2 min readIf there’s a flea market happening near me, you can bet I’ll be there. Whenever I’m home in New York City, I love visiting the Chelsea Flea in Manhattan, and when I travel, I’m always quick to scope out markets in other cities—and even other countries. There’s plenty to admire at flea markets, from glassware and artwork to textiles and decorative objects, but over the years, I’ve become especially drawn to one category: lamps.
A few summers ago, I was thrilled to stumble upon an incredible pair of swirled mid-century lamps at the Chelsea Flea, and I still get tons of compliments whenever I post a photo of them on Instagram. They’re the perfect size for my living room credenza and bring just the right amount of funk to the space, while feeling far more distinctive than most big-box store options.
And that’s exactly what I love about flea market lamps: They’re simply more interesting than much of what you’ll find at standard home retailers. Why does that matter? Because while lighting is practical first and foremost, any interior design enthusiast will tell you that it’s also the jewelry of a room.
While the lamps I’ve purchased at flea markets in the U.S. have worked just fine, I’ve had to rewire a few finds from overseas to make them compatible with American outlets. (Yes, I’ve flown home from both London and Paris with lamp bases tucked into my suitcase—they were just too good to pass up!)
If you’re planning to fly with a vintage lamp, take it from me: Unless your suitcase is especially large, you’re better off carefully wrapping and packing the base and leaving the shade behind. Lampshades are tricky enough to transport in a packed car without getting dinged or crushed, let alone in a suitcase. Since it’s usually the base that draws me to a lamp in the first place, I don’t mind parting ways with the shade before heading home.
On that note, there’s nothing wrong with pairing a vintage lamp base with a brand-new shade. One risk of decorating with vintage or secondhand lighting is that a lamp can feel dated when both the base and shade lean too heavily into an older style. The goal, after all, is to create a space that feels collected and well-curated—not stuffy. Swapping in a contemporary shade can instantly freshen up a vintage find. I often source mine from retailers like Pooky, Amazon, and HomeGoods, all of which offer stylish, affordable options for a range of lamp sizes.
Think you already have enough lamps at home and can skip that section of the flea market? Think again. These days, I’m constantly spotting petite lamps styled on bar carts, kitchen counters, bathroom shelves, and beyond. When it comes to adding a little extra glow, the possibilities are practically endless.
