Antique Chic: Edison Bulbs
Industrial-Style Filament Bulbs Reinvent Lighting (Again)
Houzz Contributor. I am an interior designer with a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless vintage decor which makes for a unique eye. I work in Los Angeles but offer e-design services nationally. Visit my website and my blog at http://www.veneerdesigns.com
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Today's antique-style filament light bulbs are named after Thomas Edison, but he didn't invent the first electric light bulb. (He did invent the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb.) Regardless, these light bulbs and their low, orange glow have become a mainstay in industrial-chic commercial spaces such as restaurants and are now becoming more readily available for creative home lighting. Here are some ways designers are working with this retro look today:
An arrangement of filament lights housed in a steel and glass fixture from Restoration Hardware mixes antique technology with modern style. The furnishings mimic this choice by pairing an old-style farm table with modern acrylic ghost chairs.
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Pottery Barn offers a popular take on the look for the home with their Edison Chandelier. The oversized filament bulbs remain exposed, creating an austere beauty.
by Niche Interiors
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Another chandelier option offers a more structured aged bronze base for a circular arrangements of exposed filament bulbs. Here they cast their orange glow over a dining area.
by Niche Interiors
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I have seen this style offered in various diameters to accompany any size of dining table.
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| This kind of lighting looks best in a kitchen or dining area. Or both. Here, the homeowner has Edison bulbs housed in glass conical mini pendants over the kitchen island and in a more formal pendant over the dining area. You can have this look by finding clear glass pendants and putting in filament light bulbs where the standard incandescent bulbs go. Just check the wattage to be sure it's right for your fixture. |
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| The home versions of the commercial look encapsulate the bulbs in a structured pendant to soften the industrial edges of the bare bulb. |
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A cheeky take on the use of the filament light; a bulb within a bigger shaped bulb.
by plumen.com
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Note: Filament bulbs like this energy-saver from Plumen are much more expensive than standard bulbs ($10 per bulb and more). But their beauty is unquestioned.
Comments
Karen Heffernan LOVE Edison bulbs - hope they're around for a while!
24 months ago · Like
Rough Linen Well, I changed out my bulbs and I'm underwhelmed - my husband keeps calling for more candles! at dinner.
24 months ago · Like
bepsf Glad you included the Plumen - Edison bulbs are MAJOR energy wasters, and we all need to conserve where we can.
24 months ago · Like
Jaime Olivastro Will Edison bulbs be included in the light bulb legislation that phases out standard incandescents? If so, what should we do about all these fixtures that use Edison bulbs?
24 months ago · Like
lasthome Be aware that when using the "new" bulbs you're adding mercury to the landfills every time you throw one away!! It's even dangerous for children or pets to be near one if they break open because of the mercury.
24 months ago · Like
colonial82 LED lights are very good, and you can achieve a similar look. The mercury thing is a little overblown. The idea that we can conserve an avoid having to build more non renewable hazardous plants (you know the ones I'm talking about) is under reported. I'm not going to powder my face w/ lead just because it is fashonable, or burn whale oil because it gives off the best "glow". Again their are many "new" bulbs (and CFL's aren't as new as many people might think). Lastly, there are people in my state that had to move their children and their pets because the air was so bad(burned their throats and eyes) because of the eletricty plant (the utility company had to pay to move the town). I'm not going to even speak upon that other situation that currently involves pets and children. Not saying you can't use thsese bulbs (especially if you offset the engery cost in some other area of the home) but forum should follow function (IMHO), and these bulbs don't fit every space.
24 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on June 2, 2011.
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