Have you ever wondered about the Lampe Berger’s origin story? Curious ourselves, we did a deep dive into the history of this iconic lamp.

Believe it or not, the iconic Lampe Berger, recognized worldwide for its beauty and exceptional fragrances, was initially created to purify air in hospitals. In 1898, pharmacist Maurice Berger designed the first catalytic lamp with a unique system that captured and destroyed bacteria through catalytic combustion. These small lamps quickly gained popularity with the public. By the 1910s, department stores in Paris were carrying crystal Berger lamps for the home.

In the 1930s, fragrance was added to the purifying function of the Lampe Berger. Thanks to collaborations with leading glass artisans such as Lalique, Baccarat, and Daum, the lamps soon became collectors’ items. The brand’s selection expanded to more than 100 styles of lamp.

By the 1940s, Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Coco Chanel, and other notable figures had their own Berger lamps, elevating the lamp from its humble beginnings to a fashionable home accessory. After the war, crystal was scarce, so the brand adapted, using new materials such as hand-painted porcelain and earthenware. These new materials inspired new artists and a host of new styles.

The brand never stopped innovating in both its designs and its fragrances. It continued its tradition of collaborating with designers, partnering in recent years with Lolita Lempicka.

In 2018, Lampe Berger celebrated 120 years of air purification and became Maison Berger Paris. The new name reflects the brand’s continuing evolution and encompasses its range of other perfuming objects—reed diffusers, mist diffusers, scented candles, car diffusers, and more.

Maison Berger has stayed faithful to its initial raison d’être—to contribute to its customers’ well-being by improving their air. It recently developed the anti-odor line of reed diffusers to eliminate unwanted odors and the aroma collection with beneficial health properties through the use of essential oils.

Every year, Maison Berger sells over 5 million liters of fragrance and 800,000 lamps all over the world. Although it remains true to its French roots, the Lampe Berger has gone international—they’re now distributed in 56 countries in 7,000 sales outlets around the world.

Today, Maison Berger Paris is synonymous with French excellence and know-how. With more than 120 years of experience purifying and perfuming the air and hundreds of gorgeous Lampe Berger designs, consumers can count on Maison Berger to enhance their well-being and beautify their surroundings.