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.
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.
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).
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
$$$
Pocket‑size, dimmable, rechargeable. Feels like a cute little character.
dimmable • portable • glass mushroom lamp
Price
$$ – under500$
$$$ – 500-1000$
$$$$ – above 1000$
Sources
https://www.surfacemag.com/
https://www.lumens.com/
https://verpan.com/
https://www.shroomboom.com/
https://www.andtradition.com/