While gas street lamps are a beautiful addition to city streets, they are also a very nostalgic and attractive addition to residential areas. Outdoor Lighting Reminiscent of Old Gas street lamps are an impressive addition to upscale neighborhoods where individual homes blend together to create a decorative, unifying atmosphere.
Gas street lamps were first used in London in the early 1800’s. A British engineer and inventor by the name of William Murdoch was the first to use gas lighting in his home. The use of gas lighting spread to workplaces and eventually to the streets. The first public street to be illuminated with gas lamps was in London in 1807. From that point on, the use of gas street lights quickly gained popularity. The first gas street lamps to be used in America were in Baltimore in 1816. Following that, streets throughout America began being illuminated with gas street lamps.
Using gas lanterns as street lights continued until the early 20th century. It was around that time that the use of electric light became more popular. It was cheaper to light the city streets with electric lights so gas lamps practically disappeared from the all city streets.
In the 1960’s gas lights saw resurgence in popularity. During this time, people became more interested in outdoor activities such as camping, backyard cookouts, and late evening summer parties. During this time period, gas lighting was an exceptionally popular choice for outdoor lighting. However, this trend came to an end in 1978 when the Fuel Use Act was passed. Gas lighting was not used again until the act was repealed in 1987.
Since 1987, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of gas lighting. There have been numerous improvements in their design. The use of gas street lamps has been revived in some cities in America. Gas street lamps are beautiful and functional. But perhaps more than any other attractive feature, Gas Street lamps add nostalgic beauty and intrigue to the area they illuminate. Places such as the New Orleans French Quarter and Boston’s Beacon Hill capitalize on the nostalgic atmosphere that gas street lamps bring to the city streets.
Electric and flame lantern style street lamps reminiscent of old gas street lamps continue to become an increasingly popular choice of residential outdoor lamps. While a street lamp at the end of a walkway adds beauty to the curb appeal of a home, they also can be a decorative lighting solution for your patio. With the available styles you have the option of choosing a lamp that has one lantern or a lamp that has four lanterns incorporated into its design. For a more decorative design, there are outdoor lamps that have a planter at their base. You can add your favorite plant or flowers and create an impressive focal point for the front of your home.
It has become very popular to create outdoor rooms that will extend your living area during the warmer seasons. Street lamps style lighting can be used around your patio, pool, or outdoor room to create a soft ambiance that is soothing, relaxing, and a little nostalgic. Modern designed street lamps have weighted bases for stability. They often feature a dimming switch for convenience. Street lamps made of aluminum are a popular choice. They are both durable and affordable. You can find street lamp style lights that use Citronella oil. These lamps are ideal for outdoor use because they provide the added benefit of repelling annoying insects.
If you desire the beauty of street lamp style lights but the nostalgia associated with them simply doesn’t coincide with your lifestyle or decorating style, an open flame, outdoor light that uses standard lamp oil or Citronella oil would be a more modern designed option.