Hi Cassi! Yes, you will use medium base bulbs in this item. They don't necessarily have to be Edison either, that's just what was used in the item photo to create a certain look. The max wattage is 100 per socket, but you are certainly welcome to use whatever bulbs you like based on personal preference, so long as it has a medium base and uses fewer than 100 watts per bulb. (For example, you may want to use frosted bulbs if you do not want to look at the bulbs' filaments.)