffel lamp (nickel)

Versatile gray Stiffel lamp (nickel)

Stiffel

While other finishes can certainly make it easier for your lamp to become a strong accent or stand out, gray Stiffel lamps are actually one of the most versatile choices, especially if this color is already part of your room’s palette. 

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10
Stiffel lamps vintage for a warmer palette

Stiffel lamps vintage for a warmer palette

Stiffel

Striving for a cozy feel and worried that those metallic finishes will work against it? Not a problem: there are a few antique Stiffel lamps that can help you reinforce a warm palette or cozy ambiance.

For example, look beyond the most common white shades, and consider a metal base made to look like wood.

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Most expensive Stiffel lamps

Most expensive Stiffel lamps

Stiffel

If you’re so committed to antique Stiffel lamps that price is not a concern, then you’re even more spoiled with choices.

The vintage Stiffel lamp catalog includes a few rarer or more sought-after pieces that can be the right investment for your decor. 

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12
More contemporary Stiffel lamp with a drum shade

More contemporary Stiffel lamp with a drum shade

Stiffel

If you’ve fallen in love with this company but keep seeing ornate vintage Stiffel lamps that would look out of place with the rest of your contemporary interiors, brighten up! There are also some simpler models with cleaner lines that would fit your more streamlined style divinely.

The trick is to look for drum shades and/or monochrome bases with more symmetrical shapes.

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13
Antique Stiffel lamps with a creative twist

Antique Stiffel lamps with a creative twist

Stiffel

A smart way of blending tradition and creativity is to pick an antique Stiffel lamp that includes some recognizable elements (such as an empire shade) but also a different feature that feels unique to you, like a one-of-a-kind base. 

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14
Minimalist Stiffel lamp

Minimalist Stiffel lamp

Stiffel

The most contemporary Stiffel lamps can easily be placed in minimalist interiors, too.

However, to further reinforce your chosen style, there’s another trick that you can use: try scouting for monochrome designs where the finish of the base mirrors that of the Stiffel lamp shade. 

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15
Most ornate Stiffel lamps

Most ornate Stiffel lamps

Stiffel

Will your Stiffel lamp join an eclectic collection of items across different styles but that all look as if they were one of a kind, much like in Hollywood regency rooms?

Then don’t settle for anything less than the Stiffel table lamp with the most decorative base.

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Antique Stiffel Lamps

Buying Guide

In 1932, Ted Stiffel founded the Stiffel Lamp Company. Until that time, except for Tiffany lamps, table lamps were simply functional. Electric lighting had improved the ability to see but had not yet provided something attractive to look at. Mr. Stiffel changed that.

Stiffel lamps were about 30” tall with shade included. They often had a slender stem, an attractive, understated shade, and would not look out of place in any room. They frequently used metal as the base part of the design. The metals could be brass, bronze, brushed copper, or black and white enamel. A few were made from high-quality wood.

  • Shade

Identifying a Stiffel shade is easy if the label has been left intact. Frequently made from silk shantung from China, the lamps usually had a small brass label reading “Stiffel Lamp Company” or simply “Stiffel” located inside the shade.

  • Weight

One distinctive aspect of Stiffel lamps, as opposed to cheap imitations, is the weight. Made from genuine metals, the lamps were heavy, making them difficult to knock over or displace. Each lamp design was an artwork that could grace any living room or bedroom.

  • The Switch

Stiffel held the patent on a distinctive type of light switch. Rather than a button or a knob, the user could gently grasp the stem or upright part of the lamp and pull down to turn the light on or off. Ted Stiffel held the patent for this type of light switch until the 1960s when he lost the court battle over the patent.

  • Further Identifiers

Stiffel lamps are also marked on the bottom of the base. Sometimes the green felt on the bottom of the lamp would hide the label, but if you carefully unscrew the base, you can find the plaque or find etched in the metal the words “Stiffel,” “Stiffel Lamp Company” or SLC in the base.

To identify Stiffel lamps, look for the labels – Stiffel, Stiffel Lamp Company or SLC, located in the base of the lamp. But more than that, look for slender, graceful stems supporting tall shades to create a lamp of some height. Stiffel Lamp Company also produced some pole lamps, which had the distinctive pull stem switch.

Stiffel lamps were made using a variety of materials that included bronze, brass, pewter, and silver. Finishes included brushed, polished and antique brass, polished nickel or silver, or a combination of silver and black. A few were gunmetal gray, Roman bronze or burnt umber.

Most of all, look for quality. The Stiffel lamps were heavy, made of real metal or distinctive grades of wood, and they were carefully weighted to prevent tipping. Like many antiques, they were built to be beautiful and to last. In a world that was already running to art deco designs and making money by using cheap, flashy materials the Stiffel lamps stood out as quality products that exhibited quality workmanship. Regardless of your overall décor, if you can find a Stiffel lamp, it is a treasure worth hanging onto.

Best Ideas

Pair Vtg Footed Antique Brass Tall Table Lamps Stiffel Ethan Allen

Pair Vtg Footed Antique Brass Tall Table Lamps Stiffel Ethan Allen

I purchased two of these footed antique table lamps for my drawing room. They are on both sides of my sofa. The tall size and brass finish make them stylish and elegant with a luxury touch.

Stiffel TL-N8633-AC One Light Table Lamp, Antique Copper Finish with Global White Shade

Stiffel TL-N8633-AC One Light Table Lamp, Antique Copper Finish with Global White Shade

This intricately designed 31” Stiffel lamp creates a cozy atmosphere with soothing diffuse light. Make it the center of attention to showcase its antique copper finish and fine pedestal details, or place it in the corner and enjoy as it casts a gentle light perfect to read or work by.

Pair Mid Century Hollywood Regency Stiffel Brass Torchiere Table Lamps 1970s

Pair Mid Century Hollywood Regency Stiffel Brass Torchiere Table Lamps 1970s

Chic stylish table lamps having beautiful bases of brass. A base is composed of a round foot and a decorative tall stem. Flared lampshades are crafted of milk glass with a vertically grooved pattern and have gently indented top edges.

Stiffel style brass and marble table

Stiffel style brass and marble table

Stylish stiffel table lamp. This is electric lamp stylised on a kerosene lamp. It is made of gold-plated brass and burnished marble. It is perfect to every interior furnished in vintage or secessionist style.

Hollywood Regency Style Pair Of Brass Cream Colored Stiffel Table Lamps

Hollywood Regency Style Pair Of Brass Cream Colored Stiffel Table Lamps

A beautiful table lamp that comes with the brass structure and the cream colored shade - it will surely elevate the look of your interior and thanks to the regency style of its design, provide a stunning and significant boost of appeal.

Stiffel lamp value

Pair of Stiffel Brass "Tulip" Lamps by Stiffel, circa 1960 | From a unique collection of antique and modern table lamps at

Vintage mid century modern stiffel brass floor lamp w glass

... Vintage MID CENTURY MODERN Stiffel Brass Floor Lamp w/Glass Table

3 way table lamp

Stiffel Lamps | 33" Genuine Stiffel 3-Way Table Lamp Antique Brass TL ...

Antique stiffel lamps 2

Stylish table lamp mounted on metal base with antique finish. Lampshade is made of fabric. Tasteful accent for the living room, bedroom and more. It is very well appreciated by customers for high quality and elegant design.

Hollywood regency lamps

A wonderful base for a table lamp that is made of heavy, solid brass with a shiny finish in a twisted design. You can match almost any lamp shade here as a timeless look of the base will go well both with modern and traditional pieces.

My newly inherited lamps

My newly inherited lamps

Pair of stiffel vintage brass lamps

Pair of Stiffel Vintage Brass Lamps

Stiffel TL-N8055-BB One Light Table Lamp, Burnished Brass Finish with Oyster Silksheen Box Pleat Shade

Stiffel TL-N8055-BB One Light Table Lamp, Burnished Brass Finish with Oyster Silksheen Box Pleat Shade

This high-quality lamp features a burnished brass finish topped with an oyster silksheen box pleat shade that makes it a perfect addition to your traditional or country style home. With a 150W capacity, you can enjoy reading in its gentle light or keep in on the desk while working for a cozy atmosphere.

Stiffel TL-N7346-AN One Light Table Lamp, Antique Nickel Finish with Off White Silk Shade

Stiffel TL-N7346-AN One Light Table Lamp, Antique Nickel Finish with Off White Silk Shade

Statuesque and perfect for a cozy corner, this 33” lamp provides soothing light and classic style. With its antique nickel finish, it can be both a stand out piece or a beautiful accent for any home. The flattering winged silk lampshade offers generous amounts of light without any accompanying harshness.

Stiffel TL-N8411-RB One Light Table Lamp, Antique Brass Finish with Off White Silk Shade

Stiffel TL-N8411-RB One Light Table Lamp, Antique Brass Finish with Off White Silk Shade

The ornate design of this lamp makes it a stunning statement piece for a hall console table or grand office desk. The unique two-tone antique brass finish blends seamlessly with any interior design, and the gentle off white silk shade provides cozy light to read by any time of the day or night.

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Vintage Solid Brass Table Lamp By Stiffel

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Vintage Solid Brass Table Lamp By Stiffel

This is super cool! Mid-century hollywood regency vintage table lamp made from solid, goldish brass. It's base is very artistic and super shiny. The lamp shade is made from light, creamy and soft cotton.

Vintage Mid Century Stiffel Candle French Bouillotte Table Lamp Brass Copper

Vintage Mid Century Stiffel Candle French Bouillotte Table Lamp Brass Copper

This solid, brass table lamp represents what's best in vintage style. Coming from mid-century it shall interest especially antique lovers. It can be a good addition to your bedroom space, as well as living rooms or foyers.

Vintage stiffel mid century hollywood

Vintage stiffel mid century hollywood

A wonderful table lamp inspired by the Holywood of the 1950's. It's made of brass with a golden finish and subtle decorations in the middle. It will be a phenomenal accent of your room. It gives subtle, warm light.

Mid century vintage regency stiffel portable solid brass table lamp

Mid century vintage regency stiffel portable solid brass table lamp

This Brass table lamp combines unique, ornamental design with the solidness of construction. It perfectly fits onto wooden or marble table or desks. A real bargain for all fans of mid-century vintage style.

Pair of stiffel ostrich egg lamps from 1950s

Pair of stiffel ostrich egg lamps from 1950s

This pair of Stiffel Ostrich Egg lamps comes from the 1950's, being a part of the unique collection of antique table lamps. The base is finished in antique brass, being an exquisitely solid and stylish material.

Pair stiffel art deco revival ivory ceramic brass table lamps

Pair stiffel art deco revival ivory ceramic brass table lamps

When we arrange a house in a retro or art-deco style - Antiques inherited from the ancestors or elaborated on the flea market lamps will add authenticity. These 2 antique stiffel lamps have a strong ceramic design and a base with a brass plinth.

Antique 31" H Table Lamp with Bell Shade

Antique 31" H Table Lamp with Bell Shade

A truly stunning piece if you're looking for a nice way to add an antique-like look in your apartment, this table lamp with bell shade will prove to be a top-notch solution. Being both beautiful and classy, it provides a nice addition to any setting.

Stiffel floor lamps brass

These elements is must-have in every vintage lover's home. These table lamps are stylised on kerosene lamp. They are made of brass and covered with gold paint. They make your interior more stylish and old-fashioned.

Lamp stiffel

Antique torchiere lamp with a very solid and decorative brass construction. This element of home design stands on a round base and its post includes many decorative accents. Upper part of this lamp provides good illumination of indoors.