The Gorgeous Vintage Decor Trend That Deserves A Major Comeback

The statute of limitations on what vintage home decor items can be trending at any given moment doesn't exist. So, taking into consideration the timeless popularity of a French country aesthetic, it's no wonder designers and antique collectors are scouring their local thrift shops and flea markets for one vintage trend that seems to be on the rise: mid-19th century fairy lamps. These glass candle holders, dating all the way back to 1857, are creating a new buzz in the home decor space, providing a simple way to add unique charm to any room in your home.

Fairy lamps are heavy-duty glass containers with lids that were created before electricity and used as an alternative to oil lamps and open-flame candles. They covered a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes and were considered one of the safest ways to light homes for hours at a time. When these glass lamps were introduced back in the mid-19th century, they were not only very popular with Queen Victoria, but they also remained affordable for everyday individuals, making them widely accessible. Over the past century, fairy lamps have made waves in popularity among home decorators, with a particular surge in the 1950s. Now, they are back and ready to reclaim their title as a must-have home accessory.

Whether you are new to vintage decor or a seasoned pro, you can't go wrong with fairy lamps — they're affordable, will fit in all spaces, and are easy for anyone to find. If, for instance, you're a thrill-of-the-chase type of vintage shopper, you can start rummaging through your local thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops to begin the hunt for your perfect fairy lamp. Or, if you prefer others to do the leg work, you can check online shops like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, where fairy lamps are just a few clicks away — kind of like the magic their name implies!

Once you've acquired your fairy lamp (or lamps—nobody says you can't have more than one), you can set out to find the perfect place in your home for it. They work well as a table or mantle centerpiece or even an accent item on a bookshelf or in an entryway. They're perfect as unique candle holders but can even be filled with LED tea lights instead — either option will help create a warm and cozy atmosphere in any room or patio space. You can also use your new fairy lamp as a nightlight in your bedroom or bathroom, making it both practical and beautiful. Before you know it, you might even start to feel like royalty.