Edison Bulbs • Insteading

Edison light bulbs refer to those wound filament bulbs made popular by the Edison Electric Light Company. Marked by twisty and almost decorative-looking filaments of tungsten and carbonized bamboo, these light bulbs have mostly fallen out of favor due to high energy consumption.
Most homes are illuminated through compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) or light emitting diodes (LED), and we recommend these for your everyday home lighting needs. In 2007, Congress passed legislation in 2007 to require the the use of energy efficient lighting, which made many old-fashioned incandescent bulbs fall out of favor as manufacturers moved to meet the new efficiency (and regulatory) demands.

Fortunately, that wasn’t the end for Edison light bulbs.

Vintage-Inspired Edison Lighting

Edison light bulbs are still legal to manufacture, as these are classified under specialty lighting. Most Edison-style lighting created now consist of reproductions by smaller-scale manufacturers. This lighting is ideal for homes or business looking to create a vintage look, and in some cases–even run vintage electronics.

And eco-friendly folks need not despair! Edison light bulbs are also now being created using LED light bulbs and even LED-based filaments. These new energy-efficient bulbs provide a vintage look with a modern carbon imprint.

In my search to add updates to my 1940’s without losing some its retro charm, I set out to find some usable-yet-attractive Edison light bulbs.

Just the Light Bulb

Lighting Light Bulb

The smoke colored dome and twisted filaments create a lightning-in-a-storm effect. Via Etsy seller FernwehWoodworking.

Squirrel Cage Filament Light Bulb

I have no idea what kind of squirrel this was meant to corral, but the multiple filament strings provide a nice glowing column of light. Via Amazon.

Amber Glass Edison Light Bulb

This amber-colored glass provides additional warmth to the LED filament bulb. Via Amazon.

Clear-Glass Cylindrical Bulb

Both the glass and the filaments offer rounded spirals with this clear glass reproduction. Via Amazon.

Rose-filled Edison Light Bulb

Taking filaments to a new level, this rose-shaped filament provides and artistic take on Edison light bulbs. Via Amazon.

Heart-shaped Filament Light Bulb

Featuring a cage style filament, this custom shaped bulb is a true work of art. Via Etsy seller MooBoo.

Vintage Diamond Light Bulb

This glowing diamond could shine atop any oversized engagement ring. Via Etsy seller MooBooHome.

Miniature Tube Light Bulb

This teeny tiny light bulb uses Edison filaments yet is ideally sized for pendant or string lighting. Via Amazon.

Multi-Spiral Light Bulb

This light bulb flips the spiraled filaments by 90 degrees and adds some extra twirls for additional brightness. Via Etsy seller RusticlivingStudio.

Christmas Tree Filament Light Bulb

With triangular filaments that branch upward in an evergreen pattern, this look could create some excellent holiday lighting. Via Amazon.

Star Blossom Light Bulb

Chandelier-like cascading filaments set this bulb apart. The star blossom filaments shed a sparkling light on any romantic occasion. Via Amazon.

Diamond Fireworks Light Bulb

The sharp droplet top mixes modern and vintage looks to rain down fire from the ceiling. Via Etsy seller BigToy.

Starry LED Light Bulb

This LED bulb sheds a starry pattern and lasts for 25,000 hours. Via Amazon.

Test Tube Light Bulb

I wouldn’t put any chemicals in it, but this test tube-shaped bulb provides a unique silhouette. Via Etsy seller hanoverwolfen.

Dimmable Tube Light Bulb

Another test tube style bulb, this light is dimmable for varied brightness. Via Amazon.

Clear Glass Thomas Edison Style Light Bulb

This ultra-clear glass features antique-style filaments that emit a warm amber-yellow glow. Via Amazon.

Double-V Filament LED Light Bulb

This well-known light bulb silhouette features an upside down double-v shaped filament and LED energy efficiency. Via Amazon.

Spiral Globe Light Bulb

This rounded globe features a spiral tungsten filament through the center. An added feature of this incandescent bulb includes a dimmer option, to adjust the brightness. Via Amazon.

Squirrel Cage Globe Light Bulb

Clear glass allows these cage-like filaments to shine through in this ultra-round design. Via Amazon.

Amber Glow Globe Light

Ideal for bistro lighting or large tents, this amber globe light bulb provides an ultra warm glow. Via Amazon.

Flame Tip Edison Light Bulb

The filament acts like a flame in these pointed-tip candelabra light bulbs. Via Amazon.

Unusual Edison Light Bulb Lamps

Meat Grinder Lamp

Pulling the vintage theme all the way through, this cast iron meat grinder can clamp onto multiple surfaces shedding a warm glow through the globe-shaped bulb. Via Etsy seller TAATMAAKT.

Steampunk Baby Edison Lamp

Honestly, I’m just not sure what to think about this lamp–it’s a little scary.This steampunk-themed lamp is definitely a conversation started in any home! Via Etsy seller DrFrankenFinds.

Garden Hose Spigot Lamp

Some people may refer to this as industrial, but the center handle reminds me of the hose spigot in my backyard. Via Etsy seller HandMadeProjects4u.

Robot Camel Table Lamp

I love both the name and the look in this pipe-based and steampunk inspired little lamp. I think it looks kind of like a dinosaur, but then again, I haven’t seen many robot camels. Via Etsy seller HandMadeProjects4u .