Lamp Post Styles

Lamp posts provide style and charm.lamp post image by Dozet from Fotolia.com

Lamp posts were first invented and used in Greek and Roman civilizations for security for the late-night traveler. The concept of street lamps spread. Before electric lamps, towns and residents used gas lamps, and a lamplighter traveled around town lighting the lamps at dusk. Today lamp posts come in a variety of styles, and they provide both light and decor on a sidewalk or porch.

English Lamp Post

The English-style lamp post is a charming turn-of-the-century style that adds old-world flair to a home or garden. In this style, the lamp usually sits atop a tall post with three black lanterns. These lanterns are covered with glass that protects the flame and allows the light to shine through. Today, these lamps can be bought and use standard lamp oil or citronella to repel insects and provide light to a garden.

For a classic style that is reminiscent of city parks, add this four-bulb lamp post to your garden or sidewalk. The tall, black or white post has a wide base and moves into a thin, elegant post. The top of the post has one rounded bulb and flares out to have three more rounded bulbs surrounding the pole. This lamp style often has white bulbs that add to the classic look.

This single lantern French colonial style gas lamp adds distinctive vintage charm to a home or garden. The sturdy black base supports a thin post with a glass lantern at the top. In this style, the lantern is often made of beveled glass, and the electric ignition system makes lighting simple. For a bit of French flair in your yard,the French colonial lantern is an excellent lighting choice.