The difference a bulb makes! The lighting in our kitchen was much improved after swapping the builder fixtures for globe pendant lights. However, we did not like the frosted bulb look that made an appearance on the kitchen mood board. The bulbs we picked out also did not do the globe pendants justice. We could not find the filament bulbs anywhere local, so we settled for clear round vanity light bulbs as a “temporary” solution. Of course, temporary for us turned into months (notice the reflections on the glass go from snow to grass in the before and after).
Finally, we popped into West Elm the other day to browse around. They always have the globe pendants on display with the edison bulbs, but they never sold the bulbs before. The first time we asked, they actually referred us to Pottery Barn, whom at the time only sold them online.
For some reason, I felt the urge to ask again if they carried the bulbs. To my surprise, the salesperson said, “Yes, they are right over here.” Score. West Elm now carries edison-style bulbs. On the box they are called tall filament bulbs. They are $15 a piece. Yes, you read that right. They are spendy, but you cannot beat the look. We were not too concerned with the price, because we will be using the bulbs sparingly. We have great recessed lighting in the kitchen and only use the island lights when we are entertaining.
I was skeptical that the bulb change would make a difference during daylight. I mean, either way it is a glass light bulb, right? Wrong. The Edison bulb is so elegant, even when off during daylight. They also, of course, look pretty awesome at night. The glowing filament adds so much ambience. The warm glow is much nicer than the glaring glow from the vanity bulbs.
For $15 per bulb, you won’t see me switching all my light bulbs to Edison-style bulbs, but for the style-factor in the clear glass globe pendants I am all in. I think the Edison bulbs are a must for any clear glass shade.
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Menards recently started carrying the Edison bulb as well for under $8.00. I agree, they have a fabulous look to them!
Ooh thanks for the tip. We are going to have to buy replacements at Menards for half the price!!!
Hi there,
The lamps look amazing in your kitchen!
I’ve beenconsidering a couple of these lights for our dining room table (which doubles as homework table,etc.)so I want something that will be bright enough to read/write and that we can then dim for dinner. How do you find the light these lamps cast? Do you think they would work for this double purpose?
I’m also thinking of using these clear halogen bulbs from Ikea: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80176123
Thanks!
Taira,
We love the look of the vintage bulbs around here, but we have extra task lighting with recessed lights in our kitchen. The Edison bulbs we have are really only good for mood lighting. If these will be the main source of light in your dining room I definitely would try the bulbs you found at Ikea. They look really cool, plus they look like they have a higher wattage…and the price is great!
I’d love to see pictures when you get them up!