The mushroom lamp is the enchanting retro trend you need on your bedside table this year

The mushroom lamp celebrates its 50th birthday this year, and this delicious design is even more appetizing than ever before

Mushroom lamps are appearing on the bedside table of every interior-lover, but where does this iconic light come from, and why are they popular now?
(Image credit: Louis Poulsen)

When architect Verner Panton created the Panthella Mushroom Lamp in 1971, he never could have predicted that his charismatic design would not only prevail, but thrive, fifty years later. 

Today, there is a craving for the extraordinary sense of escapism that these bedside lamps offer- with the increasing desire to unwind in a mystical new environment, while physical travel remains restricted. 

In a tribute to this Danish icon, Louis Poulsen is releasing a new medium-sized Panthella Table lamp, alongside a revamp of their Panthella Mini and Table 320, in a distinctive brass metalized finish. It is its golden anniversary, after all. 

This milestone could not come at a better time for the Panthella Mushroom, as interior lovers are falling under the organic spell of this magic fungi, and our favorite designers are serving up mushroom inspired furnishings to cure our satisfaction by the plate-full.

Mushroom lamps are appearing on the bedside table of every interior-lover, but where does this iconic light come from, and why are they popular now?


(Image credit: AU Bespoke)

What makes this light so charming, and why can we expect it to be big news in 2021?

'There are two sides to the rise of the mushroom. The first has been led by that 70s Murano mushroom lamp you've seen all over Instagram and a growing interest in vintage homewares,' explains Jen Hore, Head of Brand at Trouva. 

'In the case of the Flat Mushroom Vintage Blue Night Lamp, the humble mushroom adds a playful touch to living rooms and bedrooms, predominantly through soft lighting in pastel or all-white styles.' 

'On the flip side, we've seen brands like Farelab and Bloomingville offer products in a more traditional toadstool shape,' continues Jen. 'Magical in a fairytale sense, they can offer a warm and whimsical touch to children's bedrooms and nurseries.' 

Mushroom lamps are appearing on the bedside table of every interior-lover, but where does this iconic light come from, and why are they popular now?


(Image credit: Trouva)

Furthermore, Sabina Miller, the Head Buyer at Heal's, emphasized the growing desire to take home a mushroom lamp and why they are trending now, more than ever, as Covid-19 is shaping design trends.

'Spending so much time at home has led to customers becoming more relaxed with their interior choices, creating spaces which boldly reflect their personalities. The silhouette offered by mushroom-like designs is a great way to add interest to an existing scheme and create an element of fun that will bring a smile to your face,' shared Sabina. 

Mushroom lamps are appearing on the bedside table of every interior-lover, but where does this iconic light come from, and why are they popular now?

(Image credit: Heal's)

She added: ‘As we see the first signs of spring emerge, mushroom-inspired accessories can also be a subtle way of bringing a sense of the outdoors into the home, thanks to their gentle curves paired with a simple palette of warm, earthy neutrals. Breaking up linear elements of a room with soft, organic lines can inspire a sense of calm, while the playful nature of mushroom décor will provide a subtle quirkiness.

Pieces such as the Mushroom Lamp by Ligne Roset add a twist to the typical table light blueprint, with its bright white finish offering a striking yet elegant look.'

Mushroom lamps are appearing on the bedside table of every interior-lover, but where does this iconic light come from, and why are they popular now?

(Image credit: Louis Poulsen)

The success of the original Panthella light and the mushroom-shaped furnishing, which is blooming this season, has the power to add a verdant beauty to any sized room- instantaneously.  Illuminate your bedroom, living room, or kitchen with a mushroom lamp, and admire the timeless mystery of this Danish woodland treat. 

Mushroom lamps are appearing on the bedside table of every interior-lover, but where does this iconic light come from, and why are they popular now?

(Image credit: Louis Poulsen)

The new Panthella Table lamp will be available at Louis Poulsen from spring 2021. 

Megan Slack

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team.

Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US whilst studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site.

Megan currently lives in London, where she relocated from her hometown in Yorkshire. In her home, she experiments with interior design trends and draws inspiration from the home decor ideas she observes in her everyday work life. Her favorite pieces include her antique typewriter and her expansive collection of houseplants. When she isn’t writing, she is browsing London’s coffee shops and bookstores to add to her ever-growing library, taking over the open shelving in her apartment.