Stress Management Management Techniques The 10 Best Himalayan Salt Lamps of 2023 Turn your environment into a place of relaxation with these top picks By Elizabeth Yuko, PhD Elizabeth Yuko, PhD LinkedIn Twitter Elizabeth Yuko, PhD, is a bioethicist and journalist, as well as an adjunct professor of ethics at Fordham University. She has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, CNN, Teen Vogue, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 14, 2022 Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether it comes from work, personal relationships, or finances, stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Though everyone handles stress in their own way, making changes to your environment to make it more calming can help your mental health. Peaceful and serene, Himalayan salt lamps can be a good addition to your space if you're looking to upgrade your stress management routine. “Himalayan salt lamps are a wonderful way to promote relaxation in your bedroom, office, and home,” Katie Ziskind, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Wisdom Within Counseling tells Verywell Mind. “Now, buying a Himalayan salt lamp is not a cure all for severe depression or severe mental illness, but it can help to bring more relaxation and soft lighting into your home, which naturally helps to lower anxiety and stress.” While some claim that Himalayan salt lamps can pull allergen particles and toxins out of the air, as well as release negative ions into the air—both of which they believe improve air quality—there is no empirical research or scientific data backing that up. Still, Julian Lagoy, MD, a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health, says he would still recommend using Himalayan salt lamps to some of his patients. “Anything that helps one relax and de-stress is beneficial,” Lagoy tells Verywell Mind. “The only time I would see an issue is if somebody reports they have a serious illness like major depressive disorder or cancer, and wants to use a salt lamp as their only treatment.” A quick search for Himalayan salt lamps yields countless results, so how do you know which one is right for you? To help you make that decision, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Himalayan salt lamps on the market, and asked experts to answer questions about how they work, and what to look for when making a purchase. Here’s what to know. Our Top Picks Best Overall: UMAID Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Himalayan Glow Natural Pink Salt Lamp at Amazon Jump to Review Best Night Light: AMIR Salt Lamp Night Light 2-Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Basket: CRYSTAL DECOR Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp Basket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: Spantik Flower Shape Himalayan Salt Lamp at Amazon Jump to Review Most Creative: HeaHap Himalayan Salt String Lights at Amazon Jump to Review Best Candle Holder: Sister Candle Co. Himalayan Tealight Holder at Etsy Jump to Review Best Sensory: Sharper Image Himalayan Salt Lamp and Diffuser at Sharperimage.com Jump to Review Best for Kids: Salt Lamp Co. Heart Shape Night Light Salt Lamp at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Dimmer: d'aplomb Himalayan Salt Lamp at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Mind Best Overall UMAID Natural Himalayan Rectangle Salt Lamp Amazon View On Amazon Pros Light bulb included Dimmable rotary switch Sturdy base Cons Light bulb included is low-quality and burns out quickly On/off switch difficult to access Made exclusively from salt mined from the Himalayan mountains, the sleek black stand and hand-carved rectangular shape of this lamp are stylish enough for any room. The interior features a 25-watt bulb and a dimmer switch which allows you to control the lamp's light level. Great for a desk, a living room, office, or even a yoga and meditation room, the lamp has a calming effect thanks to its subtle pink glow. Price at time of publication: $35 Size: 7"D x 3.25"W x 7.5"H | Style: Rectangular-shaped carved table lamp | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 25-watt bulb What the Experts Say “Getting a Himalayan salt lamp is one of the many ways that you can cope with stress naturally, and also promote a more relaxing lifestyle.” — Katie Ziskind, a licensed marriage and family therapist Best Budget Himalayan Glow Natural Pink Salt Lamp Amazon View On Amazon Pros Dimmer switch Excellent value Cons Lamps not packaged well for shipping and may arrive damaged The light function on some lamps doesn’t work Weighing in at six pounds, this salt lamp is attached to a durable, Neem wood base. You have to assemble it yourself, which could be a turn-off for those wanting a hassle-free option. However, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions for a seamless setup. This budget-friendly lamp is a good option for anyone who's curious about the benefits of a salt lamp. It's made from Himalayan salt mines and it features a naturally cut surface. Price at time of publication: $25 Size: 5 x 5 x 9 inches | Style: Natural shape; table lamp | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 15-wall bulb Best Night Light AMIR Salt Lamp Night Light 2-Pack Amazon View On Amazon Pros Available in two shapes (natural and cylindrical) 360 degree adjustable plug Comes with two extra color-changing bulbs Cons Has on/off switch instead of motion- or light-sensored Can be too heavy to stay plugged into the wall Sold as a set of two, these salt lamps are great for a child’s room, a small bathroom, or used together in a large bedroom on both sides of the bed. They come with four light bulbs and two wall units for easy plug-in to any electrical outlet. Each unit contains a power switch, but the level of light cannot be controlled with a dimmer. They also come in two style options—natural rock and cylinder-shaped if you prefer a modern style lamp. Price at time of publication: $29 Size: 2.3"D x 2.3"W x 3.55"H | Style: Nightlight | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 15-watt bulb The 15 Best Tech Detox Products of 2022 Best Basket CRYSTAL DECOR Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp Basket Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 90-day money-back guarantee Comes in a variety of designs Dimmer dial Cons Doesn’t include instructions on how to use or change bulb Some customers report bad smell coming from lamp This basket-style lamp features a black, metal salt rock holder and a collection of natural-cut rocks that sit inside. The 15-watt bulb sits in the center of the basket, but the rocks hide it entirely for a look that can double as decor. Best made for areas that receive more foot traffic, this salt lamp is perfect for an entryway table or as a living room table centerpiece. The subtle orange glow also works as a nightlight or meditation light. Price at time of publication: $38 Size: 5.7"D x 5.4"W x 8"H | Style: Square metal basket containing salt rocks | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 15-watt bulb The 8 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Design Spantik Flower Shape Himalayan Salt Lamp Amazon View On Amazon Pros Comes with one light bulb installed, and a spare Dimmer switch Includes six foot cord Cons Light bulb can cause black discoloration inside lamp Tends to stop working after a few months, and company doesn’t offer warranty/guarantee This option is perfect for a table-top setting or for your office desk, thanks to its intricate tulip flower shape. Hand-carved from 100-percent Himalayan salt crystals, it can serve as a decor piece even when the light isn't turned on. The Spantik salt lamp comes with a power cord and a convenient dimmer switch. Price at time of publication: $25 Size: 5.1 x 5.1 x 9.7 inches | Style: Carved into flower shape | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 15-watt bulb Most Creative HeaHap Himalayan Salt String Lights Amazon View On Amazon Pros Comes with 60” USB cord Versatile decorating options Cons Salt lights cannot be replaced Lights are very dim Great for college dorm rooms, teenagers' bedrooms, or as a unique piece of home decor, the Himalayan salt string lights are a fun and stylish way to experience the benefits of salt lamps. These have the same orange glow as classic lamps, but the string-style lights allow the glow to be dispersed throughout the room. The set comes with 10 LED lights and a 60-inch extension cord. Price at time of publication: $16 Size: 10 salt blocks (1.2-2” in diameter) with total length of 118” | Style: String of lights | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: LED (doesn’t specify wattage or any other measure of light) Best Candle Holder Sister Candle Co. Himalayan Salt Tealight Candle Holder Courtesy of Etsy View On Etsy Pros Compact and versatile Handmade Cons Requires a candle (and a way to light it) No standard size or shape; not always possible to fit a candle inside These tea light candle holders don't require an electrical cord for use. Instead, you can add a scented or unscented tea light to the top of the base to gently warm your room. With freedom from cords and sockets, they can be placed anywhere and easily rearranged. Size: Sizes and shapes may differ | Style: Tea light candle holder | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: Tea light candle The 12 Best Aromatherapy Candles of 2022 Best Sensory Sharper Image Himalayan Salt Lamp and Diffuser Courtesy of Sharper Image View On Sharperimage.com Pros Also works as a light humidifier for rooms up to 160 sq. ft. 5 brightness settings Cons Essential oils not included Lamp itself not made of salt Activate and soothe your senses with this Himalayan Salt Lamp and Diffuser from Sharper Image. The two-in-one design produces a soothing mist to moisturize dry air in your room, and you can add essential oils to deodorize or scent your space up to 160-square-feet. Price at time of publication: $90 Size: 7.4”L x 6.9”W x 8.6”H | Style: Salt rocks contained inside lamp/humidifier (likely plastic, but doesn’t specify) | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 10-watt halogen lamp Best for Kids Salt Lamp Co. Heart Shape Night Light Salt Lamp Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Cute heart shape Nightlight with on/off switch Rounded corners safe for kids Cons Not motion-sensored (must remember to turn off in the morning) Heavy enough to fall out of the wall outlet when plugged in The fun designs of this nightlight make it a good choice for young kids. Handmade with 100-percent Himalayan salt, the hand-carved design lightly glows for any child in need of relaxation and improvement in sleep quality. It also comes with a 7-watt bulb and an easy-to-use power button. Size: 3.5"D x 3"W x 3"H | Style: Carved nightlight | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: 7-watt bulb What the Experts Say “As a new mother, I used a salt lamp next to a rocking chair in my nursery when I was nursing my infant. It created a gentle glow that was really pleasant and was less harsh than traditional lighting. My child is now a toddler, and I continue to use this lighting source during our bedtime routine to create a more ambient glow that signals it’s time to start winding down from the day.” — Amber Dunford, a psychologist specializing in design psychology and style director at Overstock.com Best with Dimmer d'aplomb Himalayan Salt Lamp Amazon View On Amazon Pros 90-day warranty after purchase Dimmer switch for adjusting ambiance Light bulbs included Cons Can arrive with some light damage Light switches and cords on some units break quickly Other than the sleek design, the main draw of this lamp is the dimmer switch, which allows the user to enjoy the lamp while it’s very bright (and ideal for a desk), or with a soft glow before bedtime. The 90-day warranty is a major plus, ensuring that even if a lamp gets damaged during shipping, the company will replace it at no cost. Price at time of publication: $45 Size: 7.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 5.75 in. | Style: Carved table lamp | Salt Sourcing: Himalayan Mountains | Illumination: Two 15-watt bulbs Final Verdict If you're buying a salt lamp for the first time, the UMAID Rectangle Salt Lamp (view at Amazon) is a solid choice. Featuring a classic design, it may help ease stress and anxiety. Plus, it comes with a dimmer switch for a custom light level. The Sister Candle Co. Tealight Candle Holders (view at Etsy) are another option if you're looking for something more unique. A great way to break away from electrical cords, they can be placed anywhere around your home. What to Look for in a Himalayan Salt Lamp Material In addition to the lamps made with authentic, natural Himalayan salt, there are others on the market made of plastic that Ziskind says are “more for the look.” Ultimately, the type of material your lamp should be made out of depends on what you hope to get out of it. If you believe that the lamp’s healing properties come from the salt itself, then be sure to choose one made of authentic Himalayan salt. However, if you’re only interested in reaping the relaxing benefits of soft, warm lighting, then a plastic version gets the job done. And speaking of material, Ziskind says that if you’re purchasing a salt lamp in person and have the opportunity to take a look inside the box, check to make sure that it isn’t cracked. “The salt can break, so sometimes people buy a lamp that is already broken by accident,” she notes. Illumination In terms of illumination, Amber Dunford, a psychologist specializing in design psychology and style director at Overstock.com, always suggests leaning towards a warmer lighting scheme versus a cooler blue scheme. “Humans tend to feel more intimate and self-disclose more under warm light, making it a great choice for achieving a calming and relaxing space,” she tells Verywell Mind. “Our eyes tend to relax more around warm light sources and we actually look better under warm lighting, as it softens the skin tone and reduces imperfections.” Specifically, Dunford recommends choosing a lamp that comes with a sustainable warm-colored LED bulb “for a more earth-friendly addition to your space.” And because some lamps are brighter than others, get one with a dimmer switch if you plan on using it in your bedroom, so you’re able to adjust the light as you’re getting ready to sleep. Shape Himalayan salt lamps come in two forms: natural and crafted. The “natural” variety looks like a large chunk of pinkish salt: unpolished and asymmetrical, with jagged edges. It’s what you picture when you think of a Himalayan salt lamp. But because Himalayan rock salt is relatively soft, it’s easy to carve, and can be made into any number of different shapes and forms. This means you can find Himalayan salt lamps in the shape of flowers, hearts, pyramids, animals, symbols, and a number of other objects. Both natural and carved Himalayan salt lamps give off the same relaxing glow, so it’s up to you to pick the shape that best suits a specific room. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that if you have small children or pets who may touch or run into the salt lamp, the pointy edges of a natural lamp may hurt more in an accident. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of a Himalayan salt lamp? The primary benefit of a Himalayan salt lamp is to help promote relaxation and stress-reduction, according to Lagoy. “I think that the glow of the salt lamp helps change the room to a relaxing place,” he explains. “It is all part of creating a soothing experience in the home, which is important. Anything in the environment that can help promote relaxation is definitely worth having in a room where you want to destress, even if the thing is not directly doing anything.”Consequently, Lagoy says that stress relief is vital and helps preserve your body and your brain. “Your body will release oxytocin and lower levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone,” he explains. “This will help your body relieve fatigue, headache and muscle pain. This decreases stress on your brain which improves cognition and decreases risk of mental illness.”In addition, Dunford says that the muted light Himalayan salt lamps give off can have a calming effect in a bedroom, and provides a great way to cue the brain that it’s time to begin your bedtime routine. “It could also be a relaxing alternative to candles around a bathtub,” she notes. “It offers an alternative to the harsh overhead lighting and promotes relaxation.” How do you clean a Himalayan salt lamp? According to Jenelle Kim, DACM, LAc, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, you can clean your lamp with a damp cloth, and then let it air- or sun-dry.But given that authentic Himalayan salt lamps tend to sweat in humid areas, Ziskind says that it’s also important to understand that the salt sweat can stain, and recommends keeping a washcloth or a dry clean towel underneath your lamp, just in case. “Keeping the light on will help reduce sweating and keeping it out of the sun can help, too,” she explains. “Ensuring you have your Himalayan salt lamp on something will help to protect wherever it is sitting from the salt it might melt off of it.” Are Himalayan salt lamps safe? For most people, Himalayan salt lamps are completely safe, Kim says. “That being said, I always recommend anyone with a pre-existing condition to discuss with their doctor before adding anything to their routine,” she explains, “whether it’s a health or wellness supplement, or something as grounded in ancient medicine as a Himalayan salt rock, just to make sure it’s right for them.”And while Kristine Ovsepian, CHT, a certified hypnotherapist who has used Himalayan salt lamps in practice, agrees, she also notes that as with any electric lamp, they “should be kept away from sinks and bathtubs,” and never submerged in water. How do Himalayan salt lamps work? Himalayan salt lamps work by producing the kind of soft, warm light that many people find calming and relaxing. “Humans are instinctively drawn towards warmer light sources,” Dunford explains. “In our ancestral past, the warm glow of a fire provided warmth and a resource for cooking food. We retained this instinct as we evolved and continue to gravitate towards similar feeling lighting today.”Along the same lines, Lagoy says that some find having the soft glow of a Himalayan salt lamp inside their home soothing and healing. “Being in nature or around objects that remind one of nature can help an individual de-stress,” he explains. How long should you leave a Himalayan salt lamp on? According to Kim, those who believe that Himalayan salt lamps improve air quality recommend leaving them on continuously—or at least all day, or all night, for a minimum of 12 hours—to feel the benefits. Otherwise, if you’re using the lamp to make a room more relaxing, simply keep it on while you’re using it.Take the bedroom, for example. “Let’s say you want to replace a fluorescent light and an overhead light with something more soft and calming,” Ziskind says. “A Himalayan salt lamp is a great choice for your nightstand.” Although, as she points out, it will not provide as much (or, in some cases, sufficient) light for reading, it’s a soothing way to end your day, eventually turning the lamp off before you drift off to sleep. Why Trust Verywell Mind As a seasoned health writer and editor with a special focus on mental health and well-being, Elizabeth Yuko understands how powerful stress-relieving activities can be for many people—as well as the fact that they’re not one-size-fits-all. With decades of first-hand experience dealing with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, she’s always on the lookout for new (and research-backed) products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with stress and other mental health challenges. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit