Oil lamps are known for effectively preserving a flame fueled by vegetable, animal or mineral oil. Oil lamps are often associated with ancient pottery and metallic crafts, where the lamps were lighted with cotton or cloth wicks. They symbolize the earlier designs and traditions of pottery, terracotta and handicraft work. Apart from the oils mentioned, kerosene and whale oil are also used in the lamps.

Oil lamps are famous for their beautiful, intricate and ornamental designs on wood, brass, bronze and other similar metals. They were widely used in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, till the 19th Century. With the course of time, metal lamps took over from clay lamps, but the designs and patterns remained quite similar. The light of these lamps is much brighter than candles and they are beautiful to look at. The lamps are still found in some of the rural areas of the Asian countries.

The materials used for the oil lamps, apart from metals, are quite strange. There are oil lamps made from army surplus grenades in America, New York City, Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Due to their association with the ancient eras, designer oil lamps are often considered as antique pieces and are highly valued and in demand. The oil lamps used in the pre-electric era were exotic and represented aristocratic taste.

A selection of oil lamps can be found on the websites of oil lamp manufactures and dealers. Interested buyers can order online after going through the catalogs. Prices may vary and the shipping charges may be applied separately. The use of oil as the medium to produce light, adds to the charm of these lamps. They sport the traditional look and offer a rustic look to the dcor of the home. The lamps offer real value for the money spent.