One of the most popular lighting solutions for modern homes is a vintage bulb that resembles the original electric light. Because of their resemblance to Thomas Edison's invention, these trendy lights are called Edison bulbs. If you are remodeling and considering adding one or more of these to your home decor, below is what you should know about this type of lighting.

What Are Edison Bulbs?

Also called a filament bulb, it is an electric lightbulb based on the original Edison design. It is rather old-fashioned looking, which is part of its charm and has contributed to its recent popularity. It is not as bright as a modern, incandescent bulb, so it does not require the shading those bulbs require. Therefore, the glass bulb is normally left clear.

What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Edison Bulbs?

These bulbs have enormous vintage appeal and are currently very on-trend. However, the filaments are very fragile, and the bulbs are not as energy efficient as many modern lights. On the other hand, they work well with dimmer switches—which lets you control energy use—and they have a warmer color temperature, one that is closer to natural light, than incandescent bulbs do.

Moreover, some evidence suggests that exposure to blue light—at wavelengths produced by energy-efficient lights and electronics screens—can disrupt sleeping patterns. The warmer light produced by Edison bulbs does not have the same effect.

What to Consider Before Adding Edison Light Bulbs

The individual bulbs are quite affordable. Depending on the size and the source, you'll normally pay between $3 and $11 each. This is comparable to LED and Halogen bulbs. However, the overall cost of this type of lighting may be more expensive in the end, with the increased utility costs and the cost of replacement due to filament breakage. However, you may find the slight extra cost well worth it due to the warm glow these bulbs produce.

For vintage-looking Edison bulbs, contact Wiseway Design Showroom in Lexington, KY. They are locally owned and have been serving customers from Fayette, Scott, Jessamine, and neighboring counties for 65 years. They also carry LED light fixtures, ceiling fans, and other home accessories. Visit their website for directions to their three lighting showrooms or call (859) 259-0466 to ask about pricing and availability.