French Country · Encyclopedia · Lighting and Mirrors
Table Lamp
Antique and vintage table lamps, from bronze and porcelain bases to Art Deco figural lamps.
Lamps & Shades · Indicative US retail $100–$2,500
At a glance
- Family: Lamps & Shades
- Periods most often found: Art Nouveau lamps date from 1895 to 1914; Art Deco lamps from 1925 to 1940; mid-century lamps from 1950 to 1975.
- Typical price: about $400; range $100 to $2,500 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Maker, shade, base material
What it is
Table lamps of the 20th century are often converted objects: bronze and porcelain vases, candlesticks, oil lamps, apothecary jars and wine bottles drilled for a cord. True lamp designs include Art Nouveau glass lamps by Daum and Gallé, Art Deco figural lamps in spelter or bronze, American Tiffany and Handel leaded shades, and mid-century ceramic and brass lamps.
How to identify and date it
Look under the base for a maker's mark, a drilled hole (a conversion) or a felt pad hiding repairs. Signed glass (Daum Nancy with a cross of Lorraine, Gallé) is valuable but often faked; signatures should be acid-etched or engraved in the glass, not painted. Check sockets, switches and cords for safety, and note whether the shade is original.
Periods and styles
Art Nouveau lamps date from 1895 to 1914; Art Deco lamps from 1925 to 1940; mid-century lamps from 1950 to 1975.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most table lamp examples ask around $400. Simple or worn pieces start near $100, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $2,500. The main value drivers are: maker, shade, base material. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: antique lamps worth money; vintage double globe lamp value; vintage lamps worth money; valuable antique lamps. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check wiring
- Inspect base for cracks
- Verify signatures
- Measure height with shade
- Consider pairs
Living with it
Pairs of lamps on a console or sideboard bring calm symmetry; a single sculptural lamp can be the focal point of a side table.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.