Certain home accessories remain firmly associated with a period of time; bean bag chairs and the '70s, the color brown and the '80s, and lava lamps and the '90s all have symbiotic relationships (and in the present day, can be polarizing choices in interior design discourse).
When it comes to the latter example, Florence Pugh has recently made a case for the funky lamp's comeback. As a guest on BBC One's 'Unpopular Opinion' segment, the We Live in Time star declared that the vintage-inspired lamps are some of her favorite pieces of decor.
'I love lava lamps,” she stated on the show. 'They have some cool new colors as well. They have metallic colors, so you can be really groovy.'
Now that we are pondering retro home decor ideas, we are wondering: are lava lamps really back? Experts seem to think so.
'Lava lamps are experiencing a resurgence in modern interiors, blending nostalgia with a bold statement,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'With the rise of retro-inspired design and the embrace of mood lighting, lava lamps are once again gracing desks, shelves, and side tables. Their hypnotic glow pairs perfectly with trends like maximalism, Gen Z’s penchant for 1970s aesthetics, and the cozy, ambiance-focused vibe of contemporary spaces. Retailers have responded with updated designs featuring sleeker bases and a wider array of color combinations, keeping lava lamps fresh while honoring their vintage roots.'
Lichtenstein also says that while the lamps reached a high level of popularity in the '90s, they came to fruition back in the '60s.
'The iconic lava lamp has its roots in 1960s counterculture,' she explains. 'Invented in 1963 by British engineer Edward Craven Walker, the lava lamp debuted as the “Astro Lamp” in the UK before becoming a sensation in the U.S. Known for its mesmerizing liquid motion and psychedelic colors, the lava lamp quickly became a staple of mid-century modern and bohemian decor. Its fluid, groovy aesthetic mirrored the free-spirited ethos of the era, making it an instant cultural touchstone.'
So, how do you style a lava lamp in a way that feels contemporary rather than dated? Lichtenstein proposes a couple of ideas.
'Place a lava lamp on a vintage-inspired teak sideboard or coffee table,' she suggests. 'Pair it with other retro accents like geometric ceramics, vinyl records, and bold-patterned textiles for a cohesive look.'
Alternatively, lava lamps can be used as ambient lighting.
'Use a lava lamp to create soft, relaxing light in a meditation or reading nook,' Lichtenstein says. 'Pair it with plush throws, floor cushions, and a stack of books to set the tone for a calming retreat.'
Shop the lava lamp edit
You can't go wrong with a cool blue, which looks fantastic on its silver base. We love how this relaxing color is versatile enough to bring serenity to the bedroom.
For a bold look, try this black and red lava lamp. It will look great on top of a sleek white console or cabinet (and is quickly becoming a house party essential).
We've seen how popular sunset projectors have become, but this lava lamp is an excellent alternative.
