The first lamp was invented and used in the 70,000 BC and the lamp of that period was not made from bronze or metal instead it was made from hollow rocks and shells. Hollow rocks were filled with moss and other natural substances and then soaked in animal fat, which acts as an oil for the lamp. With the advent of bronze and copper age, human started to make lamp of various shapes. In the 7th century BC, the Greeks began making lamps of terra cotta to replace handheld torches. The word lamp is derived from the Greek word lampas, which means torch.

A major improvement in lamp design was noticed in the 18th century when the central burner was invented. The fuel of the lamp was enclosed in a metal chamber and it has an adjustable metal tube to control the intensity of the light and the fuel used in the lamp for burning. Small chimneys glasses were added to lamps to both protect the flame and control the flow of air to the flame.

Since the inception of lamp in 70,000 BC various kind of fuels such as beeswax, olive oil, animal fat, fish oil, whale oil etc. have been used to light the lamp. With the advent of kerosene that popularity of the lamp increased and it was commonly been used for lighting purpose. Kerosene oil was first introduced in Germany in 1853. During this period only natural gas and coal was also been used as lamp fuel.

Lamps have come a long way from coal gas to electricity. Sir Humphrey Davy of England, in 1801 invented the electric carbon arc lamp, which was the first of its kind. This lamp work on the simple principle and it includes two carbon rods, which was hooked to an electrical source. Carbon rods were kept at a distance from each other so that electrical current could flow through the arc and thus vaporize carbon to create white lighting. In the 1870’s, the unthinkable happened with Thomas Edison inventing the first electric incandescent lamp. Since then incandescent lamps were used for lighting purposes in homes till about the early 20th century.

Today proper lighting has become a key element of interior designing. Lighting may be affected to a great extent due to factors like lamp burnout, dirt accumulation on fixtures and ageing of lamps. Lighting appliances and lamps are an integral part of any home decor and one should make conscious efforts to efficiently use the electrical power in one's house. One should make maximum use of natural lights in his rooms and should use quartz halogen lighting for outdoor illumination. One should follow the manufacturer’s instructions while installing outdoor lighting.