Home & DesignSEP 1, 2010

20 Cool Modern Lamp Designs

Lina D.BoredPanda Staff

It is very difficult to say when and where the first lamp was used, but they are mentioned in all three early ages – ancient oil lamps were used in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In the east, Chinese paper lanterns were first recorded in the 6th century. It may sound unbelievable, but scientists say that the lamp was invented and first used around 70,000 BC! Back then the source of ambient light was made of naturally occurring objects. Natural lampshades included coconuts, seashells, hollow stones or other items filled with moss or similar material that was soaked with animal fat and ignited. [1 2]

The first electric lamp was invented in England in 1809 by Humphry Davy. He connected two wires to a battery and attached a charcoal strip between the other ends of the wires. The charged carbon glowed making the first arc lamp. 70 years later in 1879 – Thomas Edison invented a carbon filament that burned for forty hours. Edison placed his filament in a classic-shaped oxygenless bulb. Thanks to his creative design and ingenuity we now have home lighting as we know it. [3]

Nowadays, modern lamps burn much longer, shine brighter, and use less energy than ever before. Besides being better, they are way cooler than ever before! Perfect for any kind of interior design or room decor, these creative product designs would surely find their place in our homes. We reckon you could try a couple of the DIY lamps too, such as the bottle or teacup one. And check out these fascinating light installations from artists that we’ve included too. Now without further ado, let’s look at some very unique lamp designs and lighting ideas!