The short version
- Typical range: £10 – £60
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Home & Garden
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used lamp is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for lamps, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £60 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £51 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £39 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £27 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £15 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a lamp
- Recognised design and mid-century pieces
- Original shades in matching condition
- Safe modern wiring or a recent rewire
- Undamaged bases with no chips
What lowers it
- Perished or fabric-covered original flex
- Torn or stained shades
- Chipped ceramic and glass bases
- Generic modern lamps
How to work out what yours is worth
- Check the flex and plug for perishing
- Inspect the shade in daylight
- Look for a maker’s mark on the base
Once you have those three answers you can place your own lamp on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are used lamps worth much?
Design and mid-century pieces sell well. Generic modern lamps sell for very little, though they move quickly when cheap.
Should old wiring be replaced?
If the flex is perished, yes — it is a safety matter. A recent rewire is worth stating in the listing.
Does the original shade matter?
On design pieces, considerably. A replacement shade noticeably reduces what a collectable lamp fetches.
More value guides: home & garden guides · all value guides · browse live home & garden listings.