Himalayan salt lamps are beautiful to look at: warm, atmospheric and calm. But what's true about the health stories you come across online? From air purification to reducing radiation: what is fact and what is myth?
In this blog we honestly compare the facts and myths, so you can decide for yourself what a salt lamp means to you.
Want to browse right away? View our complete collection of Himalayan salt lamps.
Short answer: is a salt lamp healthy?
A salt lamp is not a medical device and has no proven health effects. What a salt lamp does do is bring atmosphere and warm light into your interior:
- Warm, soft light instead of bright, harsh lighting
- A natural, unique look — no two lamps are the same
- More atmosphere and cosiness at home
So think of a salt lamp as an atmosphere and interior product.
What does science say about salt lamps?
Online you'll find all sorts of claims, such as:
- "Salt lamps purify the air"
- "Salt lamps produce negative ions"
- "Salt lamps reduce radiation from electronics"
Below we explain what's true and what isn't.
Fact: salt attracts moisture (hygroscopy)
Himalayan salt is hygroscopic: it attracts moisture from the air. You can see this when a salt lamp starts to ‘sweat’ — read more in why is my salt lamp leaking?
However, a salt lamp is not a dehumidifier or air purifier. The amount of moisture it absorbs is too small to noticeably change the indoor climate. If you have damp problems at home, ventilation or a dehumidifier is the solution — and a salt lamp is best placed in a dry room.
Fact: a salt lamp gives warm, soft light
Salt lamps give off a soft, warm light colour, similar to candlelight or the setting sun. This light is neither bright nor harsh and has a calm, atmospheric look. That's why salt lamps are often used in:
- bedrooms
- living rooms
- yoga and meditation spaces
- practice rooms of coaches and therapists
Fact: a lovely lamp for the evening
Because the light is soft and warm, many people use a salt lamp as:
- an evening lamp instead of bright ceiling lights
- a night light in the bedroom or children's room
- calm light while reading or relaxing on the sofa
Myth: salt lamps purify the air
It's sometimes said that salt lamps clean the air like an air purifier. That has not been proven. A salt lamp is not a HEPA filter and not a medical device.
If you have allergies or asthma, a salt lamp is no substitute for an air purifier or medical treatment.
Myth: negative ions cure complaints
Some websites claim that a salt lamp produces negative ions that relieve asthma, eliminate allergies or cure headaches. That has not been proven. A salt lamp doesn't generate enough heat to release significant amounts of negative ions, and it is not a medical treatment.
Myth: salt lamps reduce radiation
The claim that a salt lamp reduces radiation from phones, wifi or computers has not been proven either.
What you can expect from a salt lamp
1. Atmospheric, soft light
The warm glow instantly creates a cosy atmosphere. Lovely for evenings on the sofa, during meditation or as soft light in the bedroom.
2. Calm lighting in the evening
Using a salt lamp as evening light instead of bright ceiling lamps creates a calm, cosy evening atmosphere.
3. A durable natural product
With a warm E14 bulb and a dry spot, a salt lamp lasts for years.
4. Natural decoration
Every salt lamp is a unique piece of nature. No two crystals are exactly the same. That makes a Himalayan salt lamp a special home accessory.
Want to read more about the different colours and what they say about the composition of the salt? Read: what does the colour of a salt lamp say?
When do people choose a salt lamp?
- as ambient light after a busy day at work
- in a meditation, yoga or mindfulness corner
- for a calm atmosphere in the bedroom
- as a soft night light for children who find the dark scary
Are salt lamps safe to use?
In general, salt lamps are safe, as long as you keep a few points in mind:
- Always use a CE-certified cable and fitting, and check them for damage now and then.
- Place a salt lamp on a stable surface (they are heavy).
- Don't place it in contact with water or in a damp room.
- Keep it out of reach of pets and young children — salt isn't meant for licking.
- Switch the lamp off when you're away from home for a longer period.
At HimalayaStyling we supply a suitable, safe E14 cable with every salt lamp. Need a spare? Choose a white or black power cable with on/off switch, or browse all our accessories.
Conclusion
A salt lamp is not medical and has no proven health effects. What it is:
- Ambient lighting with a warm, soft glow.
- A natural and unique decorative piece.
- A lovely, calm evening light.
Bring a salt lamp into your home?
Curious how a salt lamp would look in your interior? At HimalayaStyling we hand-select every lamp for quality, colour and appearance.
Order a spare bulb or cable at the same time, so you can always keep enjoying the warm glow of your lamp.
