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The origins of the very first lamp dates back to 70,000 BC. The first lamps were of course very primitive, cavemen used to burn animal fat and then placed it in a hollow rock to illuminate the darkness. Later on in history, Greeks evolved the lamp by using terra cotta as an element to hold the flame, but instead of animal fat Greeks began using wicks that gave them more control over the flame.

As time progressed other fuels were discovered, such as olive oil, beeswax, fish oil, other types of oils, and other similar substances. Then later on in the 1800s gas become more common place, the invention of the kerosene lamp was born in Germany. As the 1900s came, gas lamps were invented. The introduction of street lamps were common in all the large American, as well as European cities. The evolution continued and low pressure sodium and high pressure mercury lighting were introduced in the market. Then cam the modern day incandescent lamp.

The modern lamp

The biggest invention was the electrical lamp, and thanks to the invention of the incandescent light bulb from Thomas Edison, it eventually replaced gas as the primary source of energy for lamps. Since the late 1800s there have been many types of electric lamps such as, neon lights and fluorescent lamps that are very popular for both commercial and home uses. Another type of lamp is the sodium-vapor tube, which is usually used for street lighting, as well as other large scale areas such as mall parking lots. As the light bulbs got better so did the styles and design of lamps.

Lamps are aren't made for strictly for street lighting, obviously residential lighting is huge indoors and outdoors. Indoors lamps can come in a number of types from floor lamps, desk lamps and more. Lighting has become about style just as much as it is about illuminating your home.

Some of the most popular styles include, Tiffany, contemporary, rustic, victorian and tropical. Basically there is a style for any type of interior design ideas that you may have. The most important thing to do when choosing a lamp for your home is to consider the amount of light you need and the style you are going after, everything is easy from there on in.