Motion Lamps
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.
Train Themed Antique Motion Lamp
Train Themed Antique Motion Lamp
Ride the rail with this vintage Econolite motion lamp. It was made in the 1950s and features three vibrant trains on the tracks. When it’s turned on, the plastic interior tube rotates with the heat of the lamp, and it appears that the trains are in motion.
Designer Advice:
Due to the fact that this is an antique motion lamp, there can be some wear and tear. For instance, this motion lamp has a small crack in the base that’s been repaired. There is also some slight discoloration, but it all adds to the utter charm vintage motion lamps bring to a space.
Vintage New York Motion Lamp
Vintage New York Motion Lamp
Take in the old New York skyline with one of these vintage motion lamps from the 1980s. The base of this motion lamp is approximately 6.5 inches in length. It features a plastic cylindrical spinner that lights up with the New York City skyline.
Designer Advice:
Add a sense of whimsy and show off your love of the Big Apple by incorporating one of these antique motion lamps into your home space. You can set it up on a side table and turn it on for a little ambiance. Or you can showcase it on your wood bar and let it do its thing during happy hour.
Niagara Falls Vintage Motion Lamp
Niagara Falls Vintage Motion Lamp
This antique motion lamp allows you to proudly display the popular Canadian landmark, Niagara Falls. The base of the motion lamp is a wood stump with a bronzed cast metal frame and a miniature couple in front of the falls. When turned on, it casts an ethereal glow across the water.
Designer Advice:
Bring a sense of Canadian pride to your home space with one of these vintage motion lamps. Due to the retro feel and design, they make a great addition to any traditional den or family room. You could also showcase it on any bedside table to cast the softest glow at bedtime.
Carousel Vintage Econolite Motion Lamp
Carousel Vintage Econolite Motion Lamp
An ideal gift for a child, this carousel Econolite motion lamp is 11 inches tall and features a merry-go-round circus theme. This motion lamp is originally from the 1940s but has been rewired. There’s a colorful top shade, and it magically spins around and takes the animals on a ride.
Rotating Fish Motion Lamps Vintage
Rotating Fish Motion Lamps Vintage
For those looking to live under the sea, this rotating fish antique motion lamp makes an inspired choice. It’s 13.5 inches tall with a high-polish chrome finish on the base and top. The motion lamp displays an array of tropical fish “swimming” around.
Buying Guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
