Vintage Motion Lamp

Vanessa Weber Interior Design Expert

Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.

Updated 19/03/2021

Motion lamps are timely, artistic ways to light your home. These vintage motion lamps depict quite a few scenes that can show anything from a sled in the snow, to a person skiing, and all on an ornate, ornamental lamp. They are practical, lovely, and a very nice conversation piece. Browse this selection of lamps in our collection. You might find one that fits your style.

Buying Guide

Are you looking for unique ways to add vintage appeal to your home’s décor? Consider the addition of a vintage motion lamp to one or more of your rooms. These tabletop cylindrical lamps illuminate from the inside and feature images around their outside. Not only are they an excellent way to add warmth to your spaces, but they also do so in a way unlike any other lamp in the room can.

How to maintain a vintage motion lamp?

Because you’re purchasing a vintage piece, it’s critical that you take extra care during maintenance. Maintaining the elegance of these lamps require light cleaning with a soft, clean cloth that’s been dipped in warm water mixed with a mild detergent. The majority of these lamps are made with a plastic shade so, before removing it, be careful it hasn’t become brittle to prevent cracking from occurring.

Are vintage motion lamps suitable for kids bedroms?

While these vintage motion lamps are beautiful, some care and considerations are important for you to make before incorporating them into your designs. For example, even though the image on the lamp features images that are whimsical and would appear appropriate for children, these lamps are fragile and break easily. Therefore, they’re more appropriate for an older child’s bedroom.

What are the dominant styles and colors of vintage motion lamps?

When you begin shopping around for your vintage motion lamp, you’re going to find a plethora of options. Everything from Christmas to railroad themed lamps is available depending on your interests and decorating sense. The timeless beauty of adding a vintage motion lamp to your room not only creates a beautiful glowing ambiance but it also adds a unique focal point as well. You’ll also find the colors featured on these lamps are that of warm tones reminiscent of yesteryear, rather than the bolder ones found in today’s design accessories.

What are the standard measurements of vintage motion lamps?

When looking at the descriptions of many of these lamps, the standard measurements vary between 8 and twelve inches tall. The average circumferences aren’t listed but, when viewing the pictures, they appear to be the same size as a small lamp base.

How to decoate with vintage motion lamps?

Because of the size of these lamps, it’s essential that you’re thinking about the scale of the room. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to put a small vintage motion lamp in a spacious living room. Instead, these lamps work better in smaller rooms including guest rooms, bedrooms, dens, and smaller living rooms. It’s also important to remember that these lamps to give off as much light as a standard lighting solution. Therefore, these lamps should be used as a secondary source of decorative lighting.

What's the average cost of a vintage motion lamp?

Depending on their age and condition, these lamps could range in price from $9.99 to $249.99. When making your selections, be sure to read the descriptions carefully to ensure the lamp is high-quality, doesn’t have any damage, and still works. Under some circumstances, the seller will list a vintage motion lamp that no longer works, is defective, or has damage that doesn’t show in the picture.