Mushroom Lamps

Mushroom Lamps: Retro Shapes, Soft Light

A mushroom lamp is one of the most recognisable shapes in lighting: a rounded dome shade over a slim stem or base, throwing light down and out in a soft, glare-free pool. The shape took off in 1960s and 70s Italian and Danish design, and it's back because it looks as good switched off as it does lit. Our mushroom lamps come in two types: cordless, rechargeable designs you can move around the home, and plug-in table lamps for a permanent spot.

Rechargeable and Cordless Mushroom Lamps

• Estada Portable Lamp: a Panthella-inspired rounded dome in six colours
• Lekker Portable Lamp: solid metal with a hidden light source
• Funghi Portable Lamp: a frosted shade that glows all over
• Pomello Portable Lamp: compact and Bellhop-style, just 21cm tall
• Lecce Portable Lamp: rounded and playful, in terracotta, beige or blue
• Tapa Portable Lamp: a cordless flowerpot shape in six colours

Each runs for up to 12 hours on its lowest setting, recharges in around 2 to 3 hours and is dimmable, so a rechargeable mushroom lamp works on a bedside table, a dining table or a balcony without a cord in sight.

Plug-in Mushroom Table Lamps

• Strada Table Lamp: a low, wide Nessino-style dome in Tangerine Orange or Brilliant White
• Lustro Table Lamp: sculptural metal in Metallic Gold, Midnight Black or Pearl White
• Parabola Table Lamp: a 50cm flowerpot-style double dome with a dimmer

Plug-in designs never need charging and suit a spot where the lamp will stay put, such as a sideboard, console or bedside table.

How to Choose a Mushroom Lamp

• Cordless or plug-in: go rechargeable if you want to move the lamp around or there's no power point nearby; go plug-in for a lamp that stays in one place.
• Size: small mushroom lamps of around 20 to 24cm suit bedside tables and shelves, while the 41cm Lustro and 50cm Parabola suit consoles and sideboards.
• Material: metal shades direct light down in a defined pool, while frosted and polycarbonate shades glow all over.
• Colour: orange, red and gold are the classic retro choices; white, black and grey are easier to place in minimalist rooms.

Mushroom Lamp FAQs

Why are they called mushroom lamps? The rounded dome and slim stem look like a mushroom cap and stalk. Italian designers popularised the shape in the 1960s, and it has been a mid-century classic ever since.

Are mushroom lamps good for reading? Most are made for ambient light, with the shade directing light down onto the table rather than across a page. They're best for setting the mood in a bedroom or living room.

How long does a rechargeable mushroom lamp last? Ours run for up to 12 hours on the lowest brightness setting, with shorter run times at full brightness, and recharge in about 2 to 3 hours.

Can I use a cordless mushroom lamp outside? They're great for an evening on a covered balcony or patio, but they aren't water-resistant, so keep them out of the rain and bring them back inside afterwards.

Are these original designer lamps? No. Lamp Boy's mushroom lamps are our own designs inspired by mid-century classics, and they aren't made by or affiliated with the original manufacturers.

For styling ideas, read Mushroom Lamps: Why This Retro Shape Works So Well, or browse all portable lamps and table lamps.