In interior decorating, swag generally just refers to something that is hung from the ceiling in a certain method.  The name comes about because the object is hung by two hooks with a swag in between them.  So a great number of things and light fixtures can be “swag.”

But, when used in the context of a swag lamp, the term swag refers to a very specific type of light popular in the 1950s and 60s.  They have recently been rediscovered and had a renaissance because of their functionality, ease of use and installation, and ability to light a room without taking up any space.  If you’re looking for swag lamps for sale, you can find them at many different online websites or even in many local realtors.

What is a Swag Lamp?

Swag lamps are made of a fabric lamp shade, unlike other vintage lamps that contain glass lamp shades.  Inside the lamp shade are one or more light bulbs and the whole fixture hangs from the ceiling with a metal chain. They were very popular in the 1950s and 60s and stayed fairly common up until the 1980s. However, by the 1980s there were mostly only used in hotels, motels, and cheap resorts due to their low cost and high utility.

Why Use Swag Lamps?

Swag lamps are very space saving and economical.  They can light up large areas of a room, many times better than floor lamps can and are very cheap and easy to install.  They can be positioned exactly where you need light and can be directly wired or can be portable with a plug in chord the same way a table lamp it. 

Vintage swag lamps have come back in style and now are available in a countless variety of fabrics, colors, and shades.  Their ease of installation makes them one of the best reading lights available.  You can have a swag lamp positioned right over your bed or the end of a sofa for extra light.  A hanging swag lamp also makes a great desk light.  They don’t take up precious desk space like normal desk lamps do, giving you more space to get work done.  The fact a swag lamp doesn’t take up any floor space also makes it ideal for smaller apartments, especially  studios, where floor space is at a premium and it gets cluttered up quick.

Swag lamps are an economical, practical, and stylish option for lighting your apartment or home.  They work especially well as reading light, desk lights, or game table lights.  They also work very well in situations where there is little floor space available, such as if you live in a studio apartment or have a small room that needs furnished.