My two cents on mushroom lamps
part 1
Mushroom lamp? I’m into them. Hard. They give off warm, low‑key light, they look like little sculptures, and they slide into almost any style – Danish calm, 70s retro, or today’s dopamine décor.
Mushroom lamps tick every box: form, function, feel‑good nostalgia, and a price ladder from thrifty to “investment piece.” They’re not just another micro‑trend; they’re a shape with 100‑plus years of design pedigree that still feels fresh. If you want instant atmosphere without a remodel, plug one in, sit back, and enjoy the glow.
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Quick history recap
1890‑1910
Art Nouveau roots. Émile Gallé and Tiffany made glass “Champignons” lamps. First time a shade really looked like a toadstool.
1956
Murano moment. Massimo Vignelli’s Fungo lamp (one‑piece blown glass).
1960s – 70s boom
Plastic let designers go wild: Mattioli’s Nesso (1967), Panton’s Panthella (1971), Magistretti’s Atollo (1977). These models locked the “mushroom” profile into pop culture.
2020s revival
Pandemic nesting + social media = #mushroomlamp has 6 billion+ views on TikTok. Cheap dupes at stores like Kmart sell out overnight.
iconic mushroom table lamps you need to know
QUICK DISCLUSURE
Every lamp in this guide lives in the “treat‑yourself” tier. If that’s a stretch, hang tight – “Part 2” will spotlight wallet‑friendly mushroom lamps that still nail the cozy, retro vibe.
Stemilite table lamp (1962)
by bill curry
for gubi
$$$
A true original. Designed in 1962, it’s the first “total look” lamp, with a smooth, glowing dome that’s pure retro magic.
first “total look” lamp • dimmable
Nessino mushroom lamp (1967)
by Giancarlo Mattioli
for Artemide
$$$
60s pop art in traffic‑cone orange. Instant conversation starter.
orange mushroom lamp • plastic
lesbo table lamp (1967)
by Angelo Mangiarotti
for Artemide
$$$$
An Italian design classic from 1967. Hand-blown Murano glass that glows like a soft cloud. Perfect for a cozy, sophisticated vibe.
glass mushroom lamp • classic
Flowerpot VP3 table lamp (1968)
by Verner Panton
for &Tradition
$$$
Joy in lamp form. Bright lacquer, perfect curves.
colorful mushroom lamp • retro
Panthella table lamp (1971)
by Verner Panton
for Louis Poulsen
$$$
The classic. Big glow, zero glare. Still the king of Danish icons.
dimmable • retro mushroom lamp
Reverse mushroom lamp (1970)
by Aleksandar Lazic
for Audo Copenhagen
$$$
Travertine base + opal top = calm Japandi vibe.
dimmable • made of carrara marble & ravertine stone
Atollo table lamp (1977)
by Vico Magistretti
for Oluce
$$$$
Sculptural legend. Looks like modern art even when off.
luxury • metal mushroom lamp
Panton tablelamp (1980)
by Verner Panton
for verpan
$$
A slimmer, flared cap. Classy but not stuffy.
mid-century modern designer lamp • made in Denmark
Lampampe mushroom lamp (1980)
by Ingo Maurer
$$$$
Rice‑paper cloud with a gentle halo. Pure hygge.
dimmable • soft glow • handmade
bell table lamp
by tom dixon
$$
Tiny chrome bell that glows. Fully cordless, fully cool.
rechargeable • metal
Bellhop table lamp (2018)
by Barber & Osgerby
for flos
$$
Pocket‑sized designer lamp. Makes a desk feel like a fancy hotel bar.
dimmable • portable • made in Italy
Setago table lamp (2019)
by Jaime Hayon
for &Tradition
$$
Cord‑free. Pop it anywhere – balcony drinks, sofa fort, bathroom spa night.
dimmable • rechargeable • Danish style
Easy Peasy glass table lamp (2020)
by Luca Nichetto
for Lodes
$$$
Pocket‑size, dimmable, rechargeable. Feels like a cute little character.
dimmable • portable • glass mushroom lamp
Price
$$ – under 500$
$$$ – 500-1000$
$$$$ – above 1000$
Why they’re trending right now
Nostalgia hits. We’re all craving 70s curves, bold color pops, and a bit of space‑age optimism.
Wellness lighting. Domed shades hide the bulb and bounce a soft pool of light – easy on tired eyes after endless screen time.
Biophilic vibe. Anything organic‑shaped feels calming; a lamp that literally looks like a mushroom nails that brief.
LED freedom. Rechargeable minis (Setago, Bellhop) cut the cord, land on dining tables, patios, even bookshelves.
Price spectrum. From a $17 mirrored “disco shroom” at Kmart to a hand‑made Murano glass heirloom – everyone can join the fun.
What to look for
Material mood.
Glass mushroom lamp = soft glow, vintage vibes.
Ceramic mushroom lamp = earthy, tactile.
Metal/ABS = clean, pop‑art punch.
Color cue.
Want a statement? Go orange mushroom lamp (hello, Nessino).
Need subtle? Matte white or smoky glass.
Feeling playful? Pink mushroom lamp lifts the mood instantly.
Function first.
Desk work → taller shade, brighter bulb (Panthella, Pantop).
Bedside glow → dimmable, maybe cordless (Setago, Easy Peasy).
Sources
https://www.surfacemag.com/
https://www.lumens.com/
https://verpan.com/
https://www.shroomboom.com/
https://www.andtradition.com/
