Vintage Oil Lamps Price Guide

Have you ever wondered about vintage oil lamps? If you have so we did a little research for you to provide some information you might need when in the market for one. Antique oil lamps have been around for thousands of years and come in a variety of different sizes, styles, patterns, and more. The most well known antique oil lamps are hurricane lamps, but there are others. One of the biggest complaints with oil lamps then, and now, is that they do not emit as much lighting as we are used to in modern day society.
Society has been spoiled by electricity and LED lighting, so using old time antique oil lamps is not common practice. But there are individuals out there that prefer the use of oil lamps due to the same reason others complain about– the light that they emit. Many people still prefer the soft, soothing light that an antique oil lamp emits. This is considered much nicer compared to the bright, blinding lights of modern technology.

What Types Of Oil To use In Vintage Oil Lamps?

Centuries ago the most commonly used oil was the oil from animal fat. But as the year went on, other oils began to make an appearance such as kerosene. But research has shown that you can burn almost any oil in an antique oil lamp. These can include such oils as olive, coconut oil, citronella oil, hemp oil, nut oil, seed oil, mustard oil, fish oil, castor oil, and more. Be sure to do you research before burning any oils in your antique oil lamps for your safety and the life of the lamp. You can also purchase specific lamp oil at hardware stores or stores such as Kmart, Walmart, CostCo and so on. Thanks to the creation of electricity, antique oils lamps are not often used in the world we live in today. There are a few emergency lighting situations or preppers that may use them but these are rare.

Should you own an oil lamp that you may use occasionally, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind before lighting it.

Use the proper fuel:
-clear lamp oil is the most recommended, or you could choose colored lamp oil but keep it mind it may stain delicate material. Any of the other oils mentioned above can be alternatives.

Never use any of the following to light your oil lamp:
-propane, gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, acetone, turpentine, paint thinners, or household cleaners.

Caution with refueling:
-proceed with caution when refueling your lamp because globes, chimneys, and glass shades can be extremely hot after use. Be sure they are completely cooled before refueling.

Do not overfill:
-do not overfill the lamp, you only want to wick to ignite not the oil inside its container.

Take care when pets or children are near:
-never leave an oil lamp anywhere that young children or pets could knock it over. Pets and children might also think that colored oil is something drinkable, so be sure they are out of reach.

Maintain wick length:
-you want to make sure to keep the wick of the lamp trimmed. Ensure its still long enough that the flame will ignite the oil below it.

With proper care and caution, you and your family can enjoy your antique oil lamp for longer. Sometimes soft lighting in a relaxing atmosphere is just what the doctor ordered to relieve stress. Enjoying a good book by your favorite antique oil lamp is an activity that everyone should engage in at least once in their lives.

Five Popular Victorian Lamps

Without a doubt, Victorian Lamps are a popular staple in many households, but their prices can be a little high for individuals with a low budget. Despite their beauty, they can be useful and look great with most any decor in your home or home office. There are literally hundreds to choose from when purchasing Victorian Lamps, and you can find them online, in thrift stores, second-hand stores, antique dealers, and other marketplaces if you know what you’re looking for.

While many of them are expensive, they are still unique, and wonderful additions to your home and decor. Here are five to consider when shopping for a Victorian desk lamp that suits your needs.

Vintage Emerald Green Oil Lamp

This lamp is gorgeous and functional. It will catch the eye of anyone that looks at it. The glass design contains some
of the most intricate details you will ever see. Even though it doesn’t use a bulb, being an oil lamp just adds to its
beauty and you sure don’t see them like that anymore. The price tag on it from some retailers is around $195.00.

Cranberry Glass Table Lamp

This lamp looks exactly like you would expect an oil lamp to look, except it runs on electricity, not oil. The cranberry depression glass is a dark red and simply beautiful. Its details help it to keep the vintage antique look that it as. One of the higher priced lamps it rings in at around $175.00 and is perfect for any desk, table, shelf, or even a fireplace mantel. It is sure to be a conversation starter for anyone that sees it.

Italian Urn Table Lamp

This lamp is sure to stand out from a crowd with its hand-painted designs and interesting shape. It actually looks like an urn with a lampshade and holds two light bulbs instead of just one. The base is ceramic with pink and blue flowers on one side and a painting of person looking at a lake on the other side. Its price tag is a little higher and rings in at around $299.00.

Dale Tiffany Rose Table Lamp

This lamp became popular in the 1960s. The light has rose shaped colored glass patterns weaved into the shade, hence the name. The on and off switch is a pull chain and it comes with a neat looking lampshade that can be changed out if you don’t like it. The price tag on it varies but it is normally found at around $135.00. The lamp will go great with most any decor or desk that you choose to put it on.

Vintage Pink Frosted Glass Lamp

This is what you would expect from Victorian Lamps, round base, pink frosted glass, and round on and off switch. You could pair this with a lampshade of your choice whether Victorian or traditional, and it will look great in your house no matter where you put it. The price tag on it sometimes runs around $25.00 because often it doesn’t come with a shade.