From the antique to the exquisite, enduring oil burning lamps add charm to any space in your home. Outfit walls, nightstands, fireplace mantels and bookcases with the magical ambiance of glass oil lamps. Oil burning lamps have been used for thousands of years and referenced in all major religions. Perhaps it was the oil lamps that gave humans not only light in their homes but also hope in their hearts. Great for electricity free every day lighting or to have on hand when the power goes out. We also carry an impressive variety of =HYPERLINK(Oil-Lanterns.htm, oil lanterns) with a =HYPERLINK(Oil-Lanterns.htm#The-Science-of-Oil-Lanterns", cold-blast design) which provides brighter, cleaner light than conventional oil lamps.

How to fill with oil

Once the chimney is removed, unscrew the burner in a counterclockwise motion and remove the burner and wick. Slowly pour lamp oil into the base of the lamp up to 1/2 inch from the neck. Replace the wick and burner and tighten until snug. Allow the wick to absorb the oil for at least 15 minutes before lighting. Adjust the wick evenly to the height of the wick guide tube. See our list of approved oil lamp oils here.

Keep oil lamps filled at least one inch above the bottom of the wick for optimum performance.

How to light an oil lamp for the first time

1. First, select the type of oil you will use, (approved oil lamp oil list).
2. Fill your lamp with oil (learn how).
3. With the lamp filled, adjust the wick height to the top of the wick guide tube and allow the wick to absorb oil for 20 minutes.
4. Light the wick and replace the chimney. You may need to light the wick at 1/4" over the wick guide to light, then turn the wick back down so it is even with the guide.
5. Upon first lighting keep the flame low a few minutes and allow the lantern to warm up before doing your final flame adjustments.
6. You can adjust the wick up and down, allowing more or less oil to burn, to achieve desired brightness. Then adjust the flame so no smoke or soot is produced.

Raising the wick too high will result in incomplete combustion and cause smoke, soot deposits and the expelling of particulate matter into surroundings. Lower the wick until it stops if you see smoke. You can also put the lamp out.

How to put out an oil lamp

Extinguish the flame by slowly lowering the wick until the flame goes out. This method is easier than blowing out the flame. Or if you're feeling nostalgic, when the time comes to extinguish the flame, simply cup your hand above the chimney and give a little burst of a breath. The air will go down the chimney and extinguish it just fine.

Allow the lamp to cool completely before refilling, removing the chimney or storing.

Most odor is produced when extinguishing the flame and if this is done outside undesirable odors can be considerately reduced. Clear lamp oil create little or no odor while kerosene has a slight odor. (More information about lamp oil vs. kerosene.)