What do a science experiment, a piece of pop art, and a relaxing meditation aid have in common? If you guessed a LAVA Lamp, you’re already glowing in the right direction. April 5 is lighting up in a big way this year—not only is it National LAVA Lamp Day, but it’s also the 60th anniversary of the iconic brand. That’s six decades of swirling wax, ambient glow, and unapologetic retro charm. Whether you grew up with one on your nightstand or just discovered its hypnotic magic, now’s the perfect time to celebrate the glow that never goes out of style.
From British Invention to Global Glow-Up
Back in 1965, a British inventor named Edward Craven Walker dreamed up a funky little lamp that used heat to cause blobs of wax to rise and fall in liquid. It sounds simple, but the effect? Hypnotic.
Once the LAVA Lamp hit the U.S., it took off like a glittery time capsule of everything groovy, relaxing, and just a little bit weird—in the best way. And while the styles have evolved, the soul of the LAVA Lamp is still going strong: same soothing motion, same warm glow, and the same retro energy that somehow works with almost any vibe.
A Pop Culture Staple Since Day One
These lamps aren’t just nostalgic decor; they’re pop culture legends. Over the past six decades, LAVA Lamps have popped up in over 100 films, TV shows, and music videos. If you’ve spotted one in the background of a scene and instantly felt cooler, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re setting the mood for a creative brainstorming session, adding ambiance to your dorm, or giving your living room a laid-back lounge feel, LAVA Lamps still know how to steal the spotlight without trying too hard.
Keeping It Classic: The Silver Base Collection
Let’s talk about classics: the silver base LAVA Lamps are the originals, the ones that kicked off this whole groovy movement.
They’re available in several sizes, from the petite 11.5″ version for your desk ($26.99) all the way up to the 27″ Grande LAVA Lamp ($149.99) that basically doubles as a statement piece.
These OG designs keep it simple: a silver base, glowing wax in many different colors, and ambient light. They’re perfect for winding down, vibing out, or just zoning in while pretending you’re in a vintage sci-fi flick.
More Color, More You: Colormax Turns Up the Volume
If you’re the kind of person who likes a little more dazzle with your decor, the Colormax LAVA Lamps might be more your speed. Prices start at $27.99 for the 11.5″ Rainbow version and go up to $39.99 for more elaborate options like the 14.5″ Northern Lights Glitter Lamp or the Hand-Painted Rainbow Lamp.
Colormax lamps don’t just glow—they put on a show. With hand-painted globes and colorful decals on the base, these lamps crank the personality up to eleven. Colormax tech makes the wax appear to shift colors as it flows, which means you get a constantly evolving kaleidoscope that can actually match your mood. Or, at the very least, distract you from that never-ending inbox.
Go Big or Glow Home: The Grande Experience
Now, if you’re going big—really big—the 27″ Grande LAVA Lamp is where it’s at. Starting at $149.99, or $179.99 for the custom version, this towering two-footer is packed with 250 ounces of glowing liquid drama.
You could put it in your living room and instantly turn a boring Tuesday night into a cozy watch party with ambiance. Or plop it in your office corner and watch your coworkers subtly migrate to your desk for the vibes.
It’s basically the lava lamp equivalent of walking into a party wearing a fabulous outfit and knowing everyone’s going to ask where you got it.
Make It Yours: Custom Cool LAVA Lamps
Feeling picky? There’s a Custom Cool option that lets you design your own. For $39.99 (17″) or $179.99 (27″), you get to play LAVA Lamp stylist.
Pick your size, choose your base and cap color, and then select your wax-and-liquid combo.
-
- Options for the 27″ Custom Cool LAVA Lamp
-
- Options for the 17″ Custom Cool LAVA Lamp
Both sizes offer dozens of color combinations and base finishes, so whether you’re leaning bold and electric or soft and moody, there’s a combo that’ll speak your vibe.
Whether you’re going full-on goth, pastel dream, or 80s neon fever, you can make a lamp that’s entirely your own. It’s the ultimate “you do you” gift—especially for the person who already owns everything… except a lava lamp that screams them.
What’s New? A Fresh Flow of Styles
New drops? Absolutely. LAVA is rolling out fresh 14.5″ designs like the Chrome-Plated Crimson, Flowing Color Bands, and Chameleon Color Shift—all for $39.99. There’s even an Opalescent Pearl edition if you’re feeling extra.
These new additions blend the classic formula with a modern design twist, proving that even a 60-year-old lamp can keep up with the trends.
The design team clearly isn’t phoning it in. They’re playing with textures, colors, and even optical illusions to make each new lamp feel like a totally fresh experience—while still delivering that signature lava motion you’ve come to expect.
Why the LAVA Lamp Still Hits Different
So, why are we still obsessed with these things six decades later? Simple. They’re a perfect mash-up of art and science, light and motion. They don’t just illuminate a room—they change the way it feels.
You can use one as a nightlight for your kid who’s outgrown cartoon lamps but still wants something comforting. Or you can toss one into your college-bound teen’s dorm room, and suddenly, their study nook feels less like a prison cell and more like a hangout spot.
Even your living room can benefit from a LAVA Lamp’s gentle glow during your wind-down rituals after a long day of video calls and adulting.
Celebrate the Glow on April 5
National LAVA Lamp Day is all about celebrating this timeless little light show. On April 5, fans around the world will be plugging in, snapping pics, and sharing their lava setups with hashtags like #NationalLavaLampDay and #LAVA60.
If you’re feeling nostalgic—or just need a vibe check—it’s the perfect excuse to grab one for yourself or someone who deserves a little extra glow.
Keep It Glowing: LAVA Lamp Safety, Care, and Maintenance Tips
As mesmerizing as LAVA Lamps are to watch, they do have a few simple rules to keep things flowing smoothly and safely. Treat your lamp with a little care, and it’ll be your glowing companion for years to come.
First things first: never remove the cap on the globe or try to add anything inside. That little air space at the top? It’s supposed to be there. Popping the cap voids the warranty, not to mention that it could mess with the lamp’s delicate balance of heat and motion.
Before you flip the switch, remove all the packaging and double-check that the bulb and socket are centered in the base. If they have shifted during shipping, use your fingers to gently reposition the socket.
Only use the bulb that came with your lamp. Swapping in a different size or wattage might look like a harmless tweak, but it can cause poor performance, break the globe, or even become a fire hazard. Also, always place your lamp on a flat, clean surface away from heaters, vents, or direct sunlight—too much heat or cold can mess with the wax or fade the colors.
Give your lamp some time to work its magic. Most sizes need about 2 to 3 hours to fully warm up, while the taller versions may take 4 to 6 hours to hit their flow. That small metal coil you see floating inside the globe? Totally normal—it’s there to help speed up the warming process.
They’re not meant to run 24/7: Don’t run your lamp for more than 10 hours at a time, and let it cool completely before handling. This is a tip that I somehow missed with the LAVA Lamp I owned back in high school. I left that thing running 24/7, and within a year, it grew cloudy and faded, but luckily, it never overheated or caused a fire. The one I have now is on a Smartplug, so it turns on and off within that 10-hour time frame every day.
Once unplugged, the lamp can take another 2 to 3 hours to cool down fully. Never try to speed up that cooling process or heat it any other way—it’s a recipe for a ruined lamp.
Also, don’t shake it. Seriously. It’s tempting, especially if the wax hasn’t started moving yet, but jostling a warm lamp can permanently cloud the liquid inside, and unfortunately, that’s not something you can fix.
These lamps are for indoor use only—so no, your patio doesn’t need one, as tempting as that sounds. And, like any product made with glass, handle it with care. If it breaks, unplug it first and carefully clean the glass, using proper safety precautions.
One last thing: The plug is polarized, which means it’s designed to go into an outlet one specific way. Don’t force it.
Take care of your LAVA Lamp, and it’ll reward you with countless years of mood-setting, brain-soothing, and conversation-starting glow. The full instruction manual can be found by clicking here.
Where to Find Yours
You can find LAVA Lamps just about anywhere: Meijer, Spencer’s, Target, Amazon, and in your favorite local toy or gift shops. But if you want one of the Custom Cool models, you’ll have to get it directly from the official site.
If you’re curious about what’s coming next, LAVA’s social media feeds are bubbling with fresh inspiration. You can find them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @lavalampofficial.
Sixty Years and Still Glowing Strong
At the end of the day, a LAVA Lamp isn’t just a light source—it’s a mood, a memory, and a little bit of magic in a glass globe. Whether you’re picking one up for the first time or dusting off the one you’ve had since high school, the glow is just as satisfying. And with new styles arriving all the time, there’s never been a better time to plug in, turn down the lights, and let the lava do its thing.
After all, how often does a household item become a cultural icon with a fanbase of all ages and a six-decade legacy of style? That’s the LAVA Lamp, and you’re missing out if you don’t have one!
