Lava Lamp Dreams: Illuminate Your Surroundings with Style
Lava lamps are a great way to create a special ambiance and mood, but you don’t want to get one that won’t work or isn’t right for you. We take the guesswork out of buying a lava lamp by researching the market to bring you only the best ones.
Lava Lite 5224-4 Premier 16-2/7-Inch 52-Ounce Silver-Based Lava Lamp, Yellow Wax/Blue Liquid
Best overall
The Lava Lite lava lamp is mesmerizing to watch, has an easy to operate on/off switch and comes with the light bulb. Furthermore, due to its compact size, it won’t occupy much space on your tabletop.
Pros:
- Easy to operate on/off switch
- Comes with the bulb
- Compact size so won’t occupy much space
- Mesmerizing to watch
Cons:
- Can take up to 2 hours to warm up
Lava The Original 2160 14.5-Inch Colormax Lamp with Northern Lights Decal Base
Best glitter lava lamp
This lava lamp offers incredible color combinations, doesn’t get hot to the touch and has an elegant base and top. What’s more, the first bulb you’ll install in this lamp is included in the package.
Pros:
- Incredible color scheme
- Elegant base and top
- Won’t get hot to the touch
- Bulb included in the package
Cons:
- Lava might take as many as 3 hours to start flowing
YAKii 10.5" Tornado Lamp LED Color Changing, Battery/USB Cable Operated, Gold.
Best tornado lava lamp
The Lava Lite Glitter lava lamp comes at a price that won’t blow a hole in your pocket. Plus, it is sturdily built and can easily withstand a few falls without its inner contents leaking out.
Pros:
- Pocket-friendly
- Can withstand a few falls
- Can be operated via a USB cord
- Batteries offer a long run time
Cons:
- Little noisy
Jambo 16-Inch Beautiful Magma Lamp- Yellow/Orange Wax and Purple Liquid 16", Relaxing Night Light Nighlight Home Decor Living Room Office Bedroom Lamp for Adults, Teens, and Kids
Best premium
The Jambo lava lamp is one of the few models in this category that is backed by a 1-year warranty. To further sweeten the deal, it’s incredibly easy to put together and gives a soft glow.
Pros:
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Gives a picturesque soft glow
- Makes for an eye-catching night light
- Incredibly easy to put together
Cons:
- Pricey
CALOVER Gifts for Kids Men Women Friends Family Cool Jellyfish Lamp Night Light for Girls Boys Kids Home Office Bedroom Decor for Christmas Holiday Birthday Party
Best jellyfish lava lamp
The CALOVER lava lamp has an automatic shut-off safety feature that will automatically turn off this device after 4 hours. Moreover, no more maintenance will be needed after filling the water.
Pros:
- Automatic shut-off for safety
- Can be operated from a remote control
- Doesn’t require regular maintenance
- Movement is smooth yet unpredictable
Cons:
- Motor can be quite loud
Lava lamp buying guide
Lava lamps have been a popular decorative item since the 1960s and remain a beloved addition to any home. Whether you’re looking for something striking and sophisticated or fun and kitschy, there’s a lava lamp out there for you. Before making your purchase, however, it’s important to consider certain factors.
Types of lava lamps
When it comes to lava lamps, there are two main types: wax-based and oil-based.
Wax-based lava lamps
Wax-based lamps have a traditional wax-oil solution, usually featuring light colored wax and dark colored oil. They tend to be more affordable than their oil-based counterparts and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The movement of the lava is slower and more steady than oil based lamps, making them a good choice for those looking for something whimsical yet calming.
Oil-based lava lamps
Oil-base lava lamps use a mineral oil-water mixture and feature bright, bold colors. They are more expensive than wax-based versions but provide an eye-catching effect with their faster moving and brighter colored globules of oil. As these lamps require a bit more maintenance than wax based ones, they may not be the best choice for those looking for a low-key lighting option.
Things to consider when choosing a lava lamp
When selecting the perfect lava lamp for your space, it’s important to take into account a few factors.
Size and shape
Lava lamps come in a range of sizes and shapes, from tall cylinders to short globes. Consider the space you’re looking to fill and select a lamp that will best suit it.
Lighting effects
If you’re looking for something more subtle and calming, wax-based lamps may be the way to go. For those who want to make a statement and create a bold atmosphere, oil-based lava lamps are the perfect choice.
Maintenance
Wax-based lamps require less maintenance than oil-based ones, so if you’re looking for something fuss-free, wax is the way to go. Oil based lava lamps require more frequent cleaning and may need to be refilled with oil every few months.
Price
Lava lamps range in price depending on size and type, so if you’re looking for something inexpensive, wax-based versions tend to be more affordable than their oil-based counterparts.
