Have I mentioned that one of my all time favorite books is Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano? It’s funny, easy to read, super informative, and ultra inspiring. I’ve followed tons of tips and tricks from my eco tome to make greening things up around our house a little easier. And one of the more unexpected mentions that grabbed my attention was a paragraph about salt lamps. Of course Sophie is honest and funny as she makes her case:
“Just to clear the ion thing up- negative ions are the ones we want around us. They give off a fresh, clean smell and charge the air with great energy. Consider getting a salt lamp. Okay, I know it sounds weird, but they are really pretty to look at. A salt lamp looks like a large glowing stone and is supposed to balance out the positive/negative ions so that you can maintain some kind of natural air quality. There have been scientific studies (I love scientific studies!) that demonstrate a salt lamp can increase the negative ion count by up to 300 percent. Some people put them by their televisions or computers. The bedroom will do for me.”
I had actually seen some at the state fair of all places a while back. And Sophie is right. They are pretty to look at! We’re always big fans of a natural object or five, and looks alone were reason enough to linger among the glowing amber stones lined up on wooden shelves at the fair. I was hypnotized, but John pointed out that carrying a big rock around wouldn’t exactly be convenient. So off we went to meet the goats and my love of salt lamps fell right out of my head.
Until Sophie’s mention of them…
That’s right, I fired up the ol’ laptop and hunted down the most affordable salt lamp I could find (those things can get pretty expensive if you’re not careful). And guess where it was from? Target! I made that gorgeous hunk of stone mine for just $19.99. Not bad for a 250 million year old natural salt crystal hand-chipped from the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.
And Target’s description also mentioned a few of the selling points that Sophie brought up: “acts as an air purifier,” “ideal for reducing stress,” and “releases negative ions into the air.” I don’t know if it’s all in my head, but I definitely feel more calm when my new salt lamp is on. It’s like lighting a candle except instead of flickering, it glows like a giant amber hunk of quartz. It’s sheer bliss I tell ya. And even when it’s not on, it’s definitely a gorgeous home accessory.
Here’s a shot of the whole media cabinet with my happy little salt lamp now living at the end. I figure since I spend 99% of my day in the den (where I work and also hang out with John when he gets home) it’s the best place to benefit from a little salt lamp therapy:
And I’m certainly crossing my fingers that its air-purifying effect will help with the impending allergy season (I get hammered for about two months and I’m hoping my new salt lick- er lamp- will soften the blow).
While we’re on the subject of allergies, do you guys have any helpful hints to share? I’ve heard everything from local honey (the theory is that bees work a bit of pollen into the honey which you eat and gain immunity) to stinging nettle supplements (which are said to act as a natural antihistamine). I’m someone who has dutifully tried Claritin and Allegra and have experienced zero relief from either of them, so I’m desperate! Hook a soon-to-be-itchy-eyed-sniffly-nosed girl up.
Wanna learn more about everything from better air-quality to non-toxic makeup and hair dye? Check out “Gorgeously Green” and take notes all over the margins (my copy has more tabs than some of my old Domino magazines).
Tam says
I love to read tried facts. We’ve also tried the netti pot and found the sinus rinse to be much more effective(used 2x’s daily) and easy to use as I’m one who can’t do nose sprays well at all but love this and the results. Also try not to wear shoes in the home that are worn outside–wipe burgers paw pads off when he comes in–shower at night–use the air conditioner during flair up season–we even purchased pillows that you can wash every few months vs. replacing them–let me know if you need the site (they are more expensive upright but will last a long time-they are incredible) –A good vacume as mentioned above. Wouldn’t it be neat to start a web/blog site with health ?’s and viewers post “what’s worked for me”.
Elizabeth says
Never heard of a salt lamp – very interesting.
I have, sadly, heard of allergies. As a major sufferer in the south (Atlanta) I have been on or tried almost everything.
I did allergy testing and found I was severely allergic to everything (!) except willow trees and dogs. Did allergy shots for 2 years and had 2 sinus surgeries to help with structural things (and clean out – ewww – sorry).
The doctor had me on Singular, which is actually an asthma medication but when taken every day has been known to help suppress some allergies. Did it for a few years but still had major flare ups in Spring and Fall. my holy grail Chlor-Trimeton D was taken off the market because it contained that drug that gave kids strokes, but then we found ZyrtecD and wow – it works unlike anything I have every tried. Awesome. I take it daily and if I miss one day, when I wake up the next AM, my eyes are swollen,etc – I really feel it. Wish it was less expensive but if you have Walgreens their store brand is the same thing.
Some people love the neti pot/irrigation thing. It is very hard for me to do but if I do get a cold or congestion, suffer through it and it helps, some.
Zyrtec D – try it. Trust me.
Wendy says
Great post! I’ve never heard of a salt lamp, but I really love the way it looks! I just found your blog last week and I really love it. I’m currently obsessing over your laundry room and I’m definitly going to do something similar. I’m in the process of transforming my closet into an office, have pics on my blog of the process – just starting!
Amy says
I just got a salt lamp for Christmas! I’m thinking about getting more… there are so many places they would look nice. For allergies, I have 2 tips that have helped me –
1) use a Q-tip to line the inside of your nose with vaseline – it creates a barrier to irritants
2) for an inexpensive air filter – get a heavy-duty AC filter (available at your local hardware store), and duct tape to a floor fan. I live in LA and this fan trick has helped a lot with my indoor air quality… until I can move closer to the ocean ;)
Katie says
Hey I just wanted to share that I found one of these awesome salt lamps at my local TJ Maxx for NINE DOLLARS (well it was 9.99)!!!!! I live in Newport News. I think I may go back tomorrow for another for the home office and my bedroom :D You may want to check your tj maxx and see if they have them in!
YoungHouseLove says
Awesome! Thanks so much for the heads up!
xo,
s
Megan says
Hi… I know this is an older post, but I’m a new reader (going through every post. Love that next button!) so I thought I would offer up some allergy advice.
I’m from California, and we have bees. LOTS of bees. So i don’t know what the situation is in Richmond…. But if you want a organic way to help your allergies, find a local apiary and get local honey. Put the honey in tea or try to eat a spoonful a day. The more local the better, since the bees make their honey with the local pollen, which is what will help you build a tolerance. Most apiaries send off their honey, but lots of them will keep some and bottle their own. Just make sure it is all natural, unprocessed honey in your area, and you’ll be good to go! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Megan,
Thanks so much! This is actually one of the methods I’ve tried each spring but the jury is still out whether it works for me. I actually go to a local farm and get the honey straight from the bees but my allergies have yet to calm down (even after a spoonfull a day for a few years now all allergy season long). I may just have a very bad case of them. Oh well, thanks for the tip! Maybe this year will be the year that it actually kicks in and gives me some relief…
xo,
s
Andrea P says
Hey Sherry!
Hope your allergies are behaving this year!
Just wondering if you have an updated review of owning a salt lamp now. I don’t have any allergies, but I wanted to know if you thought it did what it claimed (ie – smells, energy, etc).
Do you find it over heats? How often do you turn it on & for how long each time?
I would love your thoughts as a newbie to salt lamps!
Thanks :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Andrea,
My allergies are much much better this year, but it could actually be because I’m prego (isn’t that weird? I’m much less sniffly and itchy!). I do put the salt lamp on for a few hours in the evening and also run our air purifier (here’s the link about that) which also helps- and this year we were much more careful about leaving doors and windows closed during the highest pollen days so all that gross stuff didn’t waft into the house. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Andrea P says
Thanks for the quick response! So glad your allergies are better this year :)
I don’t have any allergies, but I wanted to know if you thought it did what it claimed (ie – remove smells, give energy, etc).
Do you find it over heats or gets too hot on your furniture?
I am interested in buying one, but I don’t know of anyone who owns one in person! Thanks so much :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Andrea,
I’m not quite sure. It definitely doesn’t hurt but I wouldn’t testify in court that I definitely feel more energetic and that the house smells cleaner. It just makes me happy to see that subtle glow, and I actually placed it on a thin cork coaster instead of right on my TV stand and there have been no overheating issues at all. It has even been placed right next to plants and it doesn’t dry them out of “burn” them so it really doesn’t give off much heat. Just that gentle glow I described. Very scenic indeed. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Andrea P says
Sherry,
Thank you very much for the helpful response, you have really helped my decision!
Like you said, even if it does not do what it claims, at least it is pretty to look at and provides some ambient lighting :)
I was wondering if you know of a place to find the end tables you have in your living room. I love yours, and I am also loving those “Manhattan collection” end tables from Target. What are your thoughts?
Thank you! :)
Andrea P says
here is the link for the manhattan Target table:
http://www.target.com/Manhattan-Side-Table/dp/B001O01MRK/ref=br_1_3/181-6063147-5102433?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&searchView=grid5&searchNodeID=1283573011&node=1283573011&sr=1-3&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&searchSize=30&id=Manhattan%20Side%20Table&qid=
Although, that whole collection is nice….love the console table, desk, etc!
YoungHouseLove says
Our side tables are actually from Target as well- but since we got them years ago they probably don’t have the same exact thing anymore. But the ones you found are gorgeous. We say go for it!
xo,
s
Andrea P says
I’m back with more annoying questions…I really appreciate the help!
Would the target manhattan side tables look good with a clean-lined glass table? Does the metal/iron on the table have to be dark brown (or would silver or black be okay too?)
And totally unrelated, but…is you “P” monogram 11×14 or 8×10?
Thank you & have an awesome weekend! xo
YoungHouseLove says
Andrea,
Sure, they would look great! Things like that are totally about personal preference, so grab them and see how you like it. If you don’t just return them. If you do, you’ll be glad you tried. It’s all about learning what you personally love and what speaks to you.
As for the monogram, it’s 11 x 13″ in a 15 x 19″ frame opening (it’s on a big white mat). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Andrea P says
Hi Sherry…it’s me again!
Thank you for your previous answers….I have another question to throw into the mix…
If i had the Target Manhattan side tables on either side of a long sofa & a clean-lined glass table in front…do you think white round pedestal table would look okay between 2 armchairs in the same room? I know it is all about personal preference, would you/John do this? I am trying so hard to avoid the matchy look, but I don’t want to get too eclectic in the process!
Thank you YHL! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Just check out our house tour to see how we mix things. In our very own living room we have wood side tables and a glass coffee table with a wood dining table, a wood console table and then a fun light green painted bookcase next to the fireplace. It’s really all about what you like! You can also check out this post on matchy-matchy decor and of course you can always become a client so we can answer all of your questions and provide you with a full plan for your space. Good luck!
xo,
s
Kim says
I had to comment, as I just got Gorgeously Green for my bridal book shower . . . can’t wait to read it cover to cover!
Mizden says
Hey guys!
What happened to this salt lamp? I might have to wait to read a post about this later on…but I can’t haha…it’s very pretty and now I want one…I just can’t remember seeing it around the new house.
Feliz Lunes!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s sitting in the playroom. Maybe it’ll be nice in Clara’s big girl room? Or we’ll bring it back into the living room?
xo
s
Mizden says
I think that would be nice, it’s a bummer that such a pretty lamp is just sitting there unused plus from the post you are loosing those relax and pure vibes :)
Looking forward to see where it ends up…although I think it would be nice to see it in Clara’s big girl room…maybe for now it would be ok to have it in a room where you all spend much of your time?
Mizden
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, we should bring that baby back out!
xo
s
Nat says
Do you still use your salt lamp? DO you think it works?
YoungHouseLove says
I’m on the fence about it. Sometimes I felt like it worked and sometimes I thought “this is another one of those marketing ploys” – ha!
xo
s