From 2D Photos to 3D: Experiencing Vintage & Design Lamps Online Before You Buy

Buying a unique vintage or design lamp online can feel a little risky.

Maybe you’ve had this thought before:

“It looks beautiful… but what if the proportions are strange in real life? What if the details are different than I imagined?”

Flat photos can only tell part of the story. With rare pieces – especially vintage design and collectible lighting – you want to be sure before you say yes.

That’s exactly why we started using 3D viewing at Maison Jaspers: to make buying special lighting online feel calmer, clearer and much closer to an in-person experience.

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1. The problem with buying unique vintage design lamps from flat photos

Traditional product photos are helpful, but they have limitations:

• You see the lamp from a few fixed angles, not from every side.

• It’s hard to judge the depth and “presence” of a piece in a room.

• Close-ups show details, but you lose the feeling of the whole shape.

• You still have to imagine how it will look in your own space.

For everyday objects, this is usually fine. But when you’re considering a statement vintage or design lamp – something sculptural, with character and history – you’re making a personal, long-term choice.

You want to know:

• How the curves and angles really work together

• How heavy or light the design feels on the eye

• How the base, stem and shade relate to each other in space

2D photos can’t fully show that. 3D can.

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2. How 3D viewing changes the way you choose a lamp

A 3D model of a lamp feels very close to picking it up in a gallery or showroom.

With our 3D viewer you can:

• Rotate the lamp 360° and stop at any angle you like

• Zoom in to see fine details in metalwork, glass, marble or patina

• Look at the piece from above and below, not just from the front

• Spend time with it in a quiet, relaxed way – no pressure

Instead of guessing, you explore.

Suddenly questions like “Is this base too chunky?” or “Is that arm too long?” become much easier to answer, because you see the lamp almost exactly as it exists in the real world.

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3. Seeing scale, details and patina more honestly

With vintage and design lighting, details matter:

• The exact curve of a brass arm

• The way light hits a polished vs. brushed surface

• Subtle wear in gilding or patina that gives character

3D viewing helps you see these things more honestly:

• You notice how light moves across different parts of the lamp.

• Small variations in surfaces and edges become easier to read.

• The overall composition of the piece is much clearer.

This is especially valuable if you’re choosing between two or three statement lamps. A quick look in 3D often makes it obvious which one truly “belongs” in your home.

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4. Trying a statement lamp in your space (AR / visualisation)

For some pieces, we take it a step further with augmented reality (AR) or room visualisation.

That means you can:

• Place a virtual version of the lamp in your own room using your phone or tablet

• Stand back and see how it looks next to your sofa, sideboard or bed

• Check whether the height and width feel right next to your existing furniture

• Experiment with different spots in your room, without moving a single real object

It doesn’t replace reality – but it makes the decision much calmer. You no longer have to imagine everything in your head; you get a preview.

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5. Behind the scenes: how we create each 3D model

Every 3D lamp on Maison Jaspers begins as a real object in our hands.

For each piece we:

1. Carefully inspect and clean the lamp, so the model reflects how it truly looks.

2. Photograph or scan it from multiple angles to capture its shape and details.

3. Build a precise 3D model that matches the real proportions.

4. Fine-tune textures and reflections so materials like brass, marble, glass and fabric feel natural on screen.

It’s a time-consuming process – but we believe unique vintage and design pieces deserve that level of attention. The result is a digital version that lets you get to know the lamp properly before you commit.

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6. Why we still love “real” photos (and use both)

3D models are powerful, but we never rely on them alone.

That’s why every lamp on Maison Jaspers also has:

• High-quality photos in natural, flattering light

• Close-ups of important details, signatures or marks

• Honest shots of any small signs of age or wear

Photos give atmosphere and mood; 3D gives clarity and control. Together, they reduce surprises and make sure you know exactly what you are buying.

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7. Making online vintage lighting feel safe, luxurious and personal

Our goal with 3D viewing is not just “more technology”.

It’s about:

• Making it easier to fall in love with the right piece, not just a pretty picture

• Giving you the confidence to buy rare, characterful lamps online

• Respecting the fact that these are long-term pieces in your home, not throwaway decor

At Maison Jaspers we combine:

• Carefully curated vintage and design lamps

• Detailed photos and 3D models

• Calm, personal communication and worldwide shipping

So you can explore, compare and choose at your own pace – wherever you live – and still feel as if you visited a quiet, beautifully lit gallery.

If you’re curious, browse our collection and look for pieces with the 3D viewer icon. Spend a little time with a lamp you like. Rotate it, zoom in, imagine where it might live in your home.

And if you’re torn between two favourites, send us a message – we’re happy to help you choose the one that truly fits your space and your story.