Consider entering your grandparents’ home, where every room had a story to tell and every corner possessed a relic. Of these, the oil lamp shelves placed on the walls to this day will make you feel the warmth that you used to experience while reading under them. These shelves, which were an important part of the early twentieth-century houses, were not just practical – they were a symbol of a time when the light of an oil lamp would unite family members in the evening.
Usually wooden or metallic, oil lamp shelves were commonly located in various parts of the house to ensure the light’s effectiveness. These shelves were frequently located on walls in the living room, bedrooms, and hallways. They were not randomly placed; they were strategically positioned to ensure that there was enough light for activities done in the evening such as reading, sewing or even family meetings.
The form of these shelves or niches was quite diverse, ranging from flat ledges to more complex constructions complete with guardrails to avoid lamp tip overs. In wealthier homes, these shelves may have been elaborately decorated or even incorporated into the design of the room, complete with carved-out niches and fancy trim that matched the rest of the house.
This was because oil lamps presented a fire risk due to the exposed flame. Shelves for oil lamps were therefore intended to keep the lamps stowed away from the everyday activities in the house while at the same time letting in the light. These were usually located in positions that were not easily accessible to children and not close to curtains or any other combustible material. This tactical positioning ensured that risks of fire breakouts were reduced to the barest minimum while issuing adequate light.
The existence of oil lamp shelves in old houses gives us an insight into the lifestyles and the technological advancements that were available at the time. Lighting was an important part of people’s lives before the use of gas and electric lights and this meant that the management of lighting was an important part of the daily routine and architecture. These shelves were an important part of the interior design and showed how people of that time managed to optimize the use of living spaces.
Today, oil lamp shelves in historic homes are kept for both their functionality and their historical and cultural value. In the modern homes where such shelves have been installed, they are used for storing candles, plant among other items to enhance the beauty of the house. This is because preservation measures always aim at preserving the original construction features and the material used in the construction in this case the design of the period.
Therefore, the shelves for oil lamps in old houses are not only practical furniture pieces, but they are also a symbol of the creativity of the previous generations and a link to the tangible world of the past. Such details give us ideas about the changes that were made by our ancestors and make us reflect on how these architectural landmarks should be preserved.
“Ridiculous,” Demi Moore Rocks a Shiny Blue Gown, but People Are Urging Her to Cut Her Long Hair
Demi looked flawless in a strapless blue Balenciaga gown covered in sequins that sparkled under the lights. She posted her stunning look on Instagram, but her followers were all pointing out the same thing.
Demi Moore, Eva Longoria, and Lily Gladstone looked stunning as they led the stars at the Chopard Trophée Awards ceremony during the 77th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Friday.
For the event held at Carlton Beach in Cannes, France, Moore, 61, put on a dazzling display in a strapless Balenciaga gown, which was covered entirely with sapphire blue sequins. Her dress also featured structured hip details to accentuate her glamorous figure.
Demi looked flawless in the gown, which sparkled under the lights. Her physique looked incredible in the form-fitting dress, which also boasted a floor-sweeping train.
As if her dress didn’t sparkle enough, Demi accessorized it with dazzling Chopard jewelry. She wore a Haute Joaillerie Collection necklace featuring 70.40 carats of Paraíba tourmaline and 43.38 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold.
Her jet-black hair flowed sleek and straight, parted down the middle in her signature style, framing her face with effortless chic. She played up her features with a sultry, smokey eye, drawing attention to her captivating gaze. Her lips were finished with a nude gloss, adding a hint of glamour without overpowering her natural beauty.
When she shared photos on Instagram, her followers went all out with compliments, ranging from praising her timeless beauty at 60 to admiring her dress that “shone like a diamond,” a reference to a famous Rihanna song.
However, as always, some couldn’t resist pointing out what seemed to bother them: her long hair. “I wish she would cut her hair ridiculous,” someone wrote. Another user went like: “Too old for long hair like that.” People seemed a bit taken aback by Demi’s choice to wear such long hair at her age. On the flip side, it’s a key part of her iconic look, and let’s be honest, Demi’s unconventional super long hair only adds to her charm.
Demi’s appearance often ignites quite a few reactions, just like the ones she rocked at the 2024 Met Gala.
Leave a Reply