Rachael's Random Ramblings

Non-Electric Lighting for the home, need advice!

Afternoon, Ladies (and Gents)!

I need some advice on what to purchase for non-electric lighting for the home. Oil lamps? I'm not sure what to go with. I was looking at the Lehmans catalog and there are so many alternatives that I am overwhelmed. We have an electric home but I want to use another alternative for lights, such as wall sconces, lamps, table lamps, etc. I want somethig that is "sort of" safe as we do have children. I'll probably let the kids keep using their elecric flip-switch lightbulbs in their rooms and their bathroom, but I want the master bedroom, living room, halls, etc  for the most part..non-electric.

What do you all use and how do you like it? Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

Living in the country, we often are without electricity

{ 09:51 , Saturday, September 13, 2008 } { Posted by mulberrylane }

for short periods of time. I have candles which work when little light is needed. Work in emergencies. I have some oil lamps and While I like them, they often put off sooty smoke which we found out after a longer electrical outage of 6 hours... we were all blowing black soot from our noses that evening and the next day. So burning the oil puts a bit of soot residue into the air you are breathing. Although the light is good for playing a game or reading a book (If close enough).

We also have a solar lantern. I got it at walmart for the camper. I was looking for a battery powered lantern (as we have one of those as well, but batteries do get spendy) and I found this solar battery powered one. And the price was not overly spendy and I am so thankful we got it. It is likely my favorite for short term lighting. It recharges by setting in the sunlight on another day. The battery seems to last a couple hours or more....I couldn't tell you exactly. We use it mostly for camping, but I have run out to get it out of the camper when the electricity goes out. We also have a Coleman lantern (works on the camping stove stuff, not sure which fuel this is), which really should be only used out of doors as I am sure it puts out alot of soot and fumes. But the light is bright and clear. Great for outdoors in the night, but not so good indoors. Plus it is a bit noisy.

As for wall scones, lanterns. I have two oil wall lanterns... they work alright, but are not terribly bright. It likely is not enough to read a book without straining the eyes, but enough to get around the house. I have some wall candle holders as well, but they really don't recommend using these as the fire hazard is high. Mine especially are made out of wood and need attending when in use. Those tall candles really don't last that long... an hour maybe a little longer, so that could get expensive. Finding candles that don't put out lead is a concern as well. Cheap candles when burned can put lead into the air that we can breathe in. (these often have shiny wicks or wicks with metal in them). Mind you, I love candles... love the flickering light, but for health reasons I have moved away from them and enjoy the solar lanterns. They are not a reliable source of light, however, since one needs sunlight to recharge and they wouldn't likely be able to mount on a wall. The one I have isn't something I'd be proud to hang from a hook. It works, but it isn't decorative by any means.

Hope that helps,
Warmly, ~Melissa

Edited by mulberrylane on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 08:58

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{ 11:49 , Sunday, September 14, 2008 } { Posted by fultoncountymommie }

I have used oil lamps and candles for years. they work great but if you want something more comparable (light wise) to what you are using now try and Aladdin lamp. I got one last year for our local Amish store and fell in love. I wish I had started with these. Yes they can be expensive but you can normally find a few good ones on eBay. Our new one cost 90 dollars but it came with the mantle and wick. If you take good care of the mantle and wick they will last you a very long time. They run on kerosene also and right now this is cheaper than lamp oil. They biggest selling point was how much light these put off. It was like having a light bulb. If you have any questions or want to see some pic email me.

lights

{ 10:45 , Tuesday, October 14, 2008 } { Posted by momof4boys }

My suggestion would be a solar LED lantern. You can look it up on the internet. You can get some pretty cute little laterns that you can hang outside during the day and hang on a hook in the house during the evening. I mount a mirror behind any candle or non electric light for an even brighter room as the reflection will give off as much light as the light itself.