A lamp with standard screws, replaceable shades, and an accessible cord can stay useful for years. Ask how the parts are held together before judging its finish.
Shop the role
Look for a maker’s replacement parts or clear care notes. If the switch fails, a local repair shop should be able to reach it without destroying the base.
Ask before you buy
Repairability adds a kind of calm: the object does not become disposable after one small fault.