glitter bug (Lava Lamps)

Member Name: starry

Product:	Lava Lamps
Date:	04/10/01 (596 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: soothing low light

Disadvantages: possible bulb replacement hassle

I bought a glitter lamp for my sister for her Xmas about 3 years ago, and it has been in regular use since. The only complaint she has about it is that after about 2 months use the bulb went, and we had a bit of a hassle getting a replacement. No one seemed to stock the right bulb, and there wasn't an info sheet to order replacements that could've been included with the product.

In the end we went to a specialist lighting/electrical shop in town, and even they had never even SEEN the specific bulb she needed.
We did get a similar one, but the lamp has not worked the same since that was installed. The glitter moves at about half the speed. Relaxing I suppose, and we have got used to it.

The glitter inside is made of little squares of irridescent plasticy stuff, and the heat of the bulb in the base unit causes the glitter to rise. Much the same principle as lava lamps, but you don't have to wait for the glitter to heat up. The full effect is reached within about 5 minutes.

The base does get very hot, as you would expect, and the unsightly sticker on it that tells you not to touch will not remove without leaving a big sticky mark, so it has had to stay. This ruins the nice brushed steel effect of the base, even when turned against the wall, I still know it's there! :)

I think that, all these gripes aside, the lamp does certainly make a statment in any modern-looking room, and the shape is uniquely retro (rocket kind of shape). The glitter and bulb strength isn't powerful enough on my model to send sparkly shapes dancing across the walls when the other lights are switched off, but it is interesting and soothing to watch.

There are many different types and prices out there now.

A good light that I would recommend, particularly for bedrooms.

Summary: