Oil lamps have been traditionally used for centuries. Today they are cherished collectibles for their ethnic look. In some areas of the world, oil lamps are still used as regular lighting devices. Beautifully designed in glass, brass, terracotta, metal, wrought iron, silver and gold, oil lamps will outlive electric lighting fixtures for their flexibility combined with looks.

Functional and decorative, oil lamps can be used as a centerpiece on your dining table, or on your mantle place, or on your patio. When lit, they spread their soft yet strong glow, bathing the area with light. Oil lamps are mostly inexpensive. Scented lamp oil adds to the ambience created by the lamplight and these are available in different fragrances based on preference.

There was a time before electricity began to be used, when oil lamps were the main source of illumination. In fact, these are even safer to light than candles when they are protected by hurricane shades. Considered highly romantic, the flickering flame can glow warmly; creating soft shadows that can be soothing. The first ever oil lamps used coal oil or kerosene oil but these produced quite a bit of soot and smoke. Next came the lamp oil, which was better in terms of reduced smoke and soot. Today, scented lamp oil is expensive and comes in lovely flavors that have their uses. For instance, citronella oil repels mosquitoes. So when you use these oil lamps on the porch at home, your guests will not have to battle insects as they enjoy the aroma of your basting sauce, barbecue grilling and smoke flavor.

While kerosene lamps are used, they repel some people with their smell and soot. However, when the wick is well trimmed and lit, it can minimize soot and smoke. The tip of the wick is usually tweaked so that its center is slightly higher than the edges. The wick must be even so that you get a properly centered flame, which will burn straight.

Whether you use a hanging oil lamp or place the oil lamp on a surface, you would need to use lamp chimneys. It is important to keep these clean from soot build up to get clear light. It is easy to maintain the shades as you can just wipe them off or wash them in soap water and dry before use. The lamps are also easy to refill by removing the chimney and burner. It is generally advisable to fill an antique oil lamp up to half or three quarters. The burner must then be fixed back on. The wick must be adjusted to ensure that it is above the top of the burner. While an old wick will light up instantly, new wicks need to season themselves in the oil by soaking it up before you can light them. After the wick is lit, the oil lamp chimney must be fixed on the lamp so that the flame burns steady. The wick can be adjusted with the screw provided. This must be done carefully to avoid an explosion in case the wick is abruptly turned into the oil receptacle.

Oil lamps are the ideal alternative for emergencies when you have a power outage. These lamps can burn for several hours and best of all they are not expensive. Oil lamps can be used just for their main purpose as lighting devices or as decorative pieces. As we mentioned earlier, there are several lamps that are collectible and cherished with love, right from Aladdins lamp to the present day stylish version! Your outdoor cooking experience can be enhanced with these practical lamps.

Author: Jonathan Goodman

About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products. Visit the Market Merchants website: http://marketmerchants.com

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