What are Hurricane Lamps?
A hurricane lamp is any kind of lamp that is designed with a covering for the flame or for the light bulb. There can be hurricane table lamps (possibly the most common) or hanging hurricane lamps. In either case, there is typically a cylinder of transparent glass in a candle hurricane lamp, or the cylinder that covers the flame / light bulb can be made out of a material that diffuses the light. In some cases, the shield the protects the lighting element does not even have to be a cylinder (for example, in the situation of hurricane lamp globes). The reason that these kinds of lamps are called hurricane lamps is that the covering acted in older times to protect the light from being blown out by strong winds (also one has to wonder what good any kind of covering like this would do when faced with an actual hurricane). Modern hurricane lamps are almost all electric hurricane lamps, meaning that today hurricane lamps are basically a stylistic choice more than a functional one (such as the
Hurricane lamps are lanterns which are designed to stay lit in windy conditions. The design of a hurricane lamp also promotes fire safety, in addition to staying alight, by making it hard for fire to escape from the lamp and spread. These lamps are primarily used decoratively, although in regions where electricity is unreliable or nonexistent, many people use hurricane lamps for everyday lighting. Hardware and lighting supply stores often sell a range of hurricane lamps. The key element to the design of a hurricane lamp is the tall glass chimney, which shelters the flame in the lantern from the wind. In a simple design, the chimney fits over a container which is designed to hold a candle or oiled wick, and there may be a perforated metal cap for the chimney to add more protection. More rugged versions of hurricane lamps have a framework which encloses the chimney, with a handle on the top so that the lamp can be easily moved. Classically, hurricane lamps are made with a clear glass chi
Imagine those early days before electricity was invented. The main lighting source available was a candle. But imagine the fire risk! Just a small breeze could blow over a candle, burning down your house. So the hurricane lamp was invented which was basically a casing around your candle, to add protection. A traditional hurricane lamp will have a metal casing, as well as a glass chimney around the flame so that it is not extinguished by a breeze. Nowadays, of course, we have electricity so we should have no need for glass hurricane lamps. But despite this, they are still a highly popular way of adding a decorative touch to a home. They might also come in very handy during a power cut, too! So what kind of hurricane lamps can you buy nowadays? Well if you’re very traditional, you may want to collect the original hurricane lamp, which was candle powered. Antique brass hurricane lamps were used for more than a century, in that time when there were no electric or gas powered lamps. Or you
