The Mid-Century Floor Lamp That Is Trending In Homes Once Again (And How To Score One)

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Not to burst your bubble, but it may be time for a lamp upgrade. If you feel your space is incomplete, finding a kitchen lamp that doubles as decor is likely just what you need to bring it all together. Regardless of which room you're upgrading, the mid-century modern bubble lamp is on an upward trend (again). Originally made famous in the late 1940s by designer George Nelson, the bubble lamp comes in a range of different designs, including floor lamp models.

These hand-crafted aesthetic lamps boast a bubble-like shade and are known for emitting soft, evenly dispersed light – perfect for making your living room feel extra cozy and chic. Production of these popular lamps ended in the late 1970s but has since been revived by Herman Miller and the George Nelson Foundation to shine some light on the notable design pieces.

The soft almost cloud-like appearance of these lamps makes them a great choice for filling both intimate corners and huge empty spaces inside your home. So, if you're looking to switch things up and need some help from interior designer-inspired trends, this historic lamp could be the investment you're looking for.

A key figure in the design world, George Nelson is commonly referred to as one of the founding fathers of modernism. His inspiration for the now-famous bubble lamp originally came from a round white lamp he saw in Sweden. Taken by the unique European design, George Nelson knew right away he needed the lamp for his office. However, the steep price tag – $125 at the time – led Nelson to design his own instead.

Production for the Nelson bubble lights began in 1947. At that time, the lamps were made using a sturdy metal frame, resinous lacquer spray, and a thin layer of plastic. These materials allowed Nelson to produce the look he wanted without slapping consumers with a huge bill. Since that original prototype was constructed, several different bubble lamp designs were created, including additional pendants, sconces, floor lamps, and table top options. 

Along with the new designs came a range of new shapes, as well. In addition to the original sphere, bubble lamps soon became available in oval, saucer, and cylinder shapes, among others. During the lamps' original run, Nelson also sold various accessories for the lighting fixture including tabletop bases, swinging arms, and pulleys.

If you can't resist the appeal of this historic mid-century modern lamp style, don't worry, there are a few ways to score your own. The first option is to go straight to the source: Herman Miller, where George Nelson worked as director of design for several years. Herman Miller is the official producer of these lamps, making it easy to find the model you want on its website. The floor lamps retail for between $700 and $1,000, but you might get lucky with a sale.

To get the look without the designer price tag, find similar styles on sites like Amazon. For example, the Light Accents paper floor light set has a similar minimalist design for $50 and the Luvkczc paper floor lamp goes for just under $40. Don't forget to check your local lighting and design stores, as well. Last but certainly not least, pop into your local thrift stores. While finding a bubble lamp isn't a guarantee at a secondhand outlet, just remember all trends exist in cycles, and if you look long and hard enough, anything is possible.