The days of basic, practical light bulbs are over! Carbon filament bulbs mark the start of a new era in lighting design for homes and businesses.
Carbon filament bulbs, often known as old fashioned filament bulbs, squirrel cage bulbs or Edison bulbs (named after their inventor), are bringing a retro and elegant design to lighting once again. Because of their industrial beauty and warm, soothing ambience, these bulbs have enjoyed a recurring comeback every few years since the 1980s.
Edison bulbs, unlike normal bulbs, have a looser, visible filament that comes in several designs, including:
The filament is strung vertically from top to bottom to imitate the bars of a squirrel cage (top right).
Spiral: These bulbs have a spiral filament that is tightly wound.
Hairpin: These filaments have a hairpin shape (also known as a hairpin).
A filament with three or four vertical loops is called a loop (bottom right).
Christmas tree: The zig-zag shape of the filament in these bulbs is reminiscent of the shape of a Christmas tree.
Carbon filament bulbs have a long history
Carbon filament bulbs (commonly known as Edison bulbs) were invented by British inventor Sir Joseph Wilson Swan in 1850 and named after Thomas Edison. Sir Swan’s early efforts and published research, combined with those of other scientists, eventually led to Edison’s revolutionary invention: a long-life bamboo filament bulb.
Edison patented a prototype carbon filament bulb in 1879. His prototype had a power of 16 watts and could burn for over 1200 hours, but the bamboo filament was later replaced by the tungsten filament that is used today.
Bob Rozensweig began reproducing historic filament bulbs in the 1980s, rekindling an enthusiasm that grew in the 2000s with the push to adopt CFL bulbs. Edison bulbs represented a warmer, more fashionable alternative for people who didn’t like the shape or cold light of conventional CFL bulbs.
Personality Profile
The exposed filament of carbon filament bulbs evokes nostalgic feelings and adds a touch of warmth and industrial chic to any space, including homes. The light produced by these bulbs is subtle and warm, making them excellent for creating a welcoming and comfortable environment.
These bulbs are very popular in restaurants, cafes and shops because of their soft glow and amber hue, reminiscent of candlelight.
Carbon filament bulbs, in addition to their warmth, have vintage-inspired bulb shapes that mimic the original look of Edison’s hand-blown glass. Here are some of the most common bulb shapes:
Many lighting designers, businesses and homeowners prefer to leave their carbon filament bulbs exposed to create a vintage, industrial look and feel. Metal shades, wire guards and other solid lighting fixtures can complement the exposed filament and unique bulb shape, but many lighting designers, businesses and homeowners prefer to leave their carbon filament bulbs exposed to create a vintage and industrial look and feel. Try hanging Edison lamps as a simple pendant instead of hiding them in a sophisticated light fixture!
Going green
Carbon filament bulbs are less energy efficient than CFL or LED bulbs, as 90% of their output is heat rather than light. As a result, they can be more expensive, both in terms of initial purchase cost and energy consumption.
Look for a warm white bulb, such as a 2300k bulb, to mimic the look of conventional carbon filament lamps with LEDs or CFLs. Alternatively, use energy-efficient lighting as your main light source and keep your carbon filament bulbs for accent lighting.
Carbon filament bulbs in design
Carbon filament bulbs aren’t just a passing fad. They’re a great choice for anywhere, including homes, restaurants and other businesses, because of their warmth and vintage appeal.