Much of the home decor in the 1950’s reflected a post WWII economic optimisim, coupled with the dawn of the atomic era and the introduction of all kinds of new space age materials. This led to the design of what is now some of the most kitschy, fun collectibles of all mid-century modern decor, 50’s lighting.
I must admit to a having a 50s lamp obsession. They are all over my house. Their whimsical styles and unique geometric shapes create a striking focal point in any room.
Below is a favorite from my personal collection. It’s called a boomerang lamp. I get tons of compliments on it from everyone who enters my house, because it’s so different from any other lamps they’ve ever seen. I found it in an old barn full of antiques near Bar Harbor, Maine, one summer when I was still working as a chef on private yachts. The owner of the lamp had originally found it in Boca Raton, Florida. So I bought it and hauled it back on board the boat I was working on, and it sailed back to Florida where it resides once again!
Here are a couple of other fabulous atomic style lamps that are available with a "buy it now" on Ebay
1. Black and gold metal with ivory shade offered by Blade Liquidators
2. Ceramic and metal with aqua shade from Folk Artisans
One of the most collectible types of 50s lamps are the figural tv lamps. They were designed to add a bit of ambient lighting because the "experts" at that time thought that watching the new television screens in a completely dark room would strain your eyes. Here are a couple of interesting ones, also for sale on Ebay.
1. Rearing horse lamp from Suzy’s Vintage Attic
2. Leaping deer lamp and planter from My Cluttered Cottage
I also found this really cute little ceramic roses night light from Canyon Hills Antiques
It’s not unusual to find fabulous lamps that have no shade, like this next one from ebay seller ybioprof , because the original fiberglass shade probably deteriorated. But don’t let that stop you from buying.
The solution is to have a company like Moonshines Shades design a custom reproduction 50s lampshade for you. Here’s just a small sampling of their swanky creations.
It doesn’t matter if your house it decorated completely in mid-century style either. This type of lighting looks great with modern contemporary furniture, tropical decor, and shabby/cottage chic.