Cpla Moon Lamp

Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

The CPLA Moon Lamp has become an incredibly popular home decor item and nightlight in recent years. Often called a “3D moon lamp”, this magical lamp replicates the cratered surface and glow of the real moon right in your home. But with so many options, sizes, features and brands available, how do you know which CPLA moon lamp to choose?

This complete buying guide will give you all the key information you need to find the best CPLA moon lamp to suit your needs and budget. We’ll cover what CPLA moon lamps are, how they work, the different sizes and features available, where to buy them, costs, reviews and much more. Let’s get started!

What Exactly is a CPLA Moon Lamp?

A CPLA moon lamp is a lamp that realistically replicates the cratered texture and glowing illumination of the moon. CPLA stands for “Cured PolyLight Acrylic”, which is the special material these lamps are made from.

This innovative material is developed using 3D print technology to mold the detailed craters and valleys on the surface of the real moon. The CPLA material is then infused with a proprietary formula that allows it to glow in the dark just like the moon.

Modern CPLA moon lamps are also designed with built-in LED lights that shine from the lamp’s core to the surface, creating an even brighter and more vivid moon-like glow. This allows the 3D moon lamp to be used as a decorative nightlight as well.

How Does the CPLA Moon Lamp Work?

CPLA moon lamps have a spherical shape and are made of two halves that click together using magnets. Inside the hollow lamp is a rechargeable lithium battery as well as LED lights positioned to evenly illuminate the CPLA material.

When turned on, the LED lights shine from the center of the moon lamp outward towards the CPLA material surface. This makes the detailed moon-like craters glow softly, creating a realistic 3D moon effect.

The lamp’s rechargeable battery provides hours of illumination when fully charged. Most CPLA moon lamps come with a USB charging cable that can be plugged into a laptop, power bank or wall adapter.

Some models also come with a remote control to toggle the lamp on and off and change the brightness and color settings. The latest moon lamps connect to an app via WiFi or Bluetooth for smart controls.

What Sizes Are Available?

CPLA moon lamps come in a variety of sizes, usually ranging from 3 inches to 12 inches in diameter. The most common sizes available are:

• 3 inch – Best as a nightlight or for desktops
• 5 inch – A popular mid-size model, good for shelves
• 7-8 inch – The most common large size, ideal for tables
• 10-12 inch – Extra large premium models that make a statement

Larger moon lamps naturally cost more, but also provide brighter illumination and are more of an eye-catching decorative piece. Smaller 3-5 inch moons are more affordable and better suited as kid’s nightlights.

Is the CPLA Moon Lamp Rechargeable?

The vast majority of CPLA moon lamps are rechargeable using a USB cable, which makes them convenient and eco-friendly. Charging time is usually 2-4 hours from empty to full battery.

Some cheaper moon lamps may use disposable button cell batteries, but rechargeable lithium batteries are much more common in quality CPLA moon lamps. The battery housing is cleverly concealed within the hollow interior of the lamp.

When shopping, be sure to check the product details to confirm the lamp comes with a rechargeable battery and USB cable. This avoids any nasty surprises and extra costs down the track when the batteries run out.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

With the latest battery technology, most CPLA moon lamps will provide 8-12 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Lower quality lamps may only last 3-6 hours.

Factors like the lamp’s brightness setting, size, age and battery condition will affect its running time. Using lower brightness settings will help conserve battery life. Larger moon lamps generally have bigger batteries capable of longer runtimes.

Ideally, a moon lamp’s battery should last through the entire night on medium or low brightness as a nightlight. Look for those offering 10 hours or more per charge for the best experience.

Where Can I Buy a CPLA Moon Lamp?

CPLA moon lamps are stocked by retailers worldwide, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the best places to find them:

• Online – Amazon, eBay and specialty online retailers have the largest selections. Watch for discounts and coupons.
• Home Goods Stores – Stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Cost Plus World Market. Limited choice but you can see before buying.
• Electronic Stores – Big box stores like Best Buy and Fry’s sometimes carry them seasonally.
• Gift Shops – Museum shops, Hallmark stores and gift boutiques may also stock moon lamps.

For the biggest selection, lowest prices and easiest comparison, buying a CPLA moon lamp online is usually best. Reputable online retailers also tend to have better return policies if needed.

How Much Does a CPLA Moon Lamp Cost?

CPLA moon lamps range in price from about $20 to $100 depending on the size, features and brand. Here are some typical price ranges:

• Small 3-5 inch moons – $20 – $40
• Medium 6-8 inch moons – $30 – $60
• Large 9-12 moons – $50 – $100+

Shopping online, reading reviews and looking for deals can help find quality moon lamps at lower price points. Be wary of ultra cheap lamps under $20 which may have quality issues or not last.

While more costly, larger premium CPLA moon lamps often have better quality, brighter illumination, long battery life and smart controls. Expect to pay $70+ for these high end models with extra features.

Does it Come With a Remote Control?

Many CPLA moon lamps come with an IR remote control for easily changing the color, brightness and on/off power without touching the lamp. This allows controlling the moon lamp from across the room.

Remotes are very convenient but not essential. Lower cost moon lamps often won’t include a remote. If the remote feature appeals to you, be sure to check it’s included before buying.

Instead of remotes, some newest CPLA moon lamps can connect to smartphone apps via Bluetooth or WiFi. This allows similar remote control functions through your phone or smart speaker.

Can the Lamp Change Colors?

Most CPLA moon lamps are capable of displaying multiple colors, rather than just white or yellowish light. Using the controls or remote, you can typically cycle through different colors and tones.

Common colors include white, yellow, pink, green, blue and purple. Some moon lamps have a rainbow color-changing mode. The number of color options varies between models, with higher end lamps offering more custom lighting modes.

So in short, the ability to change colors is a standard feature on CPLA moon lamps to suit your mood or home decor. Just check how many colors are available if this matters to you.

What Materials Are Used?

As outlined above, CPLA moon lamps get their name from being made of Cured PolyLight Acrylic. This advanced plastic-like material is developed specially to mimic the lunar surface texture when molded using 3D printing technology.

The CPLA material needs to be tough yet translucent to allow the LED lighting to pass through and create an even glow. Quality moon lamps use shatterproof, durable CPLA that won’t crack easily.

The outer shell halves click together magnetically for easy assembly. Inside is a hollow cavity housing the battery, wiring and LED lights. Look for lamps made of high quality materials for longevity.

How Do You Clean and Maintain It?

CPLA moon lamps are relatively low maintenance, but occasional cleaning is recommended for keeping them looking their best. Here are some tips:

• Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust the surface if needed
• If dirtier, dampen a cloth with water and mild soap then wipe gently
• Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol that may damage the CPLA
• Recharge regularly even when not in use to maintain the battery
• Don’t leave in direct sun or high heat areas as this can damage electronics
• Handle gently and avoid drops or sharp objects that could crack it

With occasional cleaning and care, a quality CPLA moon lamp should last for years of enjoyment.

Is the CPLA Moon Lamp Good for Kids?

With their captivating moonlight glow and cool space-like design, CPLA moon lamps understandably appeal to kids. The smaller 3-5 inch lamps make great nightlights for children’s bedrooms.

There are a few considerations for using moon lamps around children:

• Choose a shatterproof model so it won’t break if knocked over
• Place out of reach of very young kids who may grab at it
• Ensure the lamp and cord meet child safety standards
• Select a model with physical controls rather than remote only
• Supervise use and teach kids to handle with care

Provided basic precautions are taken, the soothing glow of a CPLA moon lamp can help kids ease off to sleep. Just be sure to choose a sturdy, child-safe model.

What Do Customer Reviews Say?

CPLA moon lamps from quality brands generally receive very positive reviews online. Most customers praise the realistic 3D moon effect and enjoyable glow. Popular feedback includes:

• Provides a calming ambiance, great as a nightlight
• Easy to use and control with the included remote
• Quality construction and materials for longevity
• Fun and decorative for kids’ rooms or birthday gifts
• Battery lasts through the night on lower brightness

When negative reviews occur, it’s usually regarding cheaper lamps with poor battery life or flimsy construction prone to breaking. This demonstrates the importance of buying well-reviewed models from reputable brands.

How Bright Is the Moon Lamp?

The brightness of CPLA moon lamps depends on the size, quality and settings used. Most provide adjustable brightness levels ranging from low nightlight-style mood lighting, up to a stronger full moon beam.

Typical brightness capabilities include:

• Low – 5-20 lumens (very soft glow for nightlight use)
• Medium – 20-100 lumens (moderate room lighting)
• High – 100-300+ lumens (full brightness equivalent to a standard bulb)

For comparison, a full moon on a clear night is around 1 lux or the equivalent of 1 lumen. So even on low settings, CPLA moon lamps produce realistic moon-like brightness your eyes would experience outdoors.

Can It Be Used as a Nightlight?

One of the most popular uses for CPLA moon lamps is as a nightlight, thanks to their gentle glow and soothing ambiance. The smaller 3-5 inch lamps are ideal as kids’ nightlights.

Important factors that make a moon lamp effective as a nightlight are:

• Low brightness settings of around 10-20 lumens
• Long battery life of 10+ hours to last the whole night
• Soft color options like yellow or white instead of rainbow colors
• Controls or remote so you don’t need to touch it once set
• Stable, child-safe design that won’t tip over

Look for these nightlight-friendly features if you plan to use your moon lamp for this purpose. Position it safely out of reach of young children.

Is the Moon Lamp Eco-Friendly?

One great advantage of CPLA moon lamps compared to traditional bulbs is their energy efficiency and eco-friendly design. Features that make them a green product include:

• Rechargeable battery avoids disposable batteries ending up in landfill
• Long lifespan of quality lamps with no bulb changes
• Low energy use with modern LED lighting technology
• Safe materials like CPLA plastic which is non-toxic

For peace of mind, check for certifications like CE, FCC and RoHS which indicate compliant, non-hazardous materials are used.

Overall, CPLA moon lamps are a much greener choice than older lighting technology thanks to their cutting edge design.

Does it Have Adjustable Brightness Levels?

Nearly all CPLA moon lamps come with adjustments to dim or increase the brightness as desired. This allows setting the perfect ambiance.

Most models feature at least 3 brightness presets – low, medium and high. Others offer incremental dimming from 1 to 100%. Check the product details for the level of brightness control available.

Being able to alter the brightness helps set a mood, use as a nightlight, or extend battery runtime. Tapping the lamp or using the remote makes it easy to adjust on the fly.

How Realistic is the Lunar Surface?

Quality CPLA moon lamps made by reputable companies do an amazing job of emulating the real lunar landscape. Using advanced 3D printing technology, they recreate intricate crater patterns across the sphere’s surface that look intricately detailed and realistic from any angle.

Cheaper lamps often have lower resolution craters that don’t look authentic. Premium models use a high density of crater detailing molded directly into the CPLA material to achieve a convincingly realistic moon surface. This level of quality is hard to convey in photos but obvious in person.

Does it Come With a Stand?

CPLA moon lamps are desktop accessories, so most do come with some kind of stand or base to sit them upright rather than just placing on the bare surface.

Common stand options include:

• Plastic base/stand – Usually white or black to match the lamp color
• Wooden base – For a natural material stand option
• Metal stand – Typically a pair of crescent-shaped arms that clip onto the moon

Higher end moon lamps sometimes even float magnetically above a premium glass or acrylic base for maximum visual appeal.

Just keep in mind that kids’ sizes may not always include a stand to help keep costs down. Make sure the lamp you choose comes with the right base for your needs.

How Does it Compare With Other Moon Lamps?

CPLA moon lamps have become the premium option compared to cheaper plastic moon-shaped nightlights. Key advantages include:

• Detailed 3D cratered surface – Realistic surface texture through advanced production
• Glows brightly when lit – Quality CPLA material illuminates strongly from within
• Rechargeable battery – No constant battery waste like cheap button cell models
• Adjustable lighting – Changeable brightness and colors
• Durable materials – Shatterproof CPLA plastic and quality electronics

Cheaper PVC or acrylic moon lamps rarely offer adjustable lighting, rechargeable batteries or realistic 3D detailing. CPLA lamps justify their higher price tag by being a higher quality, visually impressive product.

Just be wary of no-name brands on marketplaces like Amazon or Wish app that claim to be CPLA moon lamps but cut corners on materials and construction. Stick with quality manufacturers.

Our Top Pick CPLA Moon Lamps

If you’re ready to buy, here are two of our top recommendations for high quality CPLA moon lamps to consider:

Logitech Lunar

• Sizes: 5″, 7″, 9″ options
• Features: Realistic 3D details, 16 color modes, 150 lumens brightness, 12 hour battery life, remote control, shatterproof
• Price Range: $$-$$$

Moonble Under Glass

• Sizes: 7″, 9″
• Features: Glass globe display, magnetic levitating effect, app controls, 300+ lumens, 24 hour battery, realistic surface
• Price Range: $$$-$$$$

Both provide an exceptionally realistic 3D moon effect with quality design and construction for years of nighttime enjoyment.

Let the Moonlight Shine with a CPLA Lamp

With their beautifully detailed cratered texture and moon-like glow, CPLA moon lamps create a magical ambiance anywhere in your home. Now that you know what to look for, you can shop with confidence and find the perfect moon lamp to suit your budget and needs.

Position it on your child’s nightstand to ease them off to sleep, create a romantic setting for date night, or proudly display it as a captivating decorator piece. However you use it, the CPLA moon lamp is sure to add some celestial magic and charm to your home.