Who designed the original mushroom lamp?

In 1956, designer Massimo Vignelli created the original Fungo (Italian for “mushroom”) lamp in an attempt to eliminate the need for a lampshade. Crafted in authentic Murano glass it merged the base and top to create its distinct short, stout mushroom cap shape. It was lit from within, so the light gave off a warm and vibrant ambiance.

What era are mushroom lamps from?

One of the most popular and enduring mushroom lamp styles , the Panthella , was conceptualized in the 1970s by Denmark designer Verner Panton. These lamps are defined by their modern, organic shapes and soft light. “It’s usually made of metal and has sleek, clean lines,” says O’Brien.

What lightbulbs do mushroom lamps use?

Generally, mushroom lamps are designed to put out soft, diffused light instead of bright task lighting. Look for low-wattage bulbs, generally 3 to 9-Watt LED or no more than a 60-watt bulb.

The 10 Best Mushroom Lamps of 2023

Mushroom Desk Lamps — The Spruce / Kevin Liang

Mushroom lamps are sprouting up everywhere this year, but these fungi-shaped light fixtures are nothing new. Although they’re experiencing a renaissance right now, mushroom lamps first popped up in the 1960s and were popular into the ‘70s, according to Houston-based designer Pamela O’Brien, owner of Pamela Hope Designs.

There’s a reason for their resurgence: these squatty little lamps add personality and character to a space, complementing a variety of other decor accents in the process. “The inherent design of a mushroom lamp—with their domed shade and rounded base—works well with other current trends such as natural wood accents and houseplants,” adds O’Brien. Plus, the organic shapes, small size, and soft colors can add a playful touch to any room.

Mushroom lamps are the perfect way to illuminate a bedroom or brighten a dark corner in your family room. These lamps offer a warm ambiance anywhere you place them.

If you’re looking to follow the ‘shroom boom, we foraged for our favorite modern versions of the midcentury favorite.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Lamps Plus Felix Modern White Mushroom Dome Table Lamps Set of 2 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Lamp:

Cresswell Lighting 8" Glass Mushroom Lamp at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Luxury Lamp:

CB2 Studio Anansi Limestone Lamp at CB2

Jump to Review

Best Table Lamp:

Joy Clay Table Lamp by Leanne Ford at Crate & Barrel

Jump to Review

Best Cordless Lamp:

FLOS Bellhop Table Lamp at 2modern.com

Jump to Review

Best Floor Lamp:

Lark Iron Floor Lamp at Pottery Barn

Jump to Review

Best Retro Lamp:

Alice Glass Table Lamp at Urban Outfitters

Jump to Review

Best Modern Lamp:

Nourison 17" Modern Iron Mushroom Metal Table Lamp at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Acrylic :

Wrought Studio Chastan Acrylic Desk Lamp at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Art Deco Lamp:

Rejuvenation Glass Shade Table Lamp at Rejuvenation

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQs
Why Trust The Spruce

Lamps Plus Felix Modern White Mushroom Dome Table Lamps Set of 2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lampsplus.com

What We Like

Affordable
Modern Design
Long power cord

What We Don’t Like

Not dimmable
Light bulbs not included

Our top pick is the Felix White Table Lamps from Lamps Plus. These sturdy lamps flaunt a minimalist, modern and expensive look with a nod to midcentury modern design. The tapered metal bases showcase a beautiful true white finish, complemented by elegant dome-shaped shades that cast the light downward—ideal for reading.

These lamps lean toward the mushroom design trend without going all in. Each stands 19 inches tall, making them a great size for side tables or nightstands. Purchasers report that the lamps are easy to assemble and each uses two maximum 60-watt standard-medium base bulbs and comes with an in-line on-off cord switch. The 8-foot-long clear power cord gives you flexibility in terms of where to plug it in.

We wish the lamp was dimmable, but considering you get two lamps for a budget-friendly price, we can overlook that.

Price at Time of Publish: $120 for 2

_{Dimensions: 19 x 6 inches | Material: Metal | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Brightness: 40 Watt or 4 Watt LED}

Cresswell Lighting 8" Glass Mushroom Lamp

Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

No assembly required
Murano-inspired design
Solid construction

What We Don’t Like

Does not come with bulbs
Not overly bright

For style on a budget, consider the Cresswell Lighting Mushroom Lamp. At this wallet-friendly price, you can afford to buy more than one. The petite glass lamp measures just 8 inches tall and is available in a brown tortoise pattern or a classic off-white stripe that feels reminiscent of the original design.

This quirky and contemporary lamp is equipped with an in-line switch on a 5-foot-long white power cord. We love the fact that this mushroom lamp is one piece, so no assembly is required. We should note that this small ‘shroom puts out more of a warm glow than bright light, so you probably won’t want to use it as a work or reading light.

Price at Time of Publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 8 inches | Material: Glass | Brightness: 7 Watt}

CB2

View On CB2

What We Like

The clean, modern silhouette
High-end design
Solid limestone base and shade

What We Don’t Like

The shade is extremely heavy, making it difficult to attach to the base

Most of the mushroom lamps we looked at are made of glass or metal, which is one reason the CB2 Studio Anansi Limestone Table Lamp stands out. This lamp is also distinct because it's carved from solid limestone and shaped into a simple yet elegant silhouette. The architectural design of the heavy cylindrical base highlights the variations in the natural stone, making each lamp unique. A limestone shade caps the lamp, adding to its clean beauty.

This light is not only visually striking, but it’s also functional. The clear cord has an inline switch for easy on and off control, and the lamp's dimensions make it a perfect fit for any room. These statement-making lamps are definitely an investment, but they are durable and designed to last.

Price at Time of Publish: $499

_{Dimensions: 15.75”D x 21.5” H | Material: Limestone | Weight: 55.1 lb | Brightness: 40 Watt or 9 Watt LED}

Crate and Barrel

View On Crate & Barrel

What We Like

Easy to assemble
Three levels of brightness
Lightbulbs are included

What We Don’t Like

The touch sensors are glitchy

With its warm clay hue and matte finish, the Joy Clay Table Lamp is a great way to add warmth and whimsy to any space. This cute-as-a-button mushroom silhouette is a collaboration between HGTV star and designer Leanne Ford and Crate & Barrel. Known for her signature modern neutral aesthetic, Ford’s design can stand alone as a statement piece or look fabulous in the corner of your reading nook.

Beyond looking stylish, the iron lamp is practical, offering three levels of brightness (from dim to task lighting) and easy touch operation. Simply tap the shade or base to turn it off and on or adjust the level of light. However, reviewers report that the touch function is glitchy and can a few tries to turn it on or off.

Price at Time of Publish: $129

_{Dimensions: 12”W x12”D x 13”H | Material: Iron | Brightness: 60 Watt incandescent or 9 Watt LED}

The 7 Best Home Lamps of 2023 to Light Up Your Space

Amazon

View On 2modern.com View On Lumens.com View On Perigold.com

What We Like

Available in 7 colors
Dimmable
Long battery life

What We Don’t Like

Not overly bright

No outlet? No problem. You can place the cordless FLOS Bellhop Rechargeable LED Table Lamp anywhere — even outside — since you aren’t dependent on electrical outlets to power it. This unique light fixture is a contemporary take on the mushroom design, and the polycarbonate exterior makes this sleek mushroom-shaped silhouette nearly unbreakable.

The Bellhop offers up to 24 hours of illumination, with a battery status indicator under the base, and it can be recharged with the included plug-in USB charger and cable. The 4-way dimmer is easily controlled by a simple push of a button. This lamp provides a soft and glare-free light that illuminates a space more than it brightens it. There are seven colors to choose from, from bright glossy colors to a more muted matte black.

Price at Time of Publish: $325

_{Dimensions: 4.92” W x 8.27” H | Material: | Weight: 1.61 lbs | Brightness: 2.5 Watts}

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Double pull chain
Gold-lined lampshade
Beautiful modern design

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Mushroom lamps are generally table or desk lamps, so we were excited to find the Lark Iron Floor Lamp from Pottery Barn. The sculptural design of the shade reflects that mushroom shape, adding interest to your space even when it’s turned off.

The bold, black metal shade has a luxe gold interior, which adds dramatic flare to the fixture and reflects a glimmery light into the room. We’re also a fan of the warm golden brass finish on the body. Double-pull chains offer two levels of light without needing a dimmer, and the 5-foot-long clear cord disappears into the background. At 63 inches tall, the large profile lamp would fit perfectly in a larger room, and the 12-inch base is sturdy enough to keep it in place.

Price at Time of Publish: $300

_{Dimensions: 16 x 63.5 inches; base: 12 inches diameter x 2 inches | Material: Iron | Weight: 18.5 lb | Brightness: 40 Watts}

The 11 Best Floor Lamps of 2023

Urban Outfitter

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Available in 4 colors
Easy to clean
Unique patterns

What We Don’t Like

No on-off switch
White power cord

With its retro-inspired shape, the Alice Glass Table Lamp is whimsical and chic. The swirling pattern is unique to each lamp, and the glossy colors share the iconic aesthetic of the classic Murano design.

The all-glass wide domed shade and bulbous base shape give off great ambient lighting, and we adore the funky pink, turquoise, white, and cream hues this lamp comes in. One picky detail is that the cord is white; we would have preferred a clear cord, so it wouldn’t stand out as much. However, it’s a generous 7 feet long, so we might be able to overlook that. Plus, you have to plug it in to power it on — there is no on-off switch, which is inconvenient.

Price at Time of Publish: $119

_{Dimensions: 8.06 x 9 inches | Material: Glass | Weight: 3.81 pounds | Brightness: 7 Watt}

Nourison 17" Modern Iron Mushroom Metal Table Lamp

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Overstock

What We Like

Taller than average
Unique shape and design
Variety of finishes

What We Don’t Like

Bulb not included

Crafted of pure iron with a tapered base, the Nourison Modern Mushroom Metal Lamp channels the simplistic flair of mid-century modern design. Available in three neutral colors (silver, white, and gold) this contemporary lamp will fit with any style of decor.

The sturdy metal construction reminds us of the Panthella-Style mushroom lamp and the wide base gives it a touch of the Murano mushroom design. The classic domed shade casts a soft downlight glow, which is great for reading. The black cord is an ample 6.5 feet long, and the on-off switch is conveniently located near the lamp's base. This lamp looks more expensive than it is, providing great value for the money.

Price at Time of Publish: $95

_{Dimensions: 10 x 100x 17 inches | Material: Iron | Weight: 10 pounds | Brightness: 25 Watt}

The 15 Best Bedside Lamps of 2023

Wrought Studio Chastan Acrylic Desk Lamp

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

What We Like

Light can change color
Futuristic design
Durable

What We Don’t Like

Acrylic can easily scratch

The Chastan Acrylic Dest Lamp created by Wrought Studio is a fun take on the mushroom lamp. The unique mushroom shape and graceful grooves create a beautiful light pattern, and the built-in LED light provides a soft, glowing light. However, you can easily change the ambiance by changing the color with the included remote control. The clear acrylic is durable, but it does scratch easily so wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

The lamp is compact enough to move from room to room, and since it’s cordless, you can even set it up outside. The touch-activated lamp includes a built-in lithium battery and USB-C charging port and cable, and it stays bright for 8 hours will a full charge. It’s reasonably priced for the quality you're getting.

Price at Time of Publish: $56

_{Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches | Material: Acrylic | Weight: | Brightness: 3 Watt LED}

Rejuvenation

View On Rejuvenation

What We Like

Offered in two finishes
Long cord length
Includes bulb

What We Don’t Like

Assembly required
Pricey

The Altadena Glass Shade Table Lamp is a stunning statement piece that brings a touch of Art Deco style to any room in your home. The elegant opal glass shade provides a soft ambient light, which creates a cozy atmosphere. The base comes in two finishes (polished nickel or aged brass), both of which are reminiscent of the Art Deco era. However, the brass option feels more glamorous and vintage, while the nickel feels more modern.

The dual pull chains at the socket allow for adjustable light and add charm and a vintage flair to the long, vertical silhouette. They also make it convenient to turn the lamp on and off. We love the extra-long 8-foot cord length, too.

Price at Time of Publish: $339

_{Dimensions: 10 ⅜ x 17.5 inches | Material: Brass and glass | Weight: 4 pounds | Brightness: Two 60 Watt, 13 Watt Flourescent, or 5 Watt LED}

No Matter Your Style, Here Are the Best Places to Buy Vintage Decor Online

Final Verdict

With their sleek, fresh design and impressive brightness, the Modern White Mushroom Dome Lamps from Lamps Plus is our overall pick. The elegant lamps are a modern — and practical — take on the mushroom lamp trend, and thanks to their wallet-friendly price, we found them to be the best value for the money. If budget isn’t an issue, the architectural design of CB2 Studio Anansi Limestone Lamp offers an elegant, high-end version of the mushroom design.

Size

When choosing a mushroom lamp, consider where you’re planning to use it. “This is important because the lamp will be the focal point,” says Kropovinksy. “You want to make sure it’s proportionate to the other elements in the room.” He suggests keeping in mind the width of the base and the diameter of the shade.

Materials

When choosing a mushroom lamp, materials matter. Today’s mushroom lamps can be found in bright colors and whimsical shapes. “You can find them in various materials, including ceramic, plastic, and metal, which makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your space,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, an interior design studio based in New York City. Also, mushroom lamps have shades made out of the same material as the base, so it does affect the way they cast light, says O’Brien. Glass mushroom lamps will allow the light to glow through the shade as well as cast it downward.

Brightness

“Since they have shades made out of the same material as the base, it does affect the way it casts light,” O’Brien says. “Metal mushroom lamps provide a downward light, and glass mushroom lamps will allow the light to glow through the shade as well as cast downward,” she continues.

FAQ

Who designed the original mushroom lamp?

In 1956, designer Massimo Vignelli created the original Fungo (Italian for “mushroom”) lamp in an attempt to eliminate the need for a lampshade. Crafted in authentic Murano glass it merged the base and top to create its distinct short, stout mushroom cap shape. It was lit from within, so the light gave off a warm and vibrant ambiance.
What era are mushroom lamps from?

One of the most popular and enduring mushroom lamp styles, the Panthella, was conceptualized in the 1970s by Denmark designer Verner Panton. These lamps are defined by their modern, organic shapes and soft light. “It’s usually made of metal and has sleek, clean lines,” says O’Brien.
What lightbulbs do mushroom lamps use?

Generally, mushroom lamps are designed to put out soft, diffused light instead of bright task lighting. Look for low-wattage bulbs, generally 3 to 9-Watt LED or no more than a 60-watt bulb.

This article was researched and written by Maureen Farrar, a freelance writer who covers home design for The Spruce. To learn about mushroom lamps, Maureen spoke with design expert Pamela O’Brien, owner of Pamela Hope Designs, and Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, in New York City. Maureen then narrowed her mushroom lamp selection based on size, materials, and brightness, while aiming to include a range of prices and styles.

The 9 Best Cordless Lamps of 2023