How does an Argand lamp work?

An Argand lamp is a type of oil lamp that was invented back in 1780. To work, the lamp uses a cylindrical cloth wick inside a close-fitting glass chimney that steadies the air flow both inside and outside the wick. Thick oil is used to soak the wick and then light the same to generate light.

Why was the Argand lamp invented?

The Argand lamp was invented to allow people to better see for reading and studying. Patented in 1780 by Aime Argand, the burner was so cleverly designed that it allowed for an increased output of light that was many times brighter than earlier oil lamps of the day. Shop a range of antique and vintage Argand lamps on 1stDibs.

What is a whale oil lamp?

A whale oil lamp is a lamp that uses whale oil for fuel. Whale oil lamps were largely made from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Antique whale oil lamps are collectibles today and an older specimen will be a striking addition to your mantel or display cabinet. Find a collection of antique and vintage whale oil lamps on 1stDibs today.

How does a Roman oil lamp work?

Roman oil lamps are simply containers filled with oil, in which a wick made up of cloth or rope rests on one end. The other end of the wick comes in contact with the air. When the wick is lit, the oil in it burns and gives out light.

How do you use a brass oil lamp?

How you use a brass oil lamp may vary based on the design of the piece. However, generally, you fill the lamp with vegetable, sesame or similar plant-based oil. Use tweezers to raise and lower the wick and trim away burned ends with scissors. Then, use a match to light the lamp. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of oil lamps.

How do I tell if an oil lamp is antique?

There are a few key things to look for to identify an antique oil lamp. First check for a patent number anywhere on your lamp. Use a black light to inspect whether your lamp’s hardware is secured with glue, which fluoresces and would indicate a contemporary lamp. Antique lamps use plaster to attach hardware and fill gaps. An antique oil lamp may have hand-blown glass. Shop a range of professionally authenticated antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.

How do I use a hanging oil lamp?

To use a hanging oil lamp, remove the oil font from the base and fill it three-quarters of the way with clear lamp oil. Return the font and close the base. Twist the knob to raise the wick until it is a little less than 0.25 inches above the burner. Light with a match or lighter. After extinguishing and allowing time for cooling, trim the burned end off of the wick. You'll find a collection of hanging oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Are oil lamps still used?

Yes, oil lamps are still used today. However, most people utilize oil lamps while camping or during power outages in the U.S. It is uncommon for Americans to light their homes only with oil lamps. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique oil lamps.

Who invented the Victorian oil lamp?

The Victorian oil lamp was designed in 1792 by inventor Ami Argan. What made this lamp unique to the ones that preceded it is the unique shape, featuring a long glass shaft that aids the illumination of the lamp. Browse a collection of vintage Victorian oil lamps on 1stDibs.

When did they start using oil lamps?

People began using early versions of oil lamps for spiritual purposes during ancient times. References to oil-burning lamps are found in both the Torah and the Bible. Oil lamps became popular for everyday use lighting homes and businesses in the late 19th century with the advent of the kerosene lamp. Shop a selection of antique oil lamps on 1stDibs.

Argand Oil Lamp

Clear Glass Urn Table Lamp

Coach Lights

1950s Floor Lamp Attributed to Maison Lunel

$1,881

H 69.3 in W 23.63 in D 14.18 in

1950s Floor Lamp Attributed to Maison Lunel

By Maison Lunel

Located in London, GB

The design of this 1950s floor lamp manufactured by Maison Lunel is inspired by the Argand oil lamp

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Recent Sales

Pair of Early 19th Century Patinated Bronze Twin Arm Colza Argand Oil Lamps

Unavailable

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 6.3 in

Pair of Early 19th Century Patinated Bronze Twin Arm Colza Argand Oil Lamps

Located in London, GB

The central column with cast foliate decoration, surmounted by an urn with a pointed finial on top. Each with two straight arms and single burners, now currently electrified for the ...

Category

Antique 1830s British Early Victorian Table Lamps

1979 Chapman Brass Marble Chippendale Argand Banquet Buffet Lamps 36"

Sold

H 30.5 in W 6 in D 6 in

1979 Chapman Brass Marble Chippendale Argand Banquet Buffet Lamps 36"

By Chapman Manufacturing Company

Located in Dayton, OH

Chippendale style Argand oil lamps with black marble bases. Includes harps, brass finials, and black paper

Category

Vintage 1970s American Georgian Table Lamps

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Tow-Tone Bronze Argand Lamps Thomas Messenger & Son London & Birmingham

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H 17.5 in W 7 in D 10.5 in

Pair of Tow-Tone Bronze Argand Lamps Thomas Messenger & Son London & Birmingham

By Messenger and Sons

Located in Fairfax, VA

Pair of two-tone bronze Messenger & Son argand oil lamp with cut glass shade. They have been

Category

Antique 1870s English Neoclassical Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

American 19th C. Clark Coit & Cargill Double Arm Electrified Argant Oil Lamp

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H 21 in W 18.5 in D 8 in

American 19th C. Clark Coit & Cargill Double Arm Electrified Argant Oil Lamp

Located in Fairfax, VA

New York, 19th century, bronze cut glass and crystal double arm electrified argand oil lamp by

Category

Antique 19th Century American Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century, Argand Table Oil Lamp

Sold

H 39 in W 22 in D 9.5 in

Late 19th Century, Argand Table Oil Lamp

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

A quite rare Argand table oil lamp. English or French. Scrolling openwork cast finial above a rope

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Table Lamps

George IV Lacquered Brass Twenty-Four-Light Chandelier, circa 1830

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H 58 in Dm 36 in

George IV Lacquered Brass Twenty-Four-Light Chandelier, circa 1830

By Messenger and Sons

Located in New York, NY

-flow oil lamps were patented as early as 1784 and chandeliers using this technology were in use prior

Category

Antique 1820s English Regency Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Pair of Tole Bright & Co. Stage Coach Lamps, Now Electrified

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H 18.5 in W 3 in D 5 in

Pair of Tole Bright & Co. Stage Coach Lamps, Now Electrified

Located in Atlanta, GA

, 3" diameter glass cylindrical globe, supported on single arm Argand oil lamp, labeled “Bright & Co

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Tôle

Early 19th Century Pair of Bronze Argand Oil Lamps Later Fitted for Electricity

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H 31.5 in Dm 8 in

Early 19th Century Pair of Bronze Argand Oil Lamps Later Fitted for Electricity

Located in Charleston, SC

Early 19th century French Regence' pair of Argand oil lamps have been converted to electricity. The

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Regency Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

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Giraffe dining Chair in Solid Brazilian Wood by Juliana Vasconcellos

By Juliana Lima Vasconcellos

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1950s French floor lamp with four branches with four frosted glass shades.

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Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

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Finding the Right Lighting for You

The right table lamp, outwardly sculptural chandelier or understated wall pendant can work wonders for your home. While we’re indebted to thinkers like Thomas Edison for critically important advancements in lighting and electricity, we’re still finding new ways to customize illumination to fit our personal spaces all these years later. A wide range of antique and vintage lighting can be found on 1stDibs.

Today, lighting designers like the self-taught Bec Brittain have used the flexible structure of LEDs to craft glamorous solutions by working with what is typically considered a harsh lighting source. By integrating glass and mirrors, reflection can be used to soften the glow from LEDs and warmly welcome light into any space.

Although contemporary innovators continue to impress, some of the classics can’t be beat.

Just as gazing at the stars allows you to glimpse the universe’s past, vintage chandeliers like those designed by Gino Sarfatti and J. & L. Lobmeyr, for example, put on a similarly stunning show, each with a rich story to tell.

As dazzling as it is, the Arco lamp, on the other hand, prioritizes functionality — it’s wholly mobile, no drilling required. Designed in 1962 by architect-product designers Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the piece takes the traditional form of a streetlamp and creates an elegant, arching floor fixture for at-home use.

There is no shortage of modernist lighting similarly prized by collectors and casual enthusiasts alike — there are Art Deco table lamps created in a universally appreciated style, the Tripod floor lamp by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Greta Magnusson Grossman's sleek and minimalist Grasshopper lamps and, of course, the wealth of mid-century experimental lighting that emerged from Italian artisans at Arredoluce, FLOS and many more are hallmarks in illumination innovation.

With decades of design evolution behind it, home lighting is no longer just practical. Crystalline shaping by designers like Gabriel Scott turns every lighting apparatus into a luxury accessory. A new installation doesn’t merely showcase a space; carefully chosen ceiling lights, table lamps and floor lamps can create a mood, spotlight a favorite piece or highlight your unique personality.

The sparkle that your space has been missing is waiting for you amid the growing collection of antique, vintage and contemporary lighting for sale on 1stDibs.