Why People Buy Kerosene Lamps: From Collectibles to Emergency Lighting

Many kerosene lamps are purchased as collectible items, for creating a warm and atmospheric glow, or simply as decorative pieces. However, I’ve noticed a growing trend: more and more people are buying kerosene lamps as a reliable source of emergency lighting during power outages.

The great advantage of a beautiful kerosene lamp is that it serves a dual purpose—it’s both an elegant decorative element in your interior and a practical backup lighting solution when the electricity goes out.

Emergency Lighting Matters: The Growing Need for Kerosene Lamps

In the Netherlands, we enjoy a relatively stable power grid, and outages are usually short-lived. However, due to the ongoing energy transition from fossil fuels to green energy, the increasing digitalization of our electricity network, and rising global instability, the risk of prolonged power outages is growing.

Climate change and extreme weather events also contribute to a higher likelihood of extended blackouts.

In many other countries, power outages are already far more common. Take Delhi, India, for example—frequent and sometimes lengthy outages are part of daily life. Similarly, many other regions around the world experience regular, long-lasting power disruptions.

Recently, I’ve noticed that many of my kerosene lamps are being shipped to the United States, where several states struggle with an unstable power grid.

On this page, you’ll find essential information on what to look for when buying kerosene lamps, along with practical tips and tricks for using them effectively.interior and a practical backup lighting solution when the electricity goes out.

Advertisement for an oil lamp to use during a blackout.

Emergency Kit Essentials: Why a Kerosene Lamp could be in Your Backup Plan

First and foremost, it’s important to have an emergency kit at home in case of a power outage. When it comes to lighting, most kits include a flashlight and candles.

However, instead of relying solely on candles, you can also choose a kerosene lamp. Depending on the type of lamp you select, you’ll get significantly more light output than a candle, and thanks to the fuel tank capacity, a kerosene lamp can burn much longer.

On this page, you’ll find detailed information about the different types of kerosene lamps and what to consider before buying one.

The Difference Between an Oil Lamp and a Kerosene Lamp

The term oil lamp is widely used, even when people are actually referring to kerosene lamps or hurricane lanterns.

An oil lamp runs on oil, but every type of burner and wick is designed for a specific kind of oil. Under the label lamp oil, you’ll find many different products. Depending on the application, the oil has been treated to make it suitable for a particular lamp.

The oil lamps most commonly used indoors are designed to burn kerosene. On my website, you’ll see the terms oil lamp and kerosene lamp used interchangeably.

What Type of Oil Lamp Should You Choose?

The type of kerosene lamp you select depends on your intended purpose.

First, you can choose between buying a brand-new kerosene lamp or opting for an old or antique model. Many vintage and antique kerosene lamps are built with far superior craftsmanship compared to most modern lamps, which are often mass-produced in China or India.

Small oil lamps such as Bedside Lamps, small Hurricane Lanterns and miner’s lamps.

If your goal is to use the lamp as an ambient light source—similar to a candle—then small oil or kerosene lamps are sufficient. Popular options include a small storm lamp, an oil night lamp, or a miner’s lamp. These lamps typically provide much more light than a candle.

Keep in mind that the burn time depends on the wick width combined with the size of the fuel tank.

Medium-Sized Oil Lamps: More Light, Better Performance

If you’re looking for a kerosene lamp that provides more light, consider choosing a larger model. The wider the wick, the brighter the light. However, a flat, wide wick tends to burn less steadily, causing flickering, smoke, and unpleasant odors.

For a larger kerosene lamp, it’s recommended to opt for a Kosmos burner or Matador burner. These feature a round wick holder that accommodates a broader flat wick, delivering significantly more light than smaller lamps. They also use a specially designed chimney, ensuring a much steadier and cleaner flame.

The Kosmos burner is by far the most widely used wick holder. With this type of burner, you can choose from various lamp styles, such as a kitchen lamp, which can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall, or a standing kerosene lamp; oil table lamp.

Alternatively, you can also opt for a larger hurricane lantern, which combines portability with a higher light output and longer burn time compared to smaller models.

These lamps provide significantly more light and often feature a larger fuel tank compared to the smaller kerosene lamps mentioned earlier.

Larger Kerosene Lamps: Maximum Light and Style

You can also choose larger models—the bigger the burner, the wider the wick, and the more light you’ll get.

Some kerosene lamps come with a frosted glass shade, which diffuses the light for a softer, more atmospheric glow. This makes them perfect for creating a cozy ambiance while still serving as a practical light source.

Alternatively, there are larger hurricane lanterns, which combine portability with higher light output and extended burn time compared to smaller versions. These are ideal for outdoor use or emergency situations where durability and brightness matter most.

Learn More About Oil Lamps: Maintenance, Fuel, and Buying Tips

For more information, check out our other helpful guides, including a detailed page on which lamp oil is best to use and practical tips and tricks for buying an antique oil lamp.compared to smaller versions. These are ideal for outdoor use or emergency situations where durability and brightness matter most.

Or visit this page to browse our full collection of oil lamps and choose a beautiful, functional lamp for those unexpected power outages. Always read the product description carefully and check the photos before making your purchase.