The lava lamp celebrates its 50th birthday Tuesday, and though it’s more kitsch than classic design, the piece remains just as memorable as mid-century furnishings from Eames, Noguchi and Saarinen.

Not much more needs to be said, man: The lava lamp "first hit stores in Britain on this day in 1963." According to The Associated Press, the groovy light "was created by British inventor Edward Craven ...