Our vintage lamps

Welcome to Alfama Chic, your online shop specialising in vintage table lamps and vintage pendant lights. We are a French-Portuguese company. Our passion for authentic design and unique objects drives us to carefully select each lamp to offer you exceptional pieces that combine charm, elegance, and originality.

Discover our diverse range of vintage table lamps, from warm bedside lamps to sophisticated desk lamps, each providing a subtle luminous atmosphere and a retro touch to your room. You will be charmed by iconic models such as the mushroom lamp or antique lamps with delicately crafted lampshades.

Explore our selection of vintage lamps, ideal for illuminating your interior decor with style and nostalgia. Inspired by the 1950s and 1970s period, as well as the Art Deco movement, these lamps will bring a warm atmosphere and an industrial or Scandinavian touch, depending on your preferences. These lamps have a lifespan of less than a century. This is why they belong to the Vintage category.

Each lamp offered by Alfama Chic demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, quality, original, and authentic vintage design. We pay special attention to the materials used, such as metal, glass, and brass, ensuring every room in your home—whether bedroom, living room, or office—is perfectly matched to your decorative requirements. Each glass piece features a form both modern and retro, classic, expressing authenticity and its historical journey through time. The light generated by each lamp is splendid, beautiful and creates a special ambiance. Whether your lamp sits on wooden or metal furniture, a vintage table, or is wall-mounted, each glass globe has been sourced from flea markets or antique fairs, then carefully cleaned before being assembled onto our perfect and contemporary marble bases. Each base has been selected with the greatest care. Each marble is perfect, local and special. Selected for its veins and color. White with brown, green, and gray veins. 

Our vintage lamps are not made of ceramic, porcelain, bronze, wood or pottery. We will come back to you with a ceramic, porcelain, bronze, wood or pottery lamp when we are ready.

At Alfama Chic, benefit from expert advice through our detailed buying guide, attractive prices, and fixed-rate delivery on a wide selection of items and accessorie. Transform your house into a modern, stylish view, and inviting a new view with our vintage lamp collections. If you’re looking for a wall lamp, please note that depending on the glass type, our pendant lights can fulfil this role. 

Visit our online store and let yourself be inspired by Alfama Chic, your reference for illuminating your decoration with stylish and authenticity. Each lamp comes with an LED to ensure your experience is successful from the moment of delivery. Of course, additional LED bulbs are available at DIY stores. Feel free to contact us if you have any specific requirements.

To choose a vintage lamp that integrates seamlessly into your interior, consider these key criteria:

Placement and size

• Measure the space where you’ll place or hang the lamp (available height, surface area, width of the passage).

• Opt for a small bedside lamp on a nightstand, a medium-sized model on a desk, and a larger table lamp or pendant for a reading corner or beside a sofa.

Style and ambience

• Era and aesthetic: 1950s (organic shapes, opaline globes) vs. 1970s (geometric forms, bolder colours).

• Material and finish: choose glass and marble for a refined touch, brass for an Art Deco look, or wood and ceramic for a warmer, Scandinavian feel.

• Shade finish: clear, frosted, textured… each option alters light diffusion and hue.

Light quality

• Colour temperature: 2 700–3 000 K for a warm, enveloping glow; 3 500 K for a more neutral, white light.

• Luminous flux (lumens): adapt to use – bedside lamp (300–500 lm), desk lamp (800–1 200 lm).

• Bulb type: filament LEDs for a retro look and energy efficiency. Always check the fitting (E27, E14, etc.).

Functionality and ergonomics

• Base height or cable length (for pendants): ensure you have enough adjustment to suit your space.

• Adjustability (swivel head, articulating arm) for task or reading light.

Harmony with your décor

• Colour palette: choose a lamp whose patina complements your furniture and fabrics (cushions, curtains).

• Complementary materials: if your table is light wood, a brass or marble base will create a lovely contrast.

Authenticity and restoration

• Prefer pieces that have been sourced and restored, bearing a beautiful patina: signs of use, small imperfections, handcrafted finishes.

• Check the condition of the cable and electrical components (safety standards), or ensure a professional has carried out any necessary rewiring.

Budget and investment

• A well-restored vintage lamp is a lasting investment: compare the recommended retail price with the rarity of the model and quality of materials.

• Remember to factor in delivery costs and any warranty offered.

Following these steps will help you find a vintage lamp that marries aesthetics, functionality and authenticity, illuminating your home with charm and character.

For vintage lamps, we generally recommend:

LED filament bulbs

• They mimic the appearance of old incandescent bulbs (visible filaments) while consuming far less energy.

• They offer a long lifespan (15,000 to 25,000 hours).

Suitable fitting (E27 or E14)

• Most vintage table lamps and pendants use an E27 screw fitting (“large Edison screw”), but some smaller or candle-style lamps may require an E14 (“small Edison screw”).

• Always check the fitting specified on the product details.

Warm colour temperature (2,700–3,000 K)

• To maintain that retro feel and create a cosy glow, opt for a temperature between 2,700 K and 3,000 K.

• Above 3,500 K, the light becomes more neutral/white and less “cozy”.

Appropriate luminous flux

• 300–500 lm for a bedside lamp or ambient lighting.

• 800–1,200 lm for more functional lighting (desk, reading).

Dimmable (optional)

• If your lamp is fitted with a dimmer, choose dimmable LEDs so you can adjust the brightness to suit the time of day and desired ambience.

In summary, an LED filament bulb with an E27 or E14 fitting, 2,700 K, around 400–800 lm, and dimmable if required, is the ideal choice to elevate your vintage lamps by combining authentic aesthetics with modern performance.

To preserve and clean your vintage lamp, follow these steps:

1. Unplug and remove the bulb
   – Before you start, ensure the fixture is completely disconnected from the mains and that the bulb (LED or other) has been removed to avoid electric shock and damage to the glass.

2. Regular dusting
   – Wipe metal, ceramic or wooden surfaces with a clean, dry microfiber or cotton cloth to remove dust.
   – Do this gently, without pressing hard, to avoid scratching or damaging the finish.

3. Cleaning the glass
   – For opal/textured glass globes or shades, mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap.
   – Lightly dampen a soft cloth, wring it out well, then gently wipe the glass.
   – Rinse with a cloth moistened with clean water only.

4. Metal care (brass, copper, etc.)
   – If your lamp has brass or copper elements, use a non-abrasive metal cleaner designed for these materials.
   – Apply with a soft cloth in circular motions, then remove any residue with a dry cloth.

5. Thorough drying
   – After cleaning, use a dry, soft cloth to remove all moisture.
   – Ensure every part is completely dry before reassembling and reconnecting the lamp.

6. Avoid harsh chemicals
   – Do not use strong solvents (alcohol, acetone, ammonia) or abrasive sponges, as they may damage the original patina or varnish.

7. Periodic inspection
   – Take the opportunity to check the condition of the cable, the socket and any electrical connections.
   – If you notice wear, consider replacing the cable or consulting a professional for rewiring and safety compliance.

By following these guidelines, your vintage lamp will remain elegant, fully functional and true to its authentic character.

Absolutely. Although each lamp in our collection is typically unique, during our searches at antique markets in France and Portugal, we occasionally find two or three identical glass globes. Upon request, this allows us to offer coordinated sets of two or three lamps, ideal for those wishing to create a pair of table or portable lamps for their bedside, or an elegant pendant composition with globes at varying heights. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your specific needs and explore customisation possibilities.

Yes, absolutely. it depends on the stock of register second-hand glass globes in our possession. We understand that our customers often seek to personalise their spaces with lighting that reflects their unique style sign. This is why we offer the possibility to create bespoke pendant lights by combining different glass globes from our collection. Whether you wish to mix styles, colours, or eras for a visually captivating effect, we are here to bring your vision to life. 

To discuss your customised lights project and explore available options, please contact us by email or telephone. Our team will be delighted to guide you through the customisation process and answer all your questions.