Vintage Swag Lamps

Buy the best vintage swag lamps selected and recommended by interior designers. By Vanessa Weber.

Along with the craze of all things mid-century modern comes the return of the swag lamp. These practical lamps were a must-have in the days when overhead lamps were plugged into wall outlets. And even when overhead hanging lamps could be hardwired into your ceiling, they still had a purpose as many builders didn't consider where the center of your dining table would actually be placed. Today swag lamps are as much of a design statement as they are functional, with the swag cord adding a cool throwback look to your decor.

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Vintage Swag Lamps

Buying Guide

Swag hanging lamps were the mainstay of interior lighting in the mid-20th century. After a dip in popularity, as contemporary lighting fixtures took over, these lamps are experiencing a resurgence of sorts as interior designers and homeowners are looking for innovative ways to include it in their plans.

And for good reason too. Swag lights don’t gobble up on valuable space like floor lamps do. They aren’t as bulky as chandeliers either which make them perfect for rooms of all sizes. From a functional point of view, they make great task lights in limited-space settings, like the kitchen island or a work desk.

With seemingly infinite designs to pick from, it can also be the focal point in your room. Here’s how to narrow down on the right one for your home or office.

Consider the design of the room and the number of existing lighting fixtures before you narrow down on a lamp. Are you looking for a swag lamp to help you with your everyday tasks? Or are you looking for a fixture that’s purely decorative?

A room with lots of natural light, for example, can do without an additional ambient lighting fixture. You can opt for a conventional swag lamp with the light directed downwards.

On the other hand, if a room already has pendant or pot lights, then an aesthetic ambient swag lamp that points upwards to the ceiling will fill the void.

A large single lamp works well in the living room, the entryway or above the dining table. It can be used both, as a task lamp as well as a focal point.

But if you are looking for an alternative for track lighting, then multiple, smaller lamps hung above eye level can provide the required luminescence without causing glare.

Always consider the height during installation. In an entryway, the lamp must be at least seven to eight feet above the ground. For kitchen tables, islands and work desks, it is recommended that the lamp must be at least 3 to 3 ½ feet above the surface.

Vintage swag lamps feature ornate metallic frames and glass lampshades. These blend well with rustic or vintage inspired décor themes.

Chains were typically made of brass or bronze in the mid-century. If you are considering buying an antique, check the condition of the chain. Is it worn out? Does it need restoration? Can it bear the load of the heavy glass and metal lampshade?

The glass on the lampshade can be plain, textured or stained and casts a soft, diffused glow that’s well suited for aesthetic lighting in the kitchen or the bedroom.

Slag glass lamps with its mosaic of shades make for an excellent accent piece. Modern swag lamps, on the other hand, can be made of plastic, paper, fabric, glass or wicker making them better suited for living rooms or as task lighting.

Are you looking for a permanent lighting fixture? Then, by all means, opt for a hardwired swag hanging lamp. If you are retrofitting, then the task might be more labor-intensive than what you expected. But there won’t be any garish, dangling cords to deal with.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a temporary lighting fixture, then go for a plug-in cord. You might need an extension if the cord isn’t long enough to reach the nearest outlet.

Best Ideas

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Have you been searching for a lamp that just does not look like the typical lamp? Well, you need to consider this Mid Century swag light lamp with prisms three lights. They are reminds me of the Hollywood Regency style.

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The fantastic combination of beautiful blue glass and the solid base of this swag hanging lamp makes the exterior unique. The whole is perfectly presented in stylish, exotic decor, bringing a unique atmosphere to them.

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Being a good reflection of the 60s or 70s style, this retro blue glass swag hanging lamp constitutes a perfect way to add some cool, vintage vibe to your spaces. Beautiful teal blue shade will create a magical ambience in the room.

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