Guest Picks: Exposed Bulb Lighting
Celebrate the filament bulb with 20 stylish lighting options
I am a freelance prop stylist based in London. As well as writing and styling for magazines and commercial clients, I also author a daily blog, Bright.Bazaar, which details my appreciation for colourful design.
I am a freelance prop stylist based in London. As well as writing and styling... More »
Exposed lighting has been enjoying a steady resurgence in popularity over the past year or so. No surprise then that big brand decorating stores on both sides of the Atlantic — namely, West Elm and John Lewis — are embracing the trend, with filament lighting featuring across both of their fall and winter collections.
I think the look works best in multiples; cluster together a series of simple drop pendants or line up a trio of table lamps along a sideboard, using different shape bulbs to add interest. Will you be adding any exposed bulb pendants to your home's lighting? — Will from Bright.Bazaar
I think the look works best in multiples; cluster together a series of simple drop pendants or line up a trio of table lamps along a sideboard, using different shape bulbs to add interest. Will you be adding any exposed bulb pendants to your home's lighting? — Will from Bright.Bazaar
I like the plated nickel part of these globe pendant lights — the change in material adds a new dimension to the design. There's also a delicacy to the globe design that softens the harshness of the exposed bulb element.
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| Pottery Barn aptly describes this nautical fixture as being handsome, and isn't it just? I love how the graphic, elongated shape of the bulb area serves to frame the exposed filament bulb. This is my favorite pick of the lighting market at the moment! Private Comment
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Cluster pendants have always been a favorite of mine, but this new addition to the West Elm line-up is right up there at the top of my must-have list. I would love to hang this above my dining table.
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This pendant shade is perfect for adding romantic glamour to a space. I think it would work really well hung in the bedroom.
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Simple, modern and yet somewhat vintage in its feel, the Mattias Stahlbom E27 Pendant Light plays on the trend of revisiting the past through design. I would cluster several together with different color cords for a multicolor statement.
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This wire pendant with exposed bulbs is overflowing with vintage French charm. I'd like to hang these over a rustic farmhouse-style table.
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| If you're keen to work the exposed bulb trend into track lighting, then these industrial-style bulbs are the perfect fit. I'd like to hang a line of these over a kitchen island. Private Comment
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The vintage brass with brass rod and twisted red cloth cord creates a striking feature for your walls. I like how the cord twists through the shape of the sconce.
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This oversized 'watt' pendant is not only great value but it's also cleverly designed — notice how the shape of the design echoes the shape of the bulb.
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If you love this season's trend for exposed bulbs but you're renting or aren't looking for a new pendant, then bring the look into your home with this quirky wall sticker from Ferm Living — I think they are great fun!
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This Satellite sconce has a charming and traditional feel to it — I'd like to have one of these on either side of my front door.
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The red cording on this exposed bulb pendant adds a youthful dash of color — perfect for adding warmth to an all-white scheme.
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I like this industrial chandelier for its modern twist that allows you to suspend five glass globes from one black iron bar.
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Made by Davey Lighting, which was established during the 19th century as a marine lighting manufacturer, this pendant combines excellent craftsmanship with the finest raw materials. It not only looks robust but is made in England to a very high quality — a good investment piece for sure!
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| The burnished copper finish is what sells this pendant shade to me; the peek of the bulb showing underneath adds intrigue to the design. Private Comment
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There's an air of elegance and simplicity to the Gloria pendant light from John Lewis — perfect if you favor minimalist decor.
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I bought a slightly smaller version of this photographic lamp by Alex Dreyer a few seasons ago, but it now comes in a giant size that makes for a great statement piece. I like how the faceting on the interior of the shade diffuses light in all directions.
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There's a playful element to this exposed pendant cluster that I like — I think it's the way each globe is fixed at a different height.
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I love that these pendants were inspired by antique glass jars for their softly glowing, industrial-chic feel. The green and gray colors are also reminiscent of antique glass jars. I think they work best as a trio, but one hung in a small alcove could look good too.
Next: More guest blogger product picks
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Next: More guest blogger product picks
Comments
susieqdesignstudio says:
Here is the question, is it rumor or fact that the incandescent light bulb is going to be outlawed in a few years? If it is true, how are we going to light all of these gorgeous fixtures? Are there lobbyists fighting the government to keep our gorgeous filament light bulbs.
9 months ago ·
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collins design says:
I absolutely love this look, but have serious reservations. Can anyone who actually HAS fixtures like this weigh in? I'm concerned about the type of light these give off. Are they too glaring? harsh? Is the light too soft? Can they be used, for example, as task lighting over a kitchen island or are they more for atmosphere? I also have the same concern as susieqdesignstudio, above: what happens when incandescents are phased out?
9 months ago ·
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Will Taylor says:
Hi susieqdesignstudio and staceyneil,
Re: phasing out of incandescent bulbs, I found this piece on wikipedia with various dates for countries across the world, which might help a little?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase-out_of_incandescent_light_bulbs
Re: the type of light they give off. Well, I have one Cadex bulb (similar to the Edison bulb) in my apartment and it gives off a soft, golden glow, but is more suited to creating atmosphere than task lighting. That said, a group of say six or so would cummulatively provide much stronger light.
Re: phasing out of incandescent bulbs, I found this piece on wikipedia with various dates for countries across the world, which might help a little?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase-out_of_incandescent_light_bulbs
Re: the type of light they give off. Well, I have one Cadex bulb (similar to the Edison bulb) in my apartment and it gives off a soft, golden glow, but is more suited to creating atmosphere than task lighting. That said, a group of say six or so would cummulatively provide much stronger light.
9 months ago ·
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Pegasus Lighting says:
susieqdesignstudiom, staceyneil, and brightbazaar:
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) is the law related to the "phaseout" of incandescent light bulbs. It technically doesn't ban standard incandescent light bulbs - it simply sets new standards in efficiency. Today's 100 watt A-line light bulb will no longer be on the marketplace come January 2012 because it does not meet the standards. However, there are a number of comparable replacements available.
Basically, the law was designed to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by pushing lighting manufacturers to come up with more innovative products that deliver the same quality of light but use less energy to do it.
In July, there was a Republican-sponsored bill seeking to eliminate the portion of EISA 2007 that requires incandescent light bulbs to be 25-30 percent more efficient. However, that bill did not pass in the House of Representatives.
Shortly after that Republican-sponsored bill did not pass, another amendment to EISA 2007 was introduced that DID pass. The amendment denies funding to implement the federal light bulb efficiency standards.
Right now, the future of the incandescent "phaseout" is a little unclear. The law still calls for more efficient light bulbs, but the funding to implement them has been denied.
Here's the latest on the political pulls regarding this topic: http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/07/political-pulls-with-energy-efficient-lighting/
Also, for an overview of EISA 2007, check out these blog posts ... I wrote a series explaining the changes:
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/truth-lies-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-1/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-fine-print-explained-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-2/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-inclusions-exceptions-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-3/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-replacement-contenders-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-4/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-expected-impact-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-5/
Hope that helps make things a little more clear!
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) is the law related to the "phaseout" of incandescent light bulbs. It technically doesn't ban standard incandescent light bulbs - it simply sets new standards in efficiency. Today's 100 watt A-line light bulb will no longer be on the marketplace come January 2012 because it does not meet the standards. However, there are a number of comparable replacements available.
Basically, the law was designed to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by pushing lighting manufacturers to come up with more innovative products that deliver the same quality of light but use less energy to do it.
In July, there was a Republican-sponsored bill seeking to eliminate the portion of EISA 2007 that requires incandescent light bulbs to be 25-30 percent more efficient. However, that bill did not pass in the House of Representatives.
Shortly after that Republican-sponsored bill did not pass, another amendment to EISA 2007 was introduced that DID pass. The amendment denies funding to implement the federal light bulb efficiency standards.
Right now, the future of the incandescent "phaseout" is a little unclear. The law still calls for more efficient light bulbs, but the funding to implement them has been denied.
Here's the latest on the political pulls regarding this topic: http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/07/political-pulls-with-energy-efficient-lighting/
Also, for an overview of EISA 2007, check out these blog posts ... I wrote a series explaining the changes:
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/truth-lies-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-1/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-fine-print-explained-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-2/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-inclusions-exceptions-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-3/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-replacement-contenders-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-4/
http://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/03/the-expected-impact-the-incandescent-phase-out-part-5/
Hope that helps make things a little more clear!
9 months ago ·
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Valerie Kilpatrick says:
I hope that IF the incandescent bulb does get outlawed, someone will have come up with a suitable imitation that meets the proper standards. Meanwhile, I plan to get some of these. They are AWESOME. ps I LOVE brightbazaar!
--Valerie
--Valerie
8 months ago ·
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