The iconic Murano mushroom lamp we love
It’s impossible to resist with its sweet shape that attracts attention around the world. The lamp that looks like a mushroom, and which has become popular for that very reason. We can’t get enough of the iconic Murano mushroom lamp, so we think it deserves a proper introduction.
Who designed the Murano mushroom lamp?
Mario Gambaro and Bruno Poggi are the ones to thank for this beautiful lamp. The two Italians designed it under the name Gambaro e Poggi for Vetri back in the 1970s with the idea of creating an unusual lamp that could stand in the homes of those who would appreciate such a beautiful, artistic table lamp. It was produced in limited numbers.
How do you recognize a Murano mushroom?
The mushroom table lamp is an exclusive piece, since it is vintage, and it requires incredible craftsmanship to make. The recognizable mushroom table lamp is mouth-blown from a single piece of glass, which, as most can imagine, takes strength and skilled hands to shape. Besides the form, there is often a swirl pattern twisted into the glass that decorates it. The pattern is an absolute delight to the eye when the lamp is lit, and it’s only enhanced by the fact that the pattern can usually be felt when hands glide over the glass. In short, it’s a table lamp that appeals to the senses.
The mushroom lamp requires a lot of work and fine craftsmanship to shape, and we can underline that it can take 10 years for the glassblower to complete an apprenticeship and work with Murano glass. It takes a long time to master the craft, and most glass techniques require enormous precision and practice. Some Murano techniques take a long time to work with before the result is finished. That’s why a Murano mushroom lamp, and Murano glass in general, is an expensive affair to deal with — but it’s also exactly what we appreciate about Murano lamps.
The mushroom lamp in beautiful hues
If you’ve fallen for a mushroom table lamp, you’ve likely also fallen for the lovely colours the lamp comes in, though they can be hard to get hold of. A vivid pink or blue lamp can make anyone happy. The strong colours draw attention, whether you see them in the living room or in your Instagram feed, where the lamp also circulates. The colours are created by adding minerals to the glass. If that colour isn’t for you, the mushroom lamp is also available in white, which is neither less interesting nor boring to look at.
Next time you see a vintage Murano mushroom lamp, you’ll know the craftsmanship behind it and that the lamp brings both history and nostalgia into the room. To the question of why the mushroom lamp is still popular today so many years later, we must answer that it does more than just provide light. A vintage lamp always brings its own history, and that gives food for thought.
There are many reasons to love the iconic table lamp from Murano in Italy, and we can’t contain ourselves when we see one. We will continue to love the lamp for many years to come.
Vintage mushroom lamps from Murano
The original vintage mushroom lamps from Murano were produced from the 1960s to the 1980s and are now sought-after collector’s items. A genuine vintage Murano mushroom lamp is characterised by mouth-blown glass with visible variations in colour and shape — no two lamps are exactly alike. At Vetro we have a rotating selection of authentic vintage mushroom lamps in various sizes and colours.
Find your Murano mushroom lamp
See our selection of Murano mushroom lamps and table lamps, or explore our full collection of Murano lamps. Want to know more about the history of the glass? Read our complete guide to Murano glass.
