Glass Kerosene Oil Lamp

Vanessa Weber Interior Design Expert

Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.

Updated 26/03/2021

Once considered the best way to light the home before electricity, now a very attractive collectable item that still functions, these glass kerosene oil lamps are a very nice way to give homage to the old frontier. And the glass bases have been redesigned and updated for style and sturdiness. See all our glass kerosene lamps in this collection.

Buying Guide

Are glass kerosene oil lamps safe to burn?

A glass kerosene oil lamp is safe to burn indoors as long as you provide some type of ventilation. K-1 kerosene contains impurities, such as sulfur, that lead to unpleasant odors when burning, so providing an escape for these fumes is crucial.

You also need to use approved fuels in your lamp. Look for instructions that come with the lamp to find out the right fuel for your model. K-1 kerosene is the most popular choice and is widely available and usually inexpensive. You can find smaller containers at hardware stores.

Also, know the flash point of the kerosene you use in your glass lamp. It should not be below 124°F or higher than 150°F. If it is not within this range, your lamp can burn uncontrollably and may lead to a fire in your home.

It’s especially important with a glass kerosene oil lamp to avoid using dyed kerosene because it causes staining and clogs the wick.

How do I clean a glass kerosene lamp?

To clean a glass kerosene oil lamp, start by removing the wick, globe, and reservoir cap. Put these items to one side and pour the old oil out of the reservoir into a jar or can. You can use a funnel to prevent spills.

Next, add a small spoonful of dishwashing liquid or detergent to the reservoir. Fill it ⅔ full with warm water. Cover the top of the reservoir so you can mix the water and soap around to coat the inside of your lamp. Then use a bottle brush to scrub the interior and remove debris or film. Pour out the dirty water and refill it with fresh soapy water, all the way to the top of the lamp. Let it sit for 12 to 24 hours.

Dump out the water and see if the reservoir has come clean. If not, you can use a glass cleaner like Windex on a cloth to scrub the remaining film away. Then rinse it out and air dry before refilling the lamp with oil and reattaching the globe, wick, and cap.

What home aesthetics do glass kerosene oil lamps go with?

A glass kerosene oil lamp is a style statement that’s much more traditional than modern—so we’d hesitate to recommend it for minimalist, modern, or mid-century modern homes.

This type of lamp would be most at home in your eclectic vintage or farmhouse-chic setup—or if you’re trying to go for a maximalist aesthetic.