Evolution of lighting: from candles to connected lamps
Lighting has been an essential companion to humanity, illuminating our lives for millennia and evolving with technological advances and social needs. Today, light is no longer just about functionality: it is an art, a tool for comfort, and a source of inspiration. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of lighting, from its humble beginnings to its modern innovations.
Origins: fire as the first source of light
In prehistoric times, man relied solely on fire for light. The first rudimentary torches, made of burning wood, marked the beginning of the luminous adventure. These torches, although impractical and ephemeral, met essential needs: lighting up the darkness, warming shelters and repelling predators.
Over time, our ancestors perfected the use of fire by creating the first oil lamps. Dating back about 10,000 years, these lamps were made from hollowed-out stones or shells filled with animal fat, into which a wick slowly absorbed the fuel. These rudimentary innovations marked a leap forward in the history of lighting.
Did you know? Early oil lamps were often decorated with patterns or engraved, suggesting that they also had symbolic or ritual value.
The Middle Ages: The Golden Age of Candles
During the Middle Ages, candles and oil lamps became the primary sources of domestic light. Made from tallow, a cheap animal fat, or beeswax, a more expensive product, candles were ubiquitous in European homes.
However, their use often depended on social status: beeswax, which was purer and odorless, was reserved for churches and the wealthy, while tallow, which produced an unpleasant smoke, lit modest homes. Metal or wooden candlesticks, often decorated with religious or decorative motifs, were used to support these candles.
In decoration: Today, these elements inspire rustic and vintage designs.
Industrial revolutions: the emergence of gas and incandescent lamps
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the 19th century marked a major transformation in lighting. Gas lamps, introduced at the beginning of the century, revolutionized urban lighting. The streets of large cities were gradually equipped with gas street lamps, increasing safety and extending nighttime activities.
An even more revolutionary invention was to follow: the electric light bulb. In 1879, Thomas Edison perfected the incandescent light bulb, making home lighting safer, more economical, and more convenient.
Did you know? The first light bulbs had a lifespan of just a few hours.
The modern era: design and technology at the service of light
The 20th century saw lighting become more democratic and a true art. Art movements such as Art Deco and Bauhaus influenced the design of lighting fixtures, giving rise to iconic pieces.
At the same time, technological advances have led to the introduction of more efficient light bulbs, such as fluorescents and LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy and last for decades.
The future: smart and eco-responsible lighting
As the world moves toward sustainable solutions, smart lights equipped with motion sensors allow for more efficient energy management. Researchers are also exploring technologies like bioluminescence, which uses living organisms to produce light.
Tip for your home: Opt for LED bulbs and lamps made from recycled materials, or natural ones like those from the Stinario collection by Ambient Home .
Light on your decor
The history of lighting shows how essential light is, not just for seeing, but also for creating spaces that inspire and comfort. Explore Ambient Home ’s collections to find lighting fixtures that will illuminate your home while telling their own story.
