Lava lamps, everything you need to know about the cult lamp

Lava lamps, these instantly recognizable lamps, have stood the test of time to gradually become an essential retro symbol. But beyond their aesthetic appearance and their suspended bubbles, how do they work? What is their influence on popular culture and their place in our contemporary society? In this article, we'll explore the history and cultural impact of lava lamps together.

The lava lamp is a popular product worldwide!

Discover a selection of lava lamps .

The history of lava lamps

Lava lamps, also known as astro lamps, were invented by a British man named Edward Craven Walker in the 1960s. Walker was a former English army engineer.
It was in 1963 that he developed an interest in light effects after seeing a plasma lamp at an exhibition.

Although their principle is completely different, lava lamps and plasma lamps are closely related.

It was inspired by this concept that he began experimenting with fluids and liquid solutions in glass bottles.
Walker eventually succeeded in developing a design in which a substance moved in a colored solution (like oil rising to the surface of water; or vinegar).

Following this invention, Walker decided to form a company called Crestworth to market these lamps under the name " Astro Lamp ". The name was later changed to "Lava Lamp", based on the suggestion of one of his friends. who compared the fluid movements of the lamp to that of magma.

The movement of the bubbles and the suspended matter of a lava lamp is somewhat reminiscent of that of molten lava.

Lava lamps quickly gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s before falling somewhat out of favor during the 1990s.
Walker's company would eventually be renamed Mathmos and would continue production of his lighting fixtures, albeit in smaller quantities. (The Mathmos company is still active today!)

Over time, the lava lamp has become a symbol of the 60s and 70s and of retro kitsch in general. They have since become collector's items and emblematic decorative elements of these decades.
Robert Craven Walker died on August 15, 2000 at the age of 82.

Add color and unique retro style to your bedroom with a lava lamp !

How does a lava lamp work?

The operation of a lava lamp is based on the simple principle, involving the difference in density between two liquids and the variation in temperature.
Wax and colored liquid are usually contained in a glass bottle. A bulb, located in the base of the lamp, heats the bottle and the liquid it contains from below. This melts the wax, which then moves up and down in the lamp.

Note: Heating time may vary depending on bulb. It should also be noted that the ambient temperature of the room can influence the operation of the luminaire.

The basic principle of the lava lamp could be compared to that of vinegar in water (two liquids that do not mix).
In the case of vinegar and oil, the molecules of both substances are more attracted to their own molecules than to the molecules of the other substance. This is why vinegar and oil don't mix.

Let's see how a lava lamp works in general:

• The base and bulb: The base of the lava lamp contains a bulb, which heats and illuminates the lamp from below.
  
  
• Liquids: inside the glass container of the lamp (often bottle-shaped), there are two immiscible substances. Usually one is a colored liquid composed mainly of water; the other is made of wax.
  
  
• Heating: when the lamp is turned on, the bulb in the base heats the liquid and the wax. The heat produced by the bulb will melt the wax.
  
  
• The cycle of heating and ascension: under the effect of heat, the wax ends up melting and its density becomes less important than that of the liquid. Having become malleable and less dense, the wax rises by itself towards the top of the luminaire tube.

• Bubbles and cooling: rising to the top of the container, the wax comes into contact with the cooler part of the liquid, because it is towards the top of the lamp.
  
  
• The movement : when it reaches the top (towards the surface) and as it cools, the wax changes density again and therefore ends up descending to the bottom. In doing so, it crosses the rest of the wax which, still hot, rises in turn. This creates the typical movement of lava lamps where you can see bubbles crossing each other in the tube. All of this is actually caused by the wax heating and cooling!
  
  
• The cycle: back towards the base of the container, as close as possible to the lamp, the wax can heat up. When its temperature increases again and therefore its density becomes lower, the wax rises. In doing so, it crosses the wax which comes back down, and so on.

This cycle of heating, rising, and cooling creates the characteristic hypnotic patterns seen in a lava lamp. The combination of the fluid movements of the wax, the bubbles and the colors creates a fascinating ballet that has made the lava lamp a popular object.

To summarize: In the case of the lava lamp as in that of oil in vinegar, two immiscible liquids with a difference in density cause characteristic movements when the density changes due to heat (in the case of the lava lamp) or dissolution (in the case of oil in water).

Vinegar and oil: it's all a question of molecules!

Discover now a selection of lava lamps to transform your interior .

The Lava Lamp, symbol of the psychedelic

The lava lamp had a significant influence on popular culture and became a symbol of the 1960s and 1970s. Time has made it a cultural product inseparable from the era in which it was born!

Here are some key points about its influence and success:

• Icon of the counterculture of the 60s and 70s: the lava lamp became a symbol of the counterculture and the psychedelic era of the 1960s and 1970s. Its hypnotic appearance and its moving material perfectly captured the spirit of this era of freedom of expression and experimentation.
  
  
• Decorative and entertainment element: The lava lamp has quickly become a popular decorative item in homes, offices and entertainment spaces. Its unique appearance and suspended matter made it a topic of conversation and a visual attraction.

The lamp has become one of the symbols of the psychedelic movement .

• Associations with music and film: The lava lamp is often associated with psychedelic music, progressive rock and other musical genres of the era. She also appeared in several iconic films of the 1960s and 1970s, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
  
  
• Symbol of peace and love: Due to its association with the counterculture of the 60s-70s, the lava lamp is often seen as a symbol of peace, love and freedom. It is one of the products that best embody the spirit of an era which was marked by the rejection of social conventions and the search for new forms of artistic expression.

Due to its style, its colors and the fascinating ballet of the wax it contains, the lamp has become one of the symbols of the psychedelic movement .

The lava lamp has had a lasting impact on popular culture, thanks to its distinctive aesthetic, captivating visual appearance, and association with a time of social and cultural change. It remains a symbol of innovation, individuality and creativity.

According to its inventor, Edward Craven Walker: “ I think the lava lamp will always be in vogue. It's like the cycle of life. It grows, breaks and starts again .”

The ultimate vintage light fixture! Add style to the decor of your bedroom, your office, or a TV unit with a lava lamp !

The return of the lava lamp

In recent years, it has been possible to observe a renewed interest in the lava lamp. To respond to this enthusiasm for the product, many brands have embarked on the adventure by offering their own lava lamp and sometimes models with astonishing designs.

Several factors have contributed to this resurgence in popularity:

• Nostalgia: for many people, the lava lamp evokes memories of childhood or youth, which arouses a certain nostalgia. Its return to fashion can be attributed in part to a desire to recreate or relive past experiences associated with that era.
  
  
• Retro trend: popular culture is currently experiencing a craze for retro, and particularly for the 80s. Consumers are looking for objects that can remind them of the charm of that era or previous decades. The lava lamp, with its distinct 60s-70s aesthetic and colorful, retrofuturistic appearance, fits perfectly into this trend. Its iconic appearance also makes it an ideal decorative object to add a vintage touch to your interior at a lower cost.
  
  
• Relaxation and well-being: in a world often dominated by technology and digital, people are looking for ways to disconnect and create spaces conducive to relaxation and reflection. The lava lamp, with its fluid and calming movement, offers a visual and relaxing alternative to traditional artificial light.
  
  
• Presence in popular culture: The lava lamp continues to make appearances in media, whether in films, television shows, music videos or advertisements. This ongoing exhibition helps maintain public interest in this iconic object.
  
  
• Variety of Designs: Manufacturers have also reinvented the lava lamp to suit contemporary tastes and needs. The product now comes in a variety of designs, sizes and colors to suit different interior design styles.

There is surely a lamp in the color or design you need! Discover the glitter lava lamp !

In summary, the return to fashion of the lava lamp can be explained by a combination of nostalgia and retro design trends. It remains a decorative object that is both outdated and timeless and continues to attract the attention of people of different generations, children and adults alike.

A lava lamp, what for?

The lava lamp can be used in different ways depending on personal preference and context.

Here are some common and suitable uses for this object:

• Interior decoration: The lava lamp is often used as a decorative element in homes, offices, relaxation rooms and leisure areas. It adds a calming, retro style to any space, whether it's a living room, bedroom, office or playroom.
  
  
• Relaxing effect: with its fluid and hypnotic movement, this light creates a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. It can be used to promote relaxation, meditation or simply to create a warm atmosphere.
  
  
• Mood lighting or night light: Although the lava lamp is not designed to provide primary lighting, it is perfect for creating ambiance with its colors. In a room with subdued lighting, the colors and movement of the luminaire produce a unique atmosphere!
  The lava lamp can be used as a night light or to generate a dim light which can be pleasant for watching TV or simply relaxing.

An ideal decorative object to create a unique atmosphere .

• Collector's item: for retro and vintage lovers, the lava lamp can be a collector's item. Some popular models even sell relatively expensively.
  
  
• Original gift: Due to its visual appeal and uniqueness, the lava lamp is a popular and original gift at the same time. It is loved by children and makes a fun gift for various occasions, such as birthdays, housewarmings or holiday parties.
  
  
• Use as a Sensory Therapy Prop: Some therapists use lava lamps as part of sensory therapies to help people relax, focus, or manage stress and anxiety. The fluid movements, airborne bubbles, and calming colors may be beneficial for some individuals.
  
  

Want to transform the atmosphere of a room? Discover Fisura lava lamps .

The lava lamp can be used in many different ways, whether to decorate a space, create a relaxing ambiance, or provide accent lighting. Its use depends largely on the preferences and needs of each individual.

How to make a homemade lava lamp

Want to try out a fun experiment at home or understand the principle of the lava lamp a little better?

Making a homemade lava lamp with oil, vinegar, and coloring can be a fun and creative project!

Materials needed:

• A transparent glass bottle
• Vegetable oil
• White vinegar
• Food colorings
• Some water
• Alum (optional, it is used to stabilize the bubbles).

Instructions :

1. Fill the glass bottle with vegetable oil to about 3/4 of its capacity .
   
   
2. In a separate bowl, mix the white vinegar with water . Use about 1/4 vinegar to 3/4 water . You can adjust the quantities according to the size of your bottle and the desired height of your lamp!
   
   
3. Add a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar and water mixture. Mix well to obtain the desired color for your bubbles.
   
   
4. Slowly pour the colored vinegar mixture into the oil-filled bottle. Be sure to pour gently to avoid creating too many bubbles.
   You can also add a small amount of alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) to the vinegar and water mixture to help stabilize the bubbles.
   
   
5. Once you add the vinegar mixture to the bottle of oil, you should see bubbles forming and slowly moving down through the oil. If the bubbles don't come down, you can gently shake the bottle to help them form.
   
   
6. To activate your lava lamp, place a flashlight or small LED light under the bottle. The heat from the lamp will heat the vinegar and water mixture, creating bubbles that will rise through the oil.

You can experiment with different colors of food coloring and water/vinegar ratios to get the effect you want! (It is also possible to use bicarbonate. Bicarbonate and vinegar react, it is well known!)

No time to tinker? Discover the Fisura lava lamps .

Conclusion

From the Crestworth company to Mathmos via psychedelia to the revival of the retro style that we see today, the lava lamp has established itself as one of the emblematic products of the end of the 20th century. Whether to create a relaxing ambiance in a bedroom, revive nostalgic memories or amaze with their suspended wax, lava lamps will continue to illuminate our lives and embody the spirit of innovation typical of the end of the 20th century.