Is it Time to Rebel Against Disposable Culture?
The true cost of cheap, poor quality products.
Are We Losing Appreciation for Quality?
There’s a lamp in my grandmother’s living room that’s been there for as long as I can remember. It doesn’t try to grab your attention. It doesn’t look like something you’d find in a glossy magazine spread. But it’s there, steady and warm, the same way it’s always been.
When I was a child, it was just part of the background and something I barely noticed. Now, years later, I see it differently. It’s not just a lamp; it’s a testament to a time when things were built to last. It hasn’t needed fixing or replacing. It’s simply done its job for decades, quietly lighting the room and outlasting trends that have come and gone.
A snapshot in time when things were made to last.
Many similar items in this image can still be found in antique stores today. Unsustainably manufactured items you buy today will not.
What Happened to Things that Last?
It’s not your imagination: things aren’t made the way they used to be. Over the years, planned obsolescence has seeped into nearly everything we buy. Chairs break, clothes unravel, gadgets glitch—and they’re designed to do exactly that. The goal isn’t to create something durable; it’s to create something you’ll have to buy again and again. This creates significant landfill waste and only benefits corporate profits.
This shift hasn’t just changed how we shop; it’s changed how we live. Instead of treasuring what we own, we replace it. Instead of repairing what’s broken, we toss it. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost a connection to the things that surround us.
But there are still moments—like when I see that lamp in my grandmother’s living room—that remind me it doesn’t have to be this way.
Quality craftsmanship is not mass produced.
Craftspeople care about the quality and durability of the products they create.
The Quiet Beauty of Craftsmanship
There’s something special about objects that aren’t in a rush to be thrown away. They don’t demand attention or scream for validation. They’re there, steady and dependable, with a quiet confidence that comes from being well-made.
Craftsmanship like that isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about patience, care, and an understanding that some things are worth doing right. It’s about choosing materials that will hold up over time and designs that don’t rely on passing trends.
When I see that lamp, I think about the hands that made it. Someone took the time to shape its base, choose its shade, and put it all together in a way that would endure. It wasn’t designed to be thrown away. It was designed to stay.
Heirloom products for the home.
Upcycled antique lamps with silk lampshades by Elegance Lamps are sustianable alternatives to disposable goods.
Why it Matters
Objects like that lamp remind us of the value of permanence. They stand in quiet rebellion against a world that wants everything to be temporary. They remind us that some things are worth keeping—not because they’re expensive or fashionable, but because they were made to last.
Surrounding ourselves with lasting things is not only practical; it’s meaningful. It’s a way of building a home that feels steady, rooted, and connected. It’s a small act of resistance against a disposable culture, and a way to bring a sense of permanence and quality into our lives.
Quality materials and design.
Resilient products designed to last do not contribute to landfills.
Choosing Things that Last
I don’t think the answer is to reject everything new or modern. Instead, it’s about making thoughtful choices. It’s about looking for pieces that feel like they belong in your life, not just for a moment, but for years to come.
When you find something that fits, is made with care, and holds meaning, it becomes more than just an object. It becomes part of your story.
The next time you’re searching for something to bring into your home, take a moment to think about that. Look for the quiet confidence of something that’s built to last. You might just find your own version of my grandmother’s lamp—something steady and sustainable, ready to light your life for years to come.
See the Current Collection
Click the button below to shop currently available handcrafted lampshades and antique lamp pairings by Crystal Hayes at Elegance Lamps.
About the Author
Crystal Hayes, Owner and Lampshade Artist at Elegance Lamps
Seattle, WA USA
Crystal Hayes is a lifelong Seattle resident who gains inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant arts communities in the Pacific Northwest. She thrives on creative expression resulting in unique Victorian lampshades, vintage lampshades, and antique lamps that can be used in everyday life. Crystal is entirely fearless when it comes to design, she is a perfectionist at construction techniques, and she proves that customer satisfaction still matters.
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ELEGANCE LAMPS VICTORIAN LAMPSHADES AND ANTIQUE LAMPS
Where beauty meets functionality.
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