Antique Chic: Edison Bulbs
Industrial-Style Filament Bulbs Reinvent Lighting (Again)
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.
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.
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.
The home versions of the commercial look encapsulate the bulbs in a structured pendant to soften the industrial edges of the bare bulb.
A cheeky take on the use of the filament light; a bulb within a bigger shaped bulb.
Plumen 001
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.