An Introduction to Lava Lamps: What, Why, and How?
Lava lamps have been a popular item since the 1960s. They have an iconic design that has stood the test of time and still looks great in any home or office. But what is a lava lamp exactly? And why are they so popular? Let's dive in and break down all you need to know about the classic lava lamp!
What is a Lava Lamp?
A lava lamp is a device that contains wax inside a glass container filled with liquid. The wax moves around the container in unique patterns when heated by an incandescent bulb at the base of the lamp. This creates mesmerizing shapes as the wax moves around via a natural convection current inside the glass container.
The original lava lamps were invented by British engineer Edward Craven-Walker back in 1963 (who started the first lava lamp manufacturer Mathmos) and have since become an iconic design piece for many people’s homes and offices. The original classic designs were called Astro lamps.
How Does a Lava Lamp Work?
Look at lava lamps working in action and witness a beautiful example of the scientific concept of convection currents. Glass containers hold a mixture of wax blobs suspended in liquids like water or sometimes oil. The wax and oil/water fluids will not mix like oil and vinegar in salad dressing bottles.
An evaporative light bulb is placed under the glass and warms the contents in an uneven way.
Wax sitting in a warm jar or closed bottle chamber of liquids heats up, becomes smaller and less dense as pieces break off like bubbles, and floats or rises to the the top of the lamp. Once away from its heat source, the globs density increases again as the wax cools and they sink back to the bottom. Beginning the process again.
What is a Lava Lamp Made Of?
The majority of lava lamps consist of paraffin wax suspended in water or mineral oil. Depending on the brand or model, they may also contain dyes or other additives such as carbon tetrachloride (a type of nonflammable liquid). The glass bottle can be made out of any number of materials including plastic, metal, or even wood. As for the heat source at the base—that is usually an incandescent light bulb or halogen bulb.
What is the Purpose of a Lava Lamp?
The light fixture or "lamp" has some characteristics that make it unique because it has little illumination. Instead of bright lighting, the lava lamp's purpose "is to create atmosphere," and be on display.
What Are Lava Lamps Used for and Why Should I Get One?
Lava lamps are primarily used as decorative lighting because of their interesting design and captivating movement. They can also be used as mood lighting or simply as something fun to look at when relaxing in your livingroom or bedroom. Some people even use them as night lights!
Most modern lava lamps come from the manufacturer with adjustable brightness settings so you can customize how much light they emit into your room based on your needs. You can also switch up their colors depending on your preferences—some models come with multiple different colored bulbs to choose from! No matter how you choose to use it, adding a lava lamp to your home decor will definitely make your space stand out from others and offer a point of interest for guest discussions.
Are Lava Lamps Safe to Leave on Overnight?
They add some whims to every room and are fairly cheap to buy. How could you leave the lamps uncovered overnight? You can probably use lava lamps for a few nights, and keep one off for a little while. This light is not likely to ignite fire as it has been built to be safe for use. But, they are like small appliances and can get to a higher temperature after being left on all the time. Suggestion is for no more than about 8 hours time being on, then allow enough time to completely cool down before using again.
What Should You Not Do With a Lava Lamp?
Please do not touch, move or shake the lamp during a heated environment. This could lead to permanent damages, like fogging and lava breaking apart. If it happens immediately shut down the light for 24 hours then start running again in normal conditions.
Types of Lava Lamps
There are several types of lava lamps available on the market today. Some common options include classic models with traditional designs; novelty designs like a globe or spirals; mini versions that fit perfectly on desks; table-top models that offer adjustable light settings; and even battery-operated versions for camping trips or outdoor gatherings! No matter what type of room you’re decorating, there’s sure to be a lava lamp perfect for it! Choose wisely to fit your house decor as a whole.
Best Lava Lamps
When shopping for a lava lamp there are many options available. The most popular brands include Mathmos (which is limited or not available in the US) Jambo and a similar type of LED version Lightahead. Mathmos is known as the original inventor (Craven-Walker's Company) of the lava lamp (Astro Lamps) and for its classic designs and colors while Jambo offers more modern sleek styles with brighter colors. Lightahead has some unique designs that incorporate multiple colors at once. All three brands make high quality lamps that are sure to add something special to any room.
Here are a few highly rated examples:
- GORGEOUS LIQUID LAMP- ENHANCE THE AMBIENCE OF ANY ROOM: Turn the lights off and be amazed at the magical qualities of this lamp. The light illuminates the beautiful yellow/green wax in the lamp, and as it heats it up, the wax floats to the top, almost like molten lava, and then slowly sinks back down. The wax keeps rising and falling, changing colors from a yellow to a beautiful green, creating mesmerizing shapes, and turning any room into a magical wonderland.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS, DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Rest assured, your Jambo Liquid Lamp will last for years. The Liquid Motion Lamp is specially designed and made with high quality materials and workmanship. You will be thrilled with how stunning this lamp is, how the wax in this lamp flows around the lamp like lava, and how long this lamp lasts you.
- CALMING, SOOTHING, AND RELAXING: Ever want to be transported to another magical place? Turn on the Jambo Motion Lamp and be mesmerized and calmed by the flowing motion of the wax as it rises and falls like lava, and the calming light that the lamp reflects around the room. This lamp is great for mindfulness, relaxation, and to help you just be.
- Lava. Illuminate your Mood. Add just the right lighting touch to any room with these mesmerizing motion lamps
- Embellish any living space with this timeless icon of retro style and grace, sit back, bask and relax in the soft light of this constantly moving and evolving lamp
- Hypnotize yourself and go with the flow as the glitter magically spins arounf the globe. Instant on with the flip of the switch
- The perfect addition for the home, bedroom, office, dorm or man cave; lamps range in size from 11” to a dramatic 27” tall
- Plugs into a standard household electrical outlet, comes with an on/off switch and is UL Tested and Certified. Requires a 25-watt light bulb (included)
- Aluminum base
- Lava. Illuminate your Mood. Add just the right lighting touch to any room with these mesmerizing motion lamps
- Embellish any living space with this timeless icon of retro style and grace, sit back, bask and relax in the soft light of this constantly moving and evolving lamp
- Hypnotize yourself and go with the flow as the glitter magically spins arounf the globe. Instant on with the flip of the switch
- The perfect addition for the home, bedroom, office, dorm or man cave; lamps range in size from 11” to a dramatic 27” tall
- Plugs into a standard household electrical outlet, comes with an on/off switch and is UL Tested and Certified. Requires a 25-watt light bulb (included)
- 【Enjoy the peace calm of the ocean】The Jellyfish Lava Lamp adopt realistic-looking jellyfish, using brushless motor which is quiet and durable, unique design make the tentacles will not get stuck in the pump, let the artificial jellyfish float on the tiny water stream, creating a realistic effect, liking you are in the peaceful, soothing beautiful deep-sea, make you mesmerizing and calming.
- 【Multi-Play Mode】The jellyfish light is equipped with a remote control, feature with 6 LED lights and 17 kinds of RGB monochrome and 4 color changing modes (flash, strobe, fade, smooth), contains 3 brightness adjustment, easy to set, just turn on/off button, controlled by remote, you can set the 17 colors to cycle through or single color, create a beautiful tranquil, peaceful & soothing deep-sea ambiance, great for help reduce stress & anxiety.
- 【Two Way Use】Comes with 1.5m usb cable, required by 3 AAA batteries (not included) or usb powered. convenient for use in various scenarios. So it can go cordless if you wish. Ideal size(11.4'' tall), fits nicely on most desks or shelves. With 4 hour auto-shut off function, great as a desk night light. With no routine maintenance to worry about, all that’s left to do is turn it on to enjoy the colorful underwater dance.
- 【Great for relaxation and meditation】This mood light creates a spellbinding aquarium effect, provide a stimulating and a calming environment for children and adults, help relieve and relax nervous emotions, bring them a peaceful rest and sleep environment.
- ◆Colorful Aquarium Night Light◆: Realistic jellyfish slowly "swim" in the water tank with colorful LED lighting effects, very beautiful. Create a romantic atmosphere.
- ◆Realistic Ocean Background◆:The background is underwater world sight, Use this jellyfish night light at night, and it is more realistic and feel like live in the ocean.
- ◆Easy to Use◆:Available both battery and USB interface. Turn the switch on, and the jellyfish night lamp start to work. Very convenient.(It needs 3 AA batteries, and not include.)
- ◆Humanized Design◆:Automatic power-off mode, after works four hours, automatically turned off the power to save electricity.
- ◆Suit for◆:This jellyfish mood lights suitable for home background decoration, office table lamp, bedroom night light, desktop aquarium lamp. After busy working, lie down, relieve stress and enjoy relaxing life it brings to you.
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Lava lamps add personality to any living space while also providing soothing mood lighting for relaxation or entertaining guests. With their iconic design, shape and adjustable colors/light settings, these devices make great conversation pieces no matter where you put them!
Plus, they come in multiple types so you can find one that fits perfectly into your lifestyle—from the classic lava lamp shape to mini versions perfect for desks or camping trips!
Whether you’re looking to spruce up a room or just want something cool to look at during long nights alone, there’s sure to be a lava lamp out there just right for you!
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