The Lava Lamp was invented in 1963. It is a decorative lamp consisting of a bolus of a unique colored wax mixture inside a glass vessel. The vessel remainder can contain transparent or translucent liquid. Then, you need to place the vessel on a base, and you can see an incandescent light bulb on the base. These are available in different colors and styles.
What is a Lava Lamp?
The Lava Lamp is a decorative lamp cum novelty item that comes in various hues and designs.
How do Lava Lamps work?
It begins working with a glass lamp full of water and wax. At the bottom, you can find an incandescent lightbulb heating the wax. It helps to make the wax less dense. Thus, it can rise and wiggle. However, it becomes cool as soon as the gooey wax hits the model’s top. Therefore, it will grow denser and drift back down. Generally, wax is lighter than water. That’s why regarding non-Lava Lamp scenarios, it can sit on top of the water. In this case, you can change the density of one of the two ingredients. Every model manufacturer follows their formula to do it.
You should take care of the model accurately. Thus, it can ensure that you will get the best experience. Morales says it works best at room temperature ( 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, remember that you should keep out your model of direct sun. In addition, you should keep it away from cold windows or drafts. Besides, you should power it off after about eight hours of operation. Finally, you should let the model cool down to extend its life.
History of Lava Lamp:
Edward Craven-Walker, a British entrepreneur, got this idea in 1963. It came to mind after seeing a homemade sandglass with a shaker crammed with liquids. The sandglass was bubbling on a stovetop during a pub. Then, this entrepreneur hired British inventor David George Smith to invent it. After that, they put the formula needed to place the idea. Finally, he named the device “Astro.” Later, its variations were named “Astro Mini” and the “Astro Coach” lantern.
Adolph Wertheimer and Hy Spector watched it in 1965 at a German fair. They purchased American rights. After that, they commenced the Lava Manufacturing Corporation in Chicago, and Larry Haggerty bought the US rights within the late 1970s. Remember that this person made a subsidiary of his company, Haggerty Enterprises. We know it as Lava World International making American lava lamps for over thirty years.
Top Five Lava Lamps:
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Best Overall: Lava Lite 2124 Silver Base Lamp With Yellow Wax In Blue Liquid
Description: You can illuminate the space or room using the model for its iconic shape. This decorative glass with flowing wax can fill any area with soft light and drama of motion. Besides, it features an aluminum base and decorative glass. If you are willing, you can use it in the bedroom, home, man cave, or office.
Features:
Illumination: You can make your enlightened with the proper lighting touch.
Transform your room into a great place: It is possible to embellish the living room using its retro style and grace. You can relax in your living space after using it. In addition, the product can hypnotize you.
Pros:
- Simple to connect to any electric outlet
- It can heat up very fast
- A secure bottle cap
- Simple On/Off switch
- UL-tested and certified
Cons:
- It can be cloudy
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Best Hand-Painted: Lamp Lava 2179 Tri-Colored Globe
Description: Are you looking to uplift your mood? If yes, then it is an excellent option for you. The model can help you to hypnotize as its molten wax collides, splits, and moves up and down. You can use this tri-colored glass globe to embellish your living spaces. Besides, it can add a retro grace to it.
Features:
Ideal usage: The product is perfect for a home, bedroom, office, dorm, or man cave. It ranges from 11″ to a dramatic 27″ tall.
Set-up: You need to connect it to a standard household electrical outlet. Besides, you can get an on/off switch. In addition, it is UL Tested and Certified.
Pros:
- A hand-painted rainbow base
- UL-tested and certified
- Durable
- A 25W light bulb
- Simple On/Off switch
Cons:
- Some wax might get stuck on the top
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Best Simple-To-Use: Edier LED Fantasy Jellyfish Lava Lamp
Description: This product can transform your kid’s room into a mesmerizing underwater oasis. It is a premium jellyfish motion model that has two fluorescent transparent jellyfish. In addition, the model can change colors, and you can enjoy the dancing jellyfish. In this case, the aquarium’s night light makes the atmosphere tranquil and peaceful.
Features:
Accessories: The package includes a 6.5 * 15-inch jellyfish lamp, user manual, two pieces of transparent fluorescent jellyfish, and an adapter power.
Design: It comes with a whisper-quiet motor. In addition, it is possible to adjust the color by tapping the key light. Besides, you can get seven color settings available for a unique design. As a result, the tentacles will not get stuck in the pump.
Ocean projector: With the help of the new LED projector, you can change your kid’s bedroom into an underwater oasis. In this case, you only have to remove the small lid from the top of the jellyfish night light. Then, you should allow it to change the movement of water, change LED colors, etc.
Tranquil ambiance: The product is ideal if you want a beautiful Tranquil and soothing deep-sea ambiance for your home or office. Its movements are very realistic and can appear to you as accurate.
Warranty: It is ideal for children. In addition, you can get it available with an extended replacement lifetime.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Motor for a noise-free experience
- Seven color settings
- Easy to use AC power adaptor
- Motor and light buttons
Cons:
- Sometimes, Jellyfish stick to the top
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Best Bright And Vibrant: My Groovy Light Tabletop Lava Lamp
Description: Want to give a soothing vibe to your living room, bedroom, etc.? It is an excellent option for you. However, remember that as it is an electronic model, you should place it above the reach of small kids. Thus, you can avoid the risk of fire, burns, personal injury, or electronic shock.
Features:
Various colors:
The model is available in four different colors. Therefore, you can select the one that is suitable for your interiors.
Perfect for kids:
It is a beautiful gift for kids on special occasions.
Pros:
- Bright color
- Available with a light bulb
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- The surface can heat up.
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Best Color-Changing: Vaticas Jellyfish Aquarium Room Décor Lava Lamp
Description: This battery-powered model can serve as a night light with randomly switching colors. Besides, it features swimming and dancing jellyfish. Therefore, the product becomes a perfect choice for kids’ rooms. In addition, you can get this LED jellyfish model with a projector function. Moreover, you can connect to USB DC/AC power supply. Furthermore, you can create it to run on batteries for uninterrupted performance.
Features:
Cool Changing Upgrades: You need to use 3*AA batteries to power it. But the battery is not available in the package. Hence, you can use a USB data cable directly to attach to USB DC/AC power supply. After connecting, you can see the jellyfish swimming.
Jellyfish Aquarium Mood: It is available in many colors. Therefore, it can switch randomly. As a result, you can enjoy the jellyfish swimming and dancing with the light show. The model has a projector function. In this case, you should remove the M cover on top of it. The continuously moving jellyfish and the water projection onto the ceiling can make a beautiful tranquil ambiance. It will appear as a natural aquarium.
Versatile: It can work as a night light and a decoration with a fantastic look. In addition, you can use it as a Gift for Birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays, for Kids, family, friends, etc. Besides, the product is perfect for kids with autism, special needs, or ADHD and is also a companionship.
Electric Jellyfish Tanks: It has a protective motor ensuring that jellyfish would not get stuck. Besides, the jellyfish consists of silicone material. Remember that you don’t need to feed it. In addition, ensure that the jellyfish tank is tight, and it will prevent any leaking. You should use distilled water for jellyfish to function. Finally, ensure that you follow the directions while setting it up.
Accessories: It includes a USB charging cable (without adapter), two Large light-up jellyfish, three Mini light-up jellyfish, a lava lamp, a Stirring stick, a user manual, and a packaged box. You can ensure excellent safety performance with long life.
Pros:
- Seven color-changing light effects
- It can generate a soothing deep-sea ambiance
- Consumes less power
- A quiet motor
Cons:
- Some may have a leakage issue
Best Lava Lamp Buying Guide:
You need to consider these factors before purchasing the correct model.
Shape and size: These are available in sizes from 11” to 27” to fit on tabletops and shelves. In addition, you can get them available in various shapes, like tall and tapered.
Material: You must check the material before designing the housing, cap, and base. Generally, the housing consists of glass or translucent plastic. Besides, the base consists of aluminum or steel for durability.
Bulb type: These models work as a source of light. Therefore, it can act as an LED, CFL, or incandescent. These are eco-friendly and long-lasting. However, you can get incandescent bulbs at low prices, but they are not durable.
Safety: Ensure that your model is not overheating if you use it for eight hours. In addition, ensure that you have tucked the electrical cable safely to prevent the model from getting pulled.
The End Note:
The best Lava Lamp can easily illuminate your bedroom, living space, etc. Therefore, choosing the suitable one is an essential task for you. First, go through the article and check out our products to see if any of them matches your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do these explode?
If your model is made poorly, it can cause severe damage to you or your home. But if you leave it unchecked, a cheap model can burst, explode, and catch fire if it overheats. It is why you should read the instructions and follow these properly.
- What is the liquid in lava lamps?
The whirling globes are made up of paraffin wax and carbon tetrachloride, boosting their density. Hence, you should use water as the liquid where the wax floats. You may use mineral oil, with dyes and sparkles added for whimsy.
- How toxic is it?
Scientists do Laboratory tests on the remaining parts of AW’s lava lamp. Wax, Kerosene, and polyethylene glycol can dissolve in water, and wax is not dangerous in humans. Besides, Kerosene is not harmful. However, polyethylene glycol can be an issue.
