Over the years you have likely wondered how to use oil lamps in the present day. Even though most oil lamps you encounter will be antiques, they still have decorative appeal and are a great source of light when the power goes out.
Oil lamps are basically man made objects that were invented to provide artificial light. These lamps were used thousands of years ago, but are used even today despite the shape having metamorphosed over the years. Ancient oil lamps were lighted with animal fat and olive oil. However, in the modern era, they are made fueled with gas or paraffin oil. These oil lamps were widely used until electricity became popular in the late 19th century. Small towns and remote rural areas, even today, continue to use oil lamps.
Now that you know a little history of oil lamps, it's time to cover how to use oil lamps. Oil lamps are great source of light and heat; in fact, they are a better source of artificial light than a candle. They can add great zest to any indoor space. It is important to use them carefully and safely. Be sure to burn them away from other combustible sources and also fill them carefully. Adjust the wick to the proper height by turning it up until the lam starts burning. Turn the wick back down when you need to turn out the light. You must always extinguish these oil lamps before going to bed as the lamp oil is highly flammable and could cause a fire during the night if the lamp were tipped over.
Additionally, be very careful moving a lit lamp as the base of the container can get very hot during operation. It is best you decide upon a position prior to lighting the lamp to be safe and avoid any spillage.
Oil lamps are a decoration and very useful tool from yesteryear, but still serve as an excellent source of light whether it is a power outage or a romantic setting. How to use oil lamps can only be limited by your imagination. Use them carefully and they will serve you in many ways for generations to come.