The Timeless Decor Nate Berkus Uses To Add The Perfect Finishing Touch To Any Room

HGTV star and interior designer extraordinaire, Nate Berkus, has countless valuable tips on how to add personality to your home. One of his top recommendations? Incorporate vintage lighting into your space. As Berkus stated on Instagram, "Investing in vintage lighting is one of the best ways to avoid trends and fill your home with pieces that will last a lifetime (and can go from home to home with you)."

Forget those harsh, overhead lights and discover how functionality and style can intersect with vintage lighting. From table lamps that look as if they came straight out of a Victorian-era photograph to floor lamps that also serve as sculptural works of art, incorporating vintage lighting can take a room from basic to breathtaking. Whether you're a fan of sleek, minimalist designs, art deco opulence, or something in between, you can use vintage lighting to make your space pop while remaining true to your personal style.

Many houses and apartments come equipped with harsh, overhead lighting that can make a space feel more like an office and less like the cozy sanctuary many of us desire for our homes. Not only can vintage lighting add a more inviting ambiance to the room, but as Nate Berkus shared on his Instagram, "It brings a timeless element you won't feel the need to replace in a few years." But how do you incorporate vintage lighting into your home?

To choose the perfect lighting, first consider how you use your space. Berkus explained that the vintage-style sconce he and Jeremiah Brent installed over their staircase in their NYC home serves not only as a stylish focal point, but is also used at night to properly illuminate the stairwell. If you're planning on adding some vintage lighting to your baby's nursery, for instance, you wouldn't necessarily want a brightly lit sconce, but how about a soft table lamp similar to this Etsy find? On the other hand, if you're looking for a fabulous piece for your living room, why not go all out with a vintage chandelier?

Now that you have an idea of what kinds of lighting elements you want for the various spaces in your home, it's time to do some shopping. But unlike new pieces of furniture, finding authentic vintage lighting requires a bit more legwork than just ordering something from Wayfair, IKEA, or Amazon. Although you can certainly find a plethora of vintage-style lamps and fixtures in many home decor stores, finding true vintage pieces takes a bit of investigative work. 

Antique shops are an excellent place to start. Check out the stores in your area and don't be afraid to do a bit of antiquing whenever you're traveling as well. Additionally, keep an eye out for any estate sales in your area — you may be able to find some previously loved vintage lighting for a good deal. You can also try auction sites like eBay and Bidsquare. Facebook Marketplace may have some hidden gems as well. If you have a Habitat for Humanity Restore in your area, you may also find some vintage lighting elements. There are also many online retailers dedicated to selling vintage pieces such as Preservation Station and Grand Light. Happy hunting!