A Familiar Sight In '80s Homes Is Now A Coveted Thrift Find For Unique Decor

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If you're fortunate enough to uncover a valuable vintage lamp while thrifting, consider your outing a major win. Lighting fixtures with intricate details, unique craftsmanship, and unmistakable silhouettes are highly covetable. One such find is the iconic Tiffany lamp, which contains hand-crafted stained glass motifs with detailed brass bases. The fan-favorite accent of the '80s is currently having another moment in the spotlight (pun intended) as homeowners are stepping away from minimalism and embracing pieces with personality.  

"In the 1970s and '80s, we saw a lot of these styles of lamps, and I think the renewed interest is a result of consumers leaning into nostalgia and an overall collected look," Virginia Chamlee, author of "Big Thrift Energy" and the Substack newsletter "What's Left," exclusively tells Hunker. However, the originals were created long before then. The brainchild of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of the jeweler who founded Tiffany & Co., vintage Tiffany lamps were crafted between the late 1800s and 1930 in a Queens, New York, factory. What made the style particularly alluring in the '80s — and led to plenty of recreations and interpretations — was the brass base, a highly sought-after material during this era, as well as its cozy aesthetic and a combination of expressive colors and designs.

Should you uncover a light fixture in this style while thrifting, there are a few things to note. For one, you're likely not dealing with an original. "Tiffany-style lamps sell for a wide range, anywhere from $50 to $500, but a real Tiffany Studios lamp would be like finding a Picasso painting," Chamlee says. In fact, Tiffany's iconic Pond Lily Lamp sold at Christie's for over $3 million in 2018. However, there are plenty of recreations at thrift shops that exude the warm, curated vibe that reigned supreme in the '80s. There are also current-day iterations, like the Radtiff small Tiffany style blue table lamp and the Bloomsbury Market Tiffany reading table lamp, to fulfill your cozy requirements.  

One of the more unique types of lamps, this aesthetic is in vogue just as the hallmarks of '80s themed rooms have risen to the forefront, particularly handmade details (or the appearance of), a nostalgic maximalist approach, and creative styling. Embrace the glass hues with complementary textiles in the living room for that warm and cozy factor homeowners loved back in the day. Keep natural elements nearby, as well as a meaningful art collection, personal photos, and a vase of your favorite blooms. For a more modern take, pair the lamp with clean lines, neutral palettes, and contemporary furniture for an unexpected pop of character. Should you want to try something similar, Chamlee has a few suggestions. "If you like Tiffany lamps, you might like reverse-painted lamps by Handel, lamps by Duffner & Kimberly, and other Tiffany Studios pieces, like the frames and candlesticks," she says.