History of Antique Oil Lamps

The history of antique oil lamps is a fascinating one. Without these lamps, our ancestors would have had no way to see in the dark. Prehistoric man discovered fire and oil lamps were used during the Greek and Roman eras. Over the centuries that followed, these original clay and terracotta lamps evolved into a common decorating piece that you see in many homes today.

The 1700s

Clay lamps remained common until the 1700s. It was around this time that the oil lamp got its first real makeover. Aime Argand invented a style of lamp that used a circular burner and a wick. Over time, people began using whale oil, coal oil and olive oil to fuel the flame of this type of lamp.

The 1800s

Oil lamps were still common in the 1800s, but were slowly phased out with the invention of electricity. Still, these lamps were used in most homes because the middle and lower class could not afford expensive electric lamps. The most common lamp oil at this time was paraffin which was burned without producing excessive soot and smoke.

1900s through today

Once electricity became standard, the oil lamp became all but obsolete. Old oil lamps are still sometimes used to add an element of history to decorating schemes and unique designs are sought after by collectors. In restaurants, oil lamps create a very peaceful ambiance.

If it were not for the oil lamp, our ancestors would not have been able to see in the dark. Though we no longer rely on these lamps today, they are still seen in restaurants and in the homes of collectors.