The history of lighting: from candles to smart lamps

• Posted on 30 November 2023
• 0

The history of enlightenment is a fascinating story of human ingenuity, scientific discovery and technological advancement. From simple candles that lit up the dark nights to advanced smart bulbs that respond to our voice commands, the evolution of lighting has drastically changed our lifestyles, work patterns and even the way we feel in our spaces. In this blog post, we go back in time to explore the journey of lighting, from its humble beginnings to the rise of today's revolutionary smart lighting systems.

The Time of Candles and Oil Lamps (Before the 19th century)

In ancient times, lighting was limited to candles, oil lamps and torches. These sources of light were expensive, fire-hazardous and not very efficient. People relied on natural daylight and candles to illuminate their surroundings. In the Middle Ages, candles were a luxury available only to the wealthy, while commoners often found themselves in darkness as soon as the sun set.

The Rise of Gas Lighting (19th century)

With the advent of the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes in lighting technology. Gas lighting was introduced and cities began lighting streets and houses with gas lamps. This was a vast improvement over candles and oil lamps, allowing cities to experience a new level of activity and safety at night.

The Birth of Electric Lighting (late 19th and early 20th centuries)

The real revolution in lighting came with the discovery and commercialization of electricity. Thomas Edison is often credited with the invention of the practical light bulb in 1879. The light bulb made it possible to illuminate homes, offices and streets in a much more efficient and brighter way than ever before. This marked the beginning of the electrification of the world.

Innovations and Efficiency (20th century)

The 20th century saw numerous innovations in lighting technology. Fluorescent light bulbs were introduced, providing a more energy efficient alternative to incandescent light bulbs. Later, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) became popular due to their longer lifespan and energy-saving properties. Halogen lamps provided brighter light, while LED lamps emerged in the later years of the 20th century as an extremely energy-efficient and sustainable option.

The Rise of Smart Lighting (21st century)

With the continued advancements in digital technologies, smart lighting systems entered the market. These systems, such as Philips Hue, Google Home and Amazon Alexa, allow users to control their lighting remotely via smartphone apps or using voice commands. Smart lights can be programmed to automatically turn on at sunset, change color based on mood, and even respond to music or movies, creating a whole new dimension of lighting experience.

Conclusion: The Future of Enlightenment

The history of lighting reflects not only human progress, but also our constant search for greater efficiency, safety and comfort in our daily lives. As we enter the era of smart lighting, we can expect our lighting systems to become even more intelligent, energy efficient and customizable. In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, lighting will undoubtedly continue to evolve, improving our lives and contributing to a greener future for us all.