If you’re working on a home remodeling project and leaning toward a vintage, old-fashioned, or Victorian lighting look, you should talk to your electrician about Edison bulbs. While they have the visual characteristic of antique lights, they are updated to accommodate contemporary electrical needs. To learn more about them, take a look at the brief guide below.

What Are Edison Bulbs?

Edison bulbs are named and modeled after the Edison Electric Light Company bulbs that were introduced at the end of the 19th century. Also referred to as antique filament light bulbs, they contain long, complex filaments, which are the string-like formations that radiate light inside a lightbulb. Typically made of carbon or tungsten, these filaments cause the bulb to produce a warm and yellow hue.

What Are Their Pros & Cons?

Due to their antique look and warm yellow luster, Edison bulbs can turn a bland white room into a cozy and inviting living space. These bulbs look great in dens and breakfast nooks, for example, as well as mudrooms, finished basements, bathrooms, home bars, and dining rooms.

Another benefit is the fact that these bulbs are quite stylish on their own. They usually look best when hanging or being held by a simple rope, which means you won’t have to spend a fortune on expensive lighting fixtures.

Some electricians warn that these bulbs have a few drawbacks, however. They’re much more delicate than contemporary bulbs, as both the filaments and glass are very fragile. For this reason, Edison bulbs are not ideal in high-traffic areas with kids or pets. Edison bulbs also produce less light and tend to be less energy-efficient than modern bulbs.

What Should I Consider Before Having an Electrician Install Them? 

The first aspect to think about when it comes to Edison bulbs is the room you will be putting them in. The light they give off is warm and gentle, and while this creates a lovely cozy ambiance, it will not be terribly bright. This means they’re not ideal for illuminating aspects like kitchen counters or office spaces, where you need to be able to see clearly.

It’s also important to think about color, as soft, warm light does not typically look fitting in rooms featuring cool colors such as blue, white, and purple. Edison lights are better for accentuating rooms with rich, warm shades such as reds, greens, and golds. 

If you’re interested in having Edison bulbs installed in your home, get in touch with the skilled electricians at Stellmach Electric, LLC. For 18 years, this family-operated company has been providing comprehensive electrical installations and repair services to residents and businesses throughout Cambridge Springs, PA. Visit their website to learn more, and call (814) 282-7637 to set up an appointment today.