Using oil lamps as a source of illumination goes waaaaaay back (as in 15,000 BCE). The first vessels for holding the oil were most likely seashells and stones, then later, clay pots. Over the years, consumers used many different substances as fuel—whale blubber, kerosene, and olive oil among them.
Wicks probably came to popularity during the Roman Empire, the shapes of the pots eventually changing to hold them into place, rather than having them simply float in the oil. What is commonly referred to as the “hurricane lamp” came about in 18th century British India with their distinctive glass chimneys and adjustable wicks to modify the length of exposed wick and hence the intensity of the flame.
Today, these lamps are, sadly, less common, having been replaced by candles (often made from paraffin instead of beeswax) or, more recently, LEDs. While the latter are certainly practical and avoid the hazards of an open flame, the act of flicking a switch is never quite as satisfying as the lighting of a wick soaked with oil. The flame produced by these lights is also wonderful—often brighter than a candle and more diffuse when sone through a glass enclosure.
Fortunately, there are modern examples that have all the qualities of a traditional oil lamp while adding some extra design swagger. And if you’d rather not use regular, petroleum-based lamp oil, there’s even a substitute that’s eco-friendly. Check out the lamps below, or if oil lamps aren’t your thing, take a look at these table lamps.
Modern Oil Lamps, a Retro Home Design Touch
Castor Design Oil Lamp / 2Modern
The Toronto-based industrial design firm Castor made this lamp in collaboration with Harnisch Lamps, a Canadian gas lamp company going all the way back to 1842. A simple shape in black powder coat chrome with a bit of laboratory chic.
Stelton EM Oil Lamp / Hive Modern
Erik Magnussen’s 1982 satin polished stainless steel and glass oil lamp for Stelton was an immediate classic when it came out, and remains popular today. It comes in two sizes and its double-blass-cylinder construction produces a lovely soft light.
Large Extra-Bright Nickel Oil Lamp / GarrettWade
Something of a hybrid, the base looks like a fairly traditional hurricane lamp, but the slender chimney adds a highly modern contrast. The wick on this oil lamp projects more light than is typical of similar others.
Flamtastique XS Oil Lamp / Fatboy
A super-sleek take on the classic shape. With its silicon-covered base available in 4 colors, this extra durable lamp is diminutive but high on style. There’s even a small window in the base so you can see how much oil is left.
Lumen Flame / Adam Frank
This delightful lamp combines the charms of an oil lamp with the drama of a projector. There are seven shapes in all including a bird’s nest, trees, and a flock of birds—shapes that can project onto a nearby wall when you light the flame.
Clean Lamp Oil / Firefly
If you’d rather not burn kerosene or other petrochemicals, this oil is non-toxic, eco-friendly, odorless, smokeless, and biodegradable. You can even get it in a citronella or eucalyptus scent as well as unscented for your oil lamps.
Story by Stephen Treffinger
Cover photo courtesy of Adam Frank
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