The Origin and Progression of Table Lamps

Most of us look at a lamp, table lamps in particular, without even realizing that several versions of lamps have existed before these, throughout human history. Historical records going back as far as 70,000 BC speak of lamps. These lamps, naturally were very primitive and comprised of flammable materials like most, soaked in animal fat. This was then place in a hollow rock or shell and then lit. Ingenuity at its best. Back then, animal fat was an excellent fuel source, and so humans could sit for prolonged periods enjoying the light it cast.

Over the years the ingenuity continues, and through the use of potter, table lamps were created to mirror the shapes of other objects. This gave them more functionality and durability.

Years later when metal working was developed, metal lamps quickly followed suit. These no doubt were heavier than their potted predecessors but just as efficient and far more durable. We see these lamps in the 1300- 1600s. Ingenuity did not stop there.

Though the first recorded existence of a candle using a wick comes to us out of China in 200 BC, it was not until the 1600s that the Greeks incorporates wicks into their stylish table lamps. This was when the evolution of lamps really came into its own. As with so many other creations, it was the Greeks of time past who first began creating stylish table lamps. They were first made out of terra- cotta, as a means of replacing the hand held torches they stuck to walls to provide lighting. In fact, it is from the Greek word 'lampas', meaning "torch' that the word 'lamp' is derived. By the time we had gotten to the 1700s, table lamps had been modified and improved so greatly that they even had central burners. This means that inventors had figured out how to safely enclose fuel and light and control it.

It was then that creative inventors, taking tips from the work of their predecessors, figured out a way to not only enclose the fuel and control the fire, but also how to enclose the fire. And so they constructed structures to mimic chimneys of their time, and the shade used to enclose the fire was indeed called a chimney. These were most definitely made of glass and allowed greater control of the amount of air that circulated to the flame at any given period in time.

In 1783, a Swiss scientist who had been trying to develop more sustainable wicks, invented a hollowed version that could be enclosed in a glass chimney- again having more functionality. Just about 10 years later, the very classical table gas lamp came into being. By late 1972, more commercial versions of the gas lamp were made available. It was even further sustainable and becoming more of a household necessity when coal gas was developed along with the technology to pump it into the lamps. This first took place in Britain, resulting from the efforts of one particular inventor. By the 1800s almost every household featured these table lamps that used gas as a fuel source, even streets and roads were being lit by these.

At the turn of the 19th century, the great Thomas Edison had finally made perfect his incandescent light bulb. With the installing of those into table lamps as well as street lamps, gas lamps were quickly replaced. This light bulb is one of the most important inventions in human history.

By the time the 1930s came around, table lamps were a societal necessity in each household, even today they are about as common as the electricity uses to power them. As these light bulbs became more and more efficient with each modification, so did table lamps.

Don't be mistaken however, as we can see in lamps today, they were not strictly designed for functionality- even durability in some cases play second to aesthetics.

Today, we see a myriad of popular and aesthetically appealing table lamps. From the Tiffany table lamps to the Victorian table lamps, to the even more contemporary styles. It is most certain there is a table lamp out there for every home preference, decor and environment. This, thanks to its metamorphosis across time.

Proper mounting height for pendant lighting in the kitchen

Pendant lights are perfect for the kitchen.  A pendant light is a single bulb light that hangs from a long chain, rope, or tube.  They can be very decorative to add a little excitement to a sometimes dull room and they offer pinpointed light which can be very helpful when working on specific items in the kitchen.  They also are thin and can be placed in corners or other out of the way spots without being obtrusive.  Even though these lights are awesome in any kitchen, it can be confusing when trying to decide how high they need to be mounted. 

Before one decides how high he or she wishes to mount the light, he or she should be sure and select the right location.  The way to select the location is to consider the purpose for getting a pendant light in the kitchen.  People who are getting one because they need the lighting in a specific area should install the light directly over that area.  Those who are just needing to install the pendant light for extra light should pick a spot that is in a dark corner or central to the kitchen.

Many people hang pendant lights over a kitchen island.  Those who are mounting a pendant light over a kitchen island must mount it at least 30 inches above that island.  If it is too low, the occupants will find themselves hitting the light while working.  The light also should not be higher than 50 inches above the island because if it is too high the lighting will not be adequate.   The only exception is if the light is particularly large.  Larger lights can be hung higher because they offer more light.  Also, larger lights are better to hang a little higher because the large size can overwhelm the room.  Pendant lights that are needed to shed light on a specific area in the kitchen for the purpose of being able to see what is being done, should be installed as low as possible unless they are very large.  The closer the pendant light is to the island or other surface, the easier it will be to see the work being done. 

Always make sure that the wiring is done properly before installing a pendant light.  Faulty wiring can cause fires and power outages.  When in doubt, get an electrician to do the wiring.  When installing pendant lights that hang lower, warn children to be cautious around the lights.  Children are very talented at breaking low hanging pendant lights. 

Pendant lights are awesome features in a kitchen.  They can direct light to a specific spot and they look nice.  Pendant lights can either have a very modern look or a very elegant and classic look.  They are also versatile as they can be mounted to hang higher or lower depending upon the need and aesthetics of the room.  For those looking for extra lighting in the kitchen, pendant lights are an excellent option.  

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