Oil Lamp Shades

Oil lamps have been used since ancient times.  The original designs did not have oil lamp shades.  The ancient oil lamps were containers, or vessels, that held oil and burned a wick to provide light.  Oil lamp shades were not introduced until oil lamp designs were improved and refined over many years.  Today, many people have oil lamps as accent pieces in their home décor, and treasure their oil lamp shades.

Ancient oil lamps were made of clay, plaster, or stone and “bowl” shaped with various features.  The main features of a terra cotta oil lamp might include a nozzle, body, handle, a discus and pouring hole.  Some oil lamps were made with more than one nozzle.  The wick was placed in the nozzle, or nozzles, which protrude from the body of the vessel where the oil is held.  The oil lamp would be filled with fuel through the pour hole.  Some of these lamps were made with handles and some without.  While lit, the lamps were set in niches in the wall, on lamp stands, used in a candelabrum, and shelved or hung on the wall.  Often, oil lamps were carved into stone pillars.  Oil lamps were, also, produced from silver, gold, bronze, and iron. 

Styles and designs varied and improved through the years.  Many ancient oil lamps displayed carvings of battles or hunting expeditions.  Some displayed mythological, erotic, symbolic, or religious imagery.  The lamps were used for lighting, special occasion ambience, and in ceremonies or religious rituals.  The styles and designs became more elaborate and complicated with progressive innovation.  Blown glass covers or chimneys were the first oil lamp shades to be used.

The invention of the Argand lamp in 1780 prompted the initial development of suitable oil lamp shades.  Later, in the mid 1800s, the kerosene lamp was introduced.  Kerosene lamps virtually replaced the early style oil lamps.  During this time, oil lamp shades became more relevant and more ornate.

Although, in the ancient styles, the oil lamp base was the decorative focal point, time and progress have redirected attention to the lamp shades.  There are many beautiful lamp shades available to suit replacement needs today.  Dome shades, torchiere shades, gas shades, lily lamp shades and opal shades are available.  Student shades, ball shades, melon shades, diamond quilted shades, and hobnail shades are some of the popular shade designs. 

All styles, sizes, shapes, and designs of shades for oil lamps are available on the internet.  Antique replicas and rare original shades can be found online.  Browsing the web is a convenient way to shop for specific “hard to find” items.  Many hardware and home improvement stores stock replacement lamp shades.  And, of course, most retail lighting stores offer a variety of gorgeous, glass, oil lamp shades.