The sparkling crystal pendants are only part of the reason that chandelier light is so elegant. A lot of the ambiance cast by a chandelier has to do with the type of light bulb used in the fixture.
It makes sense that chandeliers, because they are decorative light fixtures as opposed to strictly functional lighting, typically use decorative light bulbs.
Chandelier light bulbs are available in candelabra bases and standard bases; however, most chandeliers use candelabra bases, which are narrower than standard bases used for classic light bulbs. The design of the chandelier will ultimately determine the appropriate base, but the desired atmosphere the chandelier creates will influence the type of bulb to use.
If the chandelier uses candelabra bases, then it will take candle light bulbs, which are standard tear-drop-shaped bulbs, typically near 3 inches in length and about 1.5 inches across at the widest part. They taper toward the top, and basic candle bulbs have a rounded tip. Traditional Christmas light bulbs are candle bulbs.
Putino bulbs are a type of candle bulb, but instead of a rounded tip, they have a pointed tip. Turn tip light bulbs also have a pointed tip, but the tip curves to one side.
Flicker light bulbs do just that: flicker. They give the impression of a candle flame and usually have a pointed tip. A prism bulb is a specialty bulb that comes with a reflective surface (typically mirrors) behind it so that light emitted by the bulb will display prism patterns.
Silk wrap bulbs have satin thread wrapped around each light bulb to soften the light and work well for chandeliers with exposed bulbs or low-level fixtures.
All types of chandelier bulbs come in varied wattages, so choose the wattage based on the desired effect. Higher wattage bulbs will make crystals shine even more, while low-wattage bulbs are best for chandeliers that hang close to the ground. When buying bulbs, a good rule is the more bulbs required, the lower the wattage. Also remember that the higher the wattage, the more often the bulb will need replaced.
Choosing the right light bulb will let the chandelier to shine at center stage, instead of drawing attention to an inappropriate light bulb choice.
December 8th, 2006 by Webmaster
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