I absolutely adore lava lamps. Their timeless design and mesmerizing movement have captivated me since childhood. Nothing beats the original style with its iconic flowing blobs of wax. The newer variations with glitter, tornados, and electro plasma effects are certainly creative, but for me, they lack the true charm of the classic. While beautiful and eye-catching, they just don't hit the same spot as the OG lava lamp.
Did You Know?
- Year Invented: Lava lamps were invented in 1963 by Edward Craven Walker, a British inventor.
- Initial Popularity: By the late 1960s and early 1970s, lava lamps had become a staple in homes, indicative of the era's psychedelic and counterculture movements.
- Sales Resurgence: In the 1990s, lava lamps experienced a resurgence, with sales reportedly increasing by over 400% in the mid-1990s.
- Annual Sales: At their peak popularity, it's estimated that over 7 million lava lamps were sold annually worldwide.
- Number of Colors: Lava lamps are available in more than 20 color combinations, catering to a wide range of tastes and interior designs.
- Manufacturing: One of the original manufacturers, Mathmos, still produces lava lamps in the UK, continuing a tradition that spans over five decades.
- Patents: The inventor, Edward Craven Walker, held patents for the lava lamp's design and its unique liquid motion formula.
Back in the 1980s, there was one elusive item I just couldn't find: a lava lamp. The longer I searched, the more obsessed I became. I scoured the backs of magazines for stockists, desperate for a lead. Ultimately, I found a used lamp at a street market for a hefty price. But buyer beware! The wax reportedly becomes cloudy after 2,000 hours of use, so a secondhand lamp might not be the best investment.
Fashion comes and goes only at certain intervals, and lava lamps weren't vintage enough at the time; they were simply outdated ornaments. I suppose it's just like how we see Nokia phones right now - who would forget that annoying ringtone? - we need a few more years, around five years at least, before we can start to say, "Wow, cool classic phones! Let me hear the tone!"
Reading the history of lava lamps made everything clear. The Lava Lamp ("Astro Lamp") was invented by British man Edward Craven-Walker in 1963 and sold by his company. Soon, an American company bought the U.S. rights, and it went global.
The popularity of lava lamps peaked in the 1970s, then there was a decade-long gap. Craven-Walker's company was revived in 1992, changed its name to "Mathmos," and saw a huge revival. Yes, it was around that time that I bought two brand new lava lamps from Mathmos — the Astro model and the rocket-shaped Telstar model.
Mathmos "Astro" Lava Lamps
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The creator, Mr. Craven-Walker died in 2000 but his original lava lamp company Mathmos is still in operation and produces the lamps in the UK. Other licensed brands are all manufactured in China and it costs around $15, whereas the original is inevitably more expensive.
The images above show 2 x "Astro" lamps by Mathmos; 4 x in the left; Original Astro Lamps, 5.1in x 5.1in x 16.9in, 104 ounces. 5 x in the right; Astro 'Baby' Lamps, 4.1in x 4.1in x 16.9in, 70.5 ounce.
Did You Know?
- Longevity: A quality lava lamp can last up to 2,000 hours of use before the lava begins to lose its fluidity and luster.
- Collector's Items: Vintage lava lamps from the 1960s and 1970s are considered collector's items and can fetch high prices depending on their condition and rarity.
- Global Availability: Lava lamps are sold in over 100 countries, making them a globally recognized icon of lighting design.
- Safety Standards: Modern lava lamps are manufactured according to strict safety standards, significantly improving upon the safety of early models.
- Custom Designs: Some companies offer custom lava lamp designs, allowing customers to choose colors and styles to match their personal preferences.
- Environmental Considerations: Recent designs focus on energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, with LED lighting options becoming more common.
- Cultural Impact: Lava lamps have been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and music videos, cementing their status as a cultural icon.
There are also much more affordable versions available from Amazon. They are lighter in weight, and the waxes don't last as long as the original Mathmos's. It depends of course how often you use it and how long it's left on each time - I put mine on a couple of times a week for 3-6 hours in the evening.
Wax of the cheap versions would start to lose its clarity after a year. But my Mathmos' original lamps last 5+ years before I need to get a refill bottle.
Mathmos "Telstar" Lava Lamps
The "Telstar" series is equally fabulous. I can only imagine in the "Space Age" of the 1960s, the rocket shape was something spectacular - and still is. Again there are some cheap versions available but not as great shape and sturdy as Mathmos' original.
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Did You Know?
- Variety of Sizes: They range in size from mini lamps of about 8 inches tall to giant lamps over 27 inches tall.
- Price Range: The cost of a lava lamp can vary widely, from affordable models at around $20 to deluxe versions costing over $100.
- Lifespan of a Bottle: The lifespan of a lava lamp bottle can be extended by not running the lamp for more than 8-10 hours at a time.
- Mathmos’s Commitment: Mathmos, the original manufacturer, offers a lifetime guarantee on the functionality of its lamps' bases and caps.
- Recyclability: Modern lava lamps are designed with recyclability in mind, with many parts being reusable or recyclable to minimize waste.
- Fan Base: There are numerous online communities and forums dedicated to lava lamp enthusiasts, where members share tips, designs, and collectible finds.
What You Can Do With a Lava Lamp
Lava lamps bring a unique vibe to any room, turning a plain space into a chill spot without much effort. So this means that beyond just lighting up a corner, these groovy gadgets can serve as a great conversation starter. You have your friends over, and your lava lamp is gently bubbling away in the background. It's a mood setter.
It can make your movie nights extra special or help you unwind after a long day. For those who like a bit of ambiance while working or studying at home, a lava lamp on the desk does wonders. A little buddy keeping you company, minus the chatter.
Where to Put It
You want your lava lamp somewhere it can do its thing without being in the way. Desks and shelves are great, but think about placing it in a living room or bedroom where its soft glow can really set the mood.
A lava lamp in the living room can be a cool focal point, not too bright but just enough light to give the room a warm, inviting feel. In the bedroom, it can act as the perfect nightlight, giving off just enough glow for those who don't like complete darkness.
Just remember, you want it on a stable surface where it won't be knocked over easily. And keep it away from direct sunlight to keep the colors vibrant.
What to Be Careful Of
Lava lamps are awesome, but they do need a bit of special care.
- They get hot, so you'll want to make sure it's not somewhere you or someone else might accidentally touch it and get burned. This means keeping it out of reach of pets and little ones who might be curious.
- Because it gets hot, you need to be smart about where you place it. Avoid putting it near anything flammable or on a surface that could get damaged by heat.
- Avoid shaking or moving your lava lamp when it's hot. This can mess up the cool lava flow you love watching. If you need to move it, wait until it cools down to keep everything smooth running.
- These lamps are made of glass, so they can break if dropped or knocked over too hard. Just a bit of care can make sure your lava lamp keeps lighting up your space without any hiccups.
Give your lava lamp a little attention and find the right spot for it - you can enjoy its soothing glow and cool vibes for a long time. You will create a space that feels good to be in, and a lava lamp can definitely help with that.
I like the rocket ones….. beautiful….. These things stunning when you see so many in the shop then decide which one to buy….. You get disappointed when you see it at home, too big and one’s not enough….. I want them all lol…..
Hi Nik, I see what you mean – that’s what I call an Ikea experience. I live in the UK where houses are not enormous unless you are stinky rich. But after walking through acres worth of Ikea showrooms, I always buy things that I never need – all the kitchen utensils, fake plants and ornaments. I don’t realise how gigantic they all are until I get home and put what I bought on the table.
Oh it’d be nice to have these lava lamps in all colours and display them all in line! Thanks again Nik for leaving a comment!
Hey, Mathmos is maybe only available in England? I can’t find it in the USA or Canadian Amazon unfortunately. I love lava lamps, I see what you mean about having more than one in a room. Totally mesmerizing. Good job Ray, cheers. Danny
Hi Danny, sorry Mathmos doesn’t look like it’s available in North America. But all the lava lamps that Amazon.com offers are in reasonable prices, it is possible to buy a few and make your room very colourful night & day! Thanks for your visit and comment Danny. I appreciate it.
I think my grandad had one of these lol… Beautiful though. Thanks Ray! Lol Zed