Our vintage lighting gallery comes from all kinds of sources – including reader homes. NSTRUCTIONS: Click on the first image to launch the slide show, all images will show larger.
Products and ideas to remodel your mid century home in authentic vintage style
Your daily dose of midcentury remodeling resources…
home design inspiration… thrifty finds… and a generous
community of people passionate about their vintage and
postwar homes – “modern” and “modest” alike.
I'm Pam Kueber, your mid mod mad guide. Read more
Our vintage lighting gallery comes from all kinds of sources – including reader homes. NSTRUCTIONS: Click on the first image to launch the slide show, all images will show larger.

“Fake butcher block countertops” are another one of those original vintage house features that I often hear called “hideous” on other websites. (Crikey, how I have come to despise that word — it is overkill, please refrain.) I, on the other hand, not only have “no problem” with butcher block laminate, I am 100% on [...]

When folks move into new/old 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s or 1970s homes, it seems like one of the biggest and most common needs is to update materials in the kitchen that are on their last legs. In general, if you have a laminate countertop that is in good shape, I’d say: Keep it. Or [...]

If you are looking for retro-style laminate for a kitchen or bathroom countertop, you have some blinding research ahead of you. Unless there is a home-run-out-of-the-park solution — like the boomerangs, crackle ice or dogbone still available — it’s going to be a hunt-peck-and-forage to find something that’s “close enough” to original laminates from the [...]

These are new from Formica. Both look like they could swing either “warm” or “cool” – that is, work across the spectrum from reds (and pinks) to blues. I really like the Linen – a very typical look for the 50s — Hey, Formica, can we have it in green, blue, pink and yellow?!: And, [...]

Here is another set of products from the past — still available today — with a fascinating history: ‘Memphis’ style laminates designed in 1978 by Ettore Sottsass, “the greatest Italian designer of the last half century.” These laminates are still offered by Abet Laminati. This is not necessarily a name familiar U.S. consumers, but Abet [...]
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Love the pull down lamps and definatly want one– But where oh where can I get one? Is there a current manufacturer that any one would recommend?
Nina462, these are not made anymore. I was told that they do not conform to UL standards.
I see these type of lights and many others at give away prices ($2-$10) at the habitat for humanity restore in Kansas City. You might check to see if City has a restore.
I love those silver, bullet shaped, ceiling mount, almost-look-like pendants, light fixtures (2570_1.jpg…. 3-4 are in the pic sitting on a table; 4th column and 4th pic down)! Where can I find them? Who is the manufacturer and are they still sold?
MM, stuff like this is sold today – see all identified resources in Fast & Easy Lighting Page.
WOW…..I love the cobalt blue shaded one in the middle right!
Lots of pull-down lamps can be found around here (Chicago)…..they are truly special!
Am looking for replacement shade for Lightolier bathroom vanity light. It has three shades, each eight inches long, of heavy almost rock-cut glass. The shades fit up into the fixture on the wall by slipping up under a”lip.” Broke one of the shades and CANNOT find anywhere. Any help would be most appreciated. Not even sure what the vintage is…maybe 70′s? Thank you so much.
Hi Jennifer – I think you are looking for a needle in a haystack. The first haystack I’d point you to is: Rejuvenation Lighting in Portland. They also carry salvaged, vintage stock. Maybe the retro decorating gods have your piece right there. Another thought: Lightolier still exists. You might contact them. Good luck.
Hi Pam-
Thank you! I have checked Rejuvination and also w/a Lightolier rep. Also, there’s a fantastic place called Hippo Hardware (fyi) which carries all crazy lighting from every vintage. I’m stumped. Can’t even find anything similar. I appreciate you getting back to me…and I, too, am hoping the retro lighting gods are out there and wll smile on me soon…
Send me a pic, Jennifer. I’ll try to post it and we’ll see if we can help you. I think I know just what you’re talking about….now I’m curious! retrorenovation [at] gmail [dot] com
I will! I’m actually in Maui on vacation right now, but as soon as I get back to the Mainland, I will email you a pic. I’m so obsessed, I’m researching on vacation…
Thanks!
I have a Moe light #313503 it is a living room light shade and when I took it down to clean I broke 1 of 2 and I need to find a replacement….I can take pic of the good one if someone can help me find a replacement…I rent so I have to replace it. I thank you so very much..
Tina
We used to have one of those pull down lamps in our kitchen, however mother replaced it cause it was ugly. I think it may still be in our garage. Looks like it’s going to be a Salvage Sunday! haha
Erik,
We have an FAQ on this, or search “diffuser.” Please also know that I am told that these old pull-downs are no longer to code; please consult with a professional about the best path for you to take. Good luck.
If you live in Los Angeles, check out Practical Props in North Hollywood. They have tons of vintage lighting (they sell and rent out props) and will do repairs/rewiring on any vintage fixtures you might find. I love their stuff!
How do you get a photograph in the gallery? I have several vintage light fixtures in this house and my other one, wagon wheel, pull down, flushmount, spotlight fixtures, exterior…that I wouldn’t mind sharing
you need to send the photos to me, zachary. use the contact box to establish contact
I’ll take some nice pictures today then. I’ll be at my other house in about a month, Habitat For Humanity and this site are big parts of the remodel there
I am interested in buying some light fixtures from your website. Are they for sale, or are they just to look at?
just to look at. i recommend ebay — good luck
Hi Pam,
I have a pair of the ‘pull down’ style, dining table light fixtures, that need the ‘cloth cord wrap’ replaced and possibly some work on the ‘retractor’ mechanism
I am near Denver CO without a source for a repair shop or parts
Do you have suggestions on anexperienced individual who can repair these ‘unusual’ lamps?
Many thanks!
Mike
Lakewood CO
no – but please do consult a professional. i am told the pull-downs are no longer to code…