Hot Air Balloon Lamp

Vanessa Weber Interior Design Expert

Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.

Updated 28/04/2021

Have you ever watched a hot air balloon festival and been dazzled by all the colors and smiling faces? If you wanted to take that home with you, we give you something simple and elegant that will keep those memories fresh in your mind. We give you hot air balloon lamps. This collection has an extensive list of fun and lovely hot air balloons to choose from.

Buying Guide

Ever since the first manned hot air balloon flight in 1783, the event has been a source of inspiration for skilled artisans in a variety of art forms. But none match the elegance and opulence of hot air balloon lamps.

These lamps became extremely popular in the art deco period when Tiffany produced a series of stunning designs using metallic frames and stained glass lampshades. In the years that followed, hot air balloon lamps underwent numerous creative iterations.

If you are looking to bring home this timeless lighting fixture, then here are some of the factors that you must consider before you buy one.

What design of hot air balloon lamp should I choose?

Hot Air balloon lamps can either be hung off the ceiling or be a freestanding one that can be placed on a side table, console table or a shelf. The freestanding ones have a base or a pedestal and are smaller in size than wall hanging ones which are available in a variety of sizes.

Each version has its own whimsical charm. But if you are looking for an authentic reproduction, then it has to be the ceiling hanging one. It mimics a real hot air balloon with a detailed envelope, skirt and basket.

That’s not to take anything away from the freestanding design though. Some of the classic vintage lamps, including the Tiffanies were freestanding ones.

What are hot air balloon lamps crafted from?

As we briefly mentioned, vintage hot air balloon lamps have metallic frames with lampshades made of stained or slag glass. The beautiful colored mosaic created by the glass casts a stunning shadow on the wall. And there’s no risk of the frame bending or cracking ever. These lamps are extremely heavy though, much like most lamps from that time period.

If you are sourcing a vintage one, ensure that you are aware of the weight. Look at the quality of the lampshade. Is it authentic stained or slag glass or has it been replaced? Other than glass, hot air balloon lamps can have fabric, paper, porcelain and mica lampshades.

How to determine the right size for a hot air balloon lamp?

If it’s a wall hanging one, then it has to be proportionate with the size of the room. Some designs are extremely ornate and can be used as a chandelier in a large hall or living room. Others are petite and better suited for bedrooms, study rooms and children’s rooms.

Freestanding ones are smaller but do account for the extra space needed for the base and the extending arm.

What additional features can I look for in hot air balloon lamps?

Some hot air balloon lamps have a swivel function which allows the lamps to rotate if there’s a natural breeze. Others have an electronic swivel mechanism which rotates the lamp when it’s illuminated.

Lamps with detailed embellishments on the shade are also quite popular. You can select from hundreds of patterns including floral designs, landscapes and motifs inspired from cultural references.

Large ceiling lamps might require multiple light fixtures and bulbs. Always check for compatibility with newer varieties of bulbs if you are buying an antique.