A mushroom lamp is a table lamp with a rounded dome shade sitting directly on a stem, so that the whole lamp has the outline of a mushroom. The dome hides the bulb and sends the light downward onto the table, which gives a soft pool of light with no glare at eye level. The shape became popular in the 1960s and 1970s and is now one of the most searched lamp styles.
Three kinds of mushroom lamp
- The retro dome. A wide metal or glass dome on a slim stem. The Bauhaus Silver Dome Table Lamp has a mirror-bright silver dome of aluminium and iron on a wooden stem, with a retro mushroom silhouette.
- The small cordless mushroom. A flat or domed glass shade on a short, heavy base, made to be moved around. The Cordless Marble Table Lamp has a solid marble base crowned with a flat opal glass shade.
- The toadstool. A decorative lamp shaped like an actual mushroom. The Amanita Mushroom Stained Glass Lamp has a glossy cap dotted with round cut-outs on a bulbous stem; warm light shines out through every dot.
Size and light compared
| Model | Size | Material | Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bauhaus Silver Dome Table Lamp | height 39 cm, dome Ø 30 cm, base Ø 16 cm | aluminium and iron dome, wooden stem | warm light or 3-colour, button switch, not dimmable |
| Cordless Marble Table Lamp | height 23 cm, shade Ø 17 cm, base Ø 7 cm | marble base, opal glass shade | integrated LED 3 W, 3 brightness levels, rechargeable |
| Amanita Mushroom Stained Glass Lamp | see product page | metal | LED, 3 light colours, not dimmable |
Where a mushroom lamp works best
- Bedside table: the light falls downward, so it does not shine into the eyes of someone lying down.
- Desk or sideboard: the 30 cm dome of the Bauhaus lamp lights the surface around it and suits spaces of about 5 to 10 m².
- Shelf, dinner table, reading corner: a cordless model needs no socket. The marble lamp runs 8 to 12 hours per charge and charges by USB-C.
- Kids' room: the Amanita lamp is offered with a red cap or a dark cap with gold-tone dots, on a wood-grain or white stem.
What to check before ordering
- Dome diameter against the width of your table: a wide dome needs room around it.
- Corded or cordless: cordless models are for indoor use and need recharging.
- Light colour: warm only, or switchable between three colours. See our guide on warm white vs cool white.
Lighting a child's bedroom? Our guide to kids' room and nursery lighting shows where the Amanita lamp fits next to a ceiling pendant and a night light.
The silver dome of the Bauhaus lamp is compared with other silver finishes in chrome and silver lamps, and the Amanita toadstool leads our guide to cottagecore lighting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mushroom lamp?
A table lamp with a dome shade set directly on a stem, giving the outline of a mushroom and a downward pool of light.
Are mushroom lamps good for a bedside table?
Yes. The dome hides the bulb and the light falls downward.
Are there cordless mushroom lamps?
Yes. The Cordless Marble Table Lamp has a built-in rechargeable battery with 8 to 12 hours per charge.
See all models in our table lamps collection.
