antique light bulbs

Vintage Light Bulbs

Introduction to Vintage Light Bulbs

From restaurants and coffee shops to kitchens and DIY projects, antique light bulbs are just the thing to add a classic, vintage atmosphere to any space. These types of light bulbs have a lower Lumen output compared to traditional light bulbs used in household fixtures, often less than 400 Lumens. The very warm color temperature they emit borders on orange, typically around 2400 Kelvin. Because of this, vintage bulbs are designed to be purely decorative and are not recommended for general overhead lighting or reading lamps. Our selection of vintage light bulbs are also available in LED options.

Vintage Bulb Shapes

Compare Vintage Bulb Uses

There is an antique bulb for every type of fixture. Use this chart to find the bulb and color temperature best suited for your fixture.

Vintage Bulb Filaments

Incandescent antique bulbs especially have different patterns of filament that change the look of the bulb. A few of the more popular designs are:

A picture is worth a thousand words. See examples of the different filament types by clicking into the bulb shape of your choice. Not all filament styles are used in every bulb shape.

Vintage Lighting Accessories

Looking to create your own DIY antique light fixture or need to replace a few broken parts? Our selection of vintage lighting accessories has everything you need from canopy switches, lamp dimmers, sockets, and rayon covered wire to wire cages, cage pendants, and pendant sockets. All of our antique lighting accessories come in a wide range of styles, sizes, color finishes, and wattage ratings.

For assistance selecting the right bulb and parts you need to create the perfect antique lamp, contact us at 1-972-525-0501 to speak to one of our lighting experts.

Introduction to Vintage Light Bulbs

From restaurants and coffee shops to kitchens and DIY projects, antique light bulbs are just the thing to add a classic, vintage atmosphere to any space. These types of light bulbs have a lower Lumen output compared to traditional light bulbs used in household fixtures, often less than 400 Lumens. The very warm color temperature they emit borders on orange, typically around 2400 Kelvin. Because of this, vintage bulbs are designed to be purely decorative and are not recommended for general overhead lighting or reading lamps. Our selection of vintage light bulbs are also available in LED options.

Vintage Bulb Shapes

Compare Vintage Bulb Uses

There is an antique bulb for every type of fixture. Use this chart to find the bulb and color temperature best suited for your fixture.

Vintage Bulb Filaments

Incandescent antique bulbs especially have different patterns of filament that change the look of the bulb. A few of the more popular designs are:

A picture is worth a thousand words. See examples of the different filament types by clicking into the bulb shape of your choice. Not all filament styles are used in every bulb shape.

Vintage Lighting Accessories

Looking to create your own DIY antique light fixture or need to replace a few broken parts? Our selection of vintage lighting accessories has everything you need from canopy switches, lamp dimmers, sockets, and rayon covered wire to wire cages, cage pendants, and pendant sockets. All of our antique lighting accessories come in a wide range of styles, sizes, color finishes, and wattage ratings.

For assistance selecting the right bulb and parts you need to create the perfect antique lamp, contact us at 1-972-525-0501 to speak to one of our lighting experts.

Vintage LED Filament Bulbs - Incandescent Style

Vintage LED Filament Bulbs

Add a touch of vintage flare to your home or business by using these antique LED filament bulbs. Matching the look of vintage incandescent bulbs, these LED filament lamps produce the same warm light while being more energy efficient. These vintage replica bulbs have a clear glass finish to help show off the filaments, however amber tinted or frosted finish are also available. Since these bulbs typically have a lower Lumen output compared to standard LED light bulbs, they are used for purely decorative purposes and are best suited for fixtures like sconces and pendants. See if antique bulbs are right for you in this blog post: Are Edison Bulbs Bright Enough?

Antique Bulb Shapes

Available in variety of shapes, these LED filament bulbs all have their own distinct features and uses:

Vintage Accessories

For the DIY enthusiast creating their own LED filament lamp or someone needing to refurbish a vintage fixture, 1000Bulbs.com has you covered with a wide selection of parts and accessories. We offer a variety of dimmable, pull chain, turn-knob, and keyless sockets that can be used with any vintage lighting project. Need to replace an old switch or add one to a fixture? 1000Bulbs.com has pull chains, push buttons, toggle switches, and turn knobs in stock. Rewiring is a cinch with our 18/2 lamp wire, available in varying lengths.

Going for a more vintage look? Our rayon antique wire is designed to replicate the look of 1930s silk-wrapped cords and can be paired with antique plugs. Use a twisted cord to add a classic look or try a parallel cord for a more modern appeal. Cloth covered extension cords are also available with stripped ends for hardwiring or with male and female ends. Wire cages provide added protection for LED filament bulbs on exposed pendants or can replace a shade on a decorative lamp to create a more industrial look.

Are you stuck and not sure what you need to complete your project? Call 1-800-624-4488 to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff.

Edison Bulbs

Edison Light Bulbs

Edison bulbs are the most popular shape of vintage light bulb. These reproductions of Thomas Edisons first light bulb are easily one of the most recognizable of the vintage bulb shapes, featuring an oblong glass envelope with a nipple at the top. Typically a medium E26 base bulb, Edison bulbs can fit in most common household lamp sockets for decorative lighting, including lamps, wall sconces, and accent lighting fixtures.

Are Edison Bulbs Bright Enough?

Antique lighting is meant to mimic the look of classic light bulbs, which were a yellower color temperature and not as bright as light bulbs today. Typically, antique lighting is warmer than standard incandescent bulbs, giving off light between 1800-2400 Kelvin. This warmer light does not appear as bright as higher color temperature light. Vintage replica bulbs also do not usually put out as many Lumens as todays light bulbs, making them ideal for accent and decorative lighting, but ill-suited for general lighting. A 60-Watt antique bulb may only emit 400 Lumens compared to a standard 60-Watt A19 incandescent bulb that emits twice as many Lumens. You would not want to use Edison bulbs as part of your recessed lighting, but instead use them in decorative fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lighting.

Edison Bulb Filaments

Part of what make vintage lighting so appealing is the beautiful filament designs, visible when the bulb is on or off. Incandescent Edison bulbs can have a variety of filament designs, but two of the most popular are squirrel cage and hairpin filament. Squirrel cage filament is closely wrapped, with several strands of filament running zig-zag parallel with the bulb envelope. Hairpin filament Edison bulbs have thin tungsten filament running up and looping back, resembling the shape of a hairpin. Either filament design can be encased in a clear or an amber tinted glass envelope.

Can Edison Bulbs Be Used Outdoors?

Yes, standard incandescent bulbs and incandescent vintage replica bulbs can be used outdoors if protected from weather and direct contact with water. You can use these antique Edison bulbs in your enclosed porch lights, recessed can lights, and wall sconces with a medium E26 base. You can also use Edison bulbs in patio string lights under a gazebo or spanning the length of the yard as long as you take them down after an event to keep them out of the rain.

If you still have questions about whether incandescent Edison bulbs are the right look for your application, give us a call at 1-800-624-4488 during our normal business hours.