Lava lamps may seem like a must-have item for dorm rooms and those who like to partake in ‘funny’ cigarettes, but they’re much more than a kitschy throwback to the 1970s. They are that as well, but lava lamps are also a great way to create a calm and relaxing environment for sleeping and working. Plus, they look really cool, man.
Different lights can have a significant impact on our feelings and ability to relax or become energized. Blue light helps with feeling alert and is excellent to use when we need to work, read, or learn. Warm light is best for reading for relaxation and when it’s time to quiet our minds and get ready for bed. If you’re looking for a light to use at nighttime, red light provides comfort and a feeling of safety, making it a great addition to an adult or child’s bedroom.
The lava lamps we’ve included on our list all feature different colors that can help with energizing and relaxing, but the rest is up to you. Don’t harsh your lava lamps’ buzz.
1. Schylling Colormax Lava Lamp with Galaxy Decal Base
Stargazers and fans of all things space-related will love the Schylling Colormax Lava Lamp with Galaxy Decal Base. The 14.5-inch lamp has silver star glitter in clear liquid that is lit up by the various colors of the lamp’s bulb. The intergalactic theme is finished off with an aluminum base and cap that features a galaxy decal.
Pros: The 25-watt bulb included with the lamp emits a soft and relaxing light that works great as a night light.
Cons: The Schylling does not have the floating wax blobs of a traditional lava lamp.
2. Original Brand Lava Lamp
An authentic lava lamp brand, the Original Brand Lava Lamp has all the features of a classic lava lamp, including a silver base and top, purple liquid and soothing yellow lava. It has 20 ounces of liquid inside and is about 14.5″ in length. It has a classic retro feel to it with hypnotic wax movement, caused by a heated coil inside that causes the wax to melt and move. Enjoy the trippy visuals from this high-quality lava lamp.
Pros: The 14.5” inch lamp has a 20 oz capacity, comes with a 25-watt bulb, bright colors and oozing wax that won’t break apart unless jostled.
Cons: The liquid may get cloudy after some time, but this can be fixed by running the lamp for an extended period.
3. My Groovy Light Tabletop Lava Lamp
This lava lamp from Mr. Groovy Light is a little smaller than other options on this list, making it perfect for a kids room. While it’s not a toy, it does produce some pretty amazing visuals that’ll entertain kids for hours as the wax melts, rises in the liquid and falls. It’s made of high-quality glass, metal and plastic that’ll hold together for years to come. The lightbulb needed to make the whole thing run is included in your purchase, and it comes in three different colors.
Pros: Lightbulb included, high-quality construction, small size won’t take up too much space, comes in three different colors.
Cons: The wax may take a while to start moving upon first turning it on.
4. Schylling 2700 Black Base Lava Lamp
This lava lamp from Schylling has a dark black base and white wax suspended in clear liquid so you get the trippy visuals you want, easily. It has a hand-painted graffiti globe that takes the white wax and adds all sorts of colors to it, enriching the experience. It provides soft, relaxing light and comes with the 25-watt bulb needed to power the machine. If you’re looking for a lava lamp for a moodier space or want something that’ll stand out against white walls, this is the one for you.
Pros: Black base and cap, white wax with hand-painted colorful design, light bulb included, plugs into a standard outlet.
Cons: Sometimes requires a stronger bulb than the one included in order to work.