How to Choose the Right Light Bulb for Your Fixture
Light bulbs are what make every light fixture work, yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. The right bulb changes both the mood of a room and the look of the fixture itself. Here's how to choose.
Vintage and classic bulbs: ambient vs. task lighting
Our vintage and classic bulbs give off a soft glow and add real style to any fixture. Before you choose, think about what the light is for:
- Ambient lighting: Edison bulbs and 29W classic bulbs create a warm, relaxed glow, perfect for setting the mood.
- Task lighting: 40W and 43W classic bulbs are bright enough for reading, writing and other everyday tasks.
Edison bulbs: made for open and industrial fixtures
With their amber glass, visible filaments and brass bases, Edison bulbs have a vintage look that pairs perfectly with industrial-style fixtures. They come in tubular, globe and tapered shapes and are an excellent fit for any openwork fixture or exposed-bulb design, where the bulb itself is part of the decor.
Classic bulbs: for shades and closed fixtures
Our 40W elongated clear glass bulb pairs beautifully with a thin or openwork shade, keeping its shape and ambient glow on display.
For solid fixtures where the bulb is hidden, traditional, candle-shaped, clear glass and glossy white finishes are all popular choices. These styles:
- are dimmable with a compatible dimmer switch;
- provide 380 lumens of warm, comfortable light;
- are available in 29W and 43W versions, many sold in sets of 2.
Turn any lamp shade into a ceiling light
Love one of our mix-and-match lamp shades? Pair it with our ceiling lamp adaptor to transform it into a ceiling light. It's an easy, affordable way to coordinate your table lamps and overhead lighting.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Edison bulbs and classic bulbs?
Edison bulbs have amber glass, visible filaments and brass bases for a vintage look, and are best for open or industrial fixtures where the bulb is visible. Classic bulbs come in clear, candle-shaped or glossy white finishes and work well inside shades or closed fixtures.
Which light bulb should I use for reading?
Choose a 40W or 43W classic bulb. They are bright enough for tasks like reading and writing, while Edison bulbs and 29W classic bulbs are better for soft ambient lighting.
Are classic light bulbs dimmable?
Yes. Our traditional, candle-shaped, clear glass and glossy white classic bulbs are dimmable when used with a compatible dimmer switch, and provide 380 lumens of warm light.
What shapes do Edison bulbs come in?
Our Edison bulbs are available in tubular, globe and tapered shapes.
Can I turn a lamp shade into a ceiling light?
Yes. Our ceiling lamp adaptor lets you transform any lamp shade from our mix-and-match assortment into a ceiling light.
Ryan McDonnell