Shower      06/15/2019

DIY retro lamp with Edison lamp. Blog about art and design. Photo of application ideas

Today it is a sought-after element of the interior, winning more and more admirers. Edison's lamp is far from the only example when something denied suddenly becomes incredibly popular.

Characteristics and Features

More and more advanced designers are moving away from the habit of hiding a light bulb in a sconce. Today there is much more attention than before. This happens because light plays a huge role in the interior. A striking example is the Edison light bulb, which differs in some features.

In addition to a unique design solution that can implement interesting ideas With the help of this element, lamps have many other advantages:

  1. they are environmentally friendly because they do not contain mercury;
  2. easy to use, they can be connected to a standard socket;
  3. have natural color rendering;
  4. stand out for their variety of shapes and sizes, opening up horizons for creative individuals.

The disadvantages include the rather high cost and short service life. Prices vary between 300-1700 rubles per unit. Compared to the difference is colossal.

On the other hand, Edison lamps do not require an additional lampshade. But due to the lack of additional surface, as is the case when using, the heated flask is not protected in any way.

Important! If the light bulb is located too close to the aisle or low overhead, you need to be careful not to get burned by the hot glass.

Advice! To use as main lighting, you need to combine several bulbs into a bunch to create enough light. A bunch of 5-10 units looks no less interesting than a regular one.

  • The use of incandescent lamps is widely used in Scandinavian countries. In cold northern climates, it is especially pleasant to feel the warm glow. According to residents, such lighting resembles a sunset or the flame of a fire. Thanks to thin, figuratively arranged threads, the light is very soft and romantic.
  • IN home interior unusual lighting sources are most often used in the bedroom, on. Special golden-colored bulbs add warmth, making the seating area more cozy. Such lamps are more often found when classic style interior design.

Idea! Antique styling is great for sconces, thus adding warmth and comfort to the bedroom. you can use a retro lamp hanging from the ceiling.

Edison bulbs look great in the dining room or kitchen, while creating the atmosphere of a welcoming bar or a formal one. In this case, it is of great importance appearance light bulbs

You can also make a garland in quality. Under New Year This decision will be appreciated by both adults and children. In the summer, you can decorate with a garland; chic lighting will add new colors to the twilight.

Choosing lamps for your design

The choice of light bulbs depends primarily on the design of the room. Such details complement the overall idea, while simultaneously performing their main functions. It is necessary to consider the type of lighting depending on whether it is side, top or central. Right choice will help eliminate shortcomings and create accents.

The original appearance creates a special atmosphere, so Edison lamps should be used in the interior with caution, because they are not appropriate everywhere.

Advice! Thanks to their expressive pattern, figured tungsten filaments instantly attract attention and have the ability to control visual perception. If you carefully consider the location, such light sources will give you excellent results!

Advice! When choosing light bulbs, you should pay attention to the markings. With its help, the voltage during use is determined. If you exceed this figure even slightly, the service life may be reduced by a third or more.

In addition to appearance, it is worth paying attention to the power and type of base. If the power of the Edison lamp corresponds to the usual one, the brightness of the first one will be noticeably less. This is due to the fact that vintage thread is less noticeable in bright light, which means its extraordinary appearance is lost. With an Edison lamp power of 100 W, the equivalent of a standard lamp is approximately 50 W.

Use any lighting fixtures requires compliance with basic rules:

  1. During operation, it is advisable to use cartridges that meet the requirements of GOST.
  2. You cannot unscrew the lamp when it is hot; you must wait a while until it cools down completely.
  3. Retro lamps are sensitive to any movement, so it is better to move the lamps when they are off.

In one of our articles we talked about where we provided photos of ideas for using twisted wire, as well as decorative sockets and antique-style switches. The retro style will be perfectly complemented by vintage incandescent light bulbs, which not so long ago became a newfangled solution in organizing indoor and outdoor lighting. In this article we will look at the main characteristics, as well as photo examples showing how Edison lamps look in the interior of houses and apartments.

Should you use retro light bulbs?

If you are unsure whether to buy decorative light bulbs or whether it is better to opt for LEDs, then first we recommend studying the pros and cons of using Edison lamps. So, the advantages of the products are as follows:

  1. They allow you to deviate from existing stereotypes in the organization of lighting, making the interior exclusive.
  2. Create a cozy atmosphere.
  3. They work with a dimmer, thanks to which you can create romantic lighting in the room.

Among the disadvantages, I would like to note the higher cost of vintage Edison lamps, as well as characteristics inferior to LEDs: shorter service life, higher energy consumption and fragility of the glass bulb. We'll talk about this in more detail now.

Main characteristics

So, the most important technical characteristics of Edison lamps are as follows:

  • type of base for connecting to the network: E27, E14;
  • rated voltage 220 Volts;
  • service life from 2000 to 3500 hours;
  • color temperature from 2100 to 2700K;
  • power from 20 to 100 W;

Dimensions (length and diameter) may vary depending on the shape of the flask.

Separately, I would like to talk about the tungsten filament, which is located inside the flask. The number of threads can be different, up to 20. Accordingly, the more there are, the higher the cost of vintage incandescent light bulbs. The shape of the tungsten filament can also be different, namely:

  1. Spiral
  2. Hairpin
  3. Herringbone
  4. Squirrel cage
  5. A loop
  6. Spiral

In the interior, each option looks quite original, so you can choose the appropriate design of retro lamps to suit your own conditions.

It should also be noted that there are Edison LED bulbs that have different characteristics. Firstly, the service life of LEDs ranges from 20 to 30 thousand hours. Secondly, LED retro lamps consume less electricity because... at low power they shine much better.

Well, finishing the description technical characteristics, I would like to talk separately about the manufacturers of vintage light sources. Popular brands producing Edison lamps are Danlamp (Denmark), RIGHI LICHT AG (Switzerland), Calex (Holland) and Uniel (China).

You can see the differences between light bulbs from different manufacturers in the video:

Comparison of characteristics and disassembly of an antique lamp

Photo of application ideas

Here we come to the most interesting part of the article - a review of the successful use of incandescent light bulbs made in antique style. So, for your attention, photos of Edison lamps in the interior of houses and apartments:




As you can see, vintage light sources look great when combined with designer lamps, sconces and chandeliers. You can also complement the interior in an original way using a garland of Edison light bulbs (this idea is shown in one of the photos). We recommend that you use retro lamps when organizing, as well as in recreation areas! Finally, we recommend watching a video that shows more more ideas use of these light sources in the interior:

Ready-made solutions for the home

We suggest you make it simple and original lamp from a console bought at Ikea. The main focus is the Edison lamp, thanks to warm light which creates a cozy atmosphere in the room. Fans of steampunk and lovers of the loft style will certainly like this lamp; moreover, it will save a lot of money.

Materials for making the lamp:

  • console made of wood or plywood
  • stain
  • E-27 cartridge retro style with switch
  • Edison lamp E-27
  • retro wire (2 meters)
  • connectors
  • insulating tape
  • fork
  • threaded steel ring
  • screws and plugs (2 pcs.) for attaching the console to the wall.

Tools for making a lamp:

  • drill
  • wood drill bits (3.8 mm)
  • screwdriver
  • pliers
  • stationery knife
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • brush.

How to make an unusual lamp with your own hands

The console has sides with different lengths. On the short side we will widen the holes and thread the cord from the lamp, and the long side will be attached to the wall. On the long side we find the middle between the holes and put a cross. Here we will have a threaded steel ring screwed in.

We drill a hole for the ring with a D-3 mm drill. In the short part of the console, we expand the existing holes with a D-8mm drill (the wire will pass through these holes).

We paint or cover the console with stain.

After the stain or paint has dried, screw in the steel ring and begin assembling the electrics. We disassemble the cartridge, take out the filling, and thread a wire into the upper part of the cartridge.

We strip the wire of insulation and braiding by 1 cm. We twist the copper core and make a hook out of it. To prevent the fabric braid from fluffing, we wrap it with a piece of electrical tape.

We put the cleaned hooks on the contact screws on the cartridge and screw them in.

We collect the cartridge. We pass the wire through the console and through the steel ring. Now you can start connecting the plug.

Let's disassemble the fork. We thread a wire through the top. On the inside, unscrew the screws on the clamping bar and on the contacts. We strip 0.5 cm of wire from insulation and braid. We crimp the core with a connector, wrap the braid with a piece of electrical tape so that it does not fray.

We tighten the crimped wire with contact screws, secure the wire clamping bar, screw the upper part of the fork into place.

The lamp is ready! All that remains is to screw it to the wall.

The Edison bulb is one of the most exciting trends in the lighting world. These retro light bulbs attract with their interesting vintage look and pleasant dim light. In addition, today there are special Edison lamps that combine ancient charm and modern LED technology. Instead of a filament, these bulbs use a thin LED, as a result of which they consume 10 times less electricity than conventional incandescent bulbs, and look just as chic as the original models.

In this article, you will get acquainted with the key features of interior lighting with retro Edison lamps and will be able to evaluate them in the design of different rooms.

What is different about the Edison light bulb? Features and Specifications

Retro Edison lamps are made for a standard power supply and can easily be used in any apartment. As a rule, they have a very warm color temperature of 2,200 Kelvin (for conventional incandescent lamps this value is 2,700-2,850 K). This warm amber color creates a unique atmosphere of romance and antiquity in the interior. However, being not too bright, Edison bulbs are more often used as a decorative element.

If you want to use them for main lighting, you can hang several of these lamps together so that they provide enough light. This design solution looks simply amazing and is often used in both ordinary homes and bars, restaurants, shops and hotels. You can see an example of this in the photo below.


Another one interesting feature Edison lamps are that they have a higher color rendering index (CRI) than conventional LED lamps. Yes, CRI LED lamps Edison is 95 (out of 100 maximum), while conventional LED lamps have no more than 80. This means that the glow of these lamps practically does not distort the colors of the objects around you.

Also read: Ceiling lighting LED strip 30 ideas with photos

Please note that real vintage Edison bulbs (with filament, not LED) use a lot of power and have a very short lifespan. The maximum is 2,500 hours or about a year at normal home use. At the same time, Edison LED light bulbs last about 15,000 hours on average. Along with their ability to save energy, this makes LED Edison bulbs a significantly better option. However, their lifespan is still shorter than that of conventional LED lamps, which can last up to 50,000 hours. The reason for this is the filament shape of the LED, which makes it fragile and poses a risk of overheating.

Choosing a stylish lamp with an Edison lamp

One of the most amazing and useful features The great thing about LED Edison bulbs is that they can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They can be installed in any lamps instead of conventional lamps or hung on a cord without any covering or lampshade at all.

“Naked” Edison light bulbs will become an interesting detail in a loft-style interior. If you are a fan of bold modern, retro or industrial style, then, of course, you will prefer not to cover them with a shade or lampshade, but to use them as in the following photos:


Also read: Loft-style lamps: views and photos

Combining several Edison lamps into one lamp will emphasize the warmth of the glow and, with the help of long cords, will become the central decoration of any interior. A very fashionable solution for 2017!


The vintage style of Edison light bulbs constantly inspires artists to create creative lamps and chandeliers with your own hands. Models made using rough wood, forged metal fittings and details in industrial style. They create an incredible atmosphere of warmth and comfort, and also bring uniqueness to any room design.


Also read: Best ideas for DIY lamps from Pinterest

Retro Edison lamps in the interior – 10 more photos

At the end of this article, we invite you to look at a few more photos of Thomas Edison’s lamps in interior design. Notice how original they look in classic and modern rooms, bringing not only light but also an element of nostalgia throughout.




Also read: Chic chandeliers in modern style(photo in the interior)




Edison light bulbs: retro style in modern housing October 13th, 2015


They allow you to add an unusual touch to your home interior. Naturally, we are not talking about museum exhibits, but about new lamps manufactured according to old drawings. Today light bulbs Edison gained enormous popularity. They are used to supplement different styles design, screwing into sconces, floor lamps, chandeliers.

Miniature work of art

There are several variations of Edison light bulbs:

  • oblong;

  • barrel-shaped;

  • round;

  • resembling a candle.

Inexpensive Edison light bulbs, which are easiest to buy on the Internet, can last five thousand hours or even more. It is noteworthy that the brightness of their glow can be adjusted. All you need to do is install a switch with a dimmer.

Shining Edison lamps not very bright, but they are original and very beautiful view. You can admire these designs for hours, looking at the intricately bending filaments. It’s not for nothing that designers call Edison’s light bulbs a work of art. Using them, you can decorate any room. Fortunately, these products are in harmony with all existing interior styles and have a standard base, which eliminates the need to additionally purchase any special lighting fixtures for them.



Manufacturing countries

Today, Edison light bulbs are produced by specialists in the USA and Denmark. Each of these products undergoes several inspections in production, which completely eliminates the possibility of defective products going on sale. High-quality Edison light bulbs, made by Danish and American craftsmen, can be safely used in:

  • apartments and houses;

  • clubs;

  • catering establishments;

  • retail outlets.

In the USA, Edison lamps are manufactured by Ferrowatt, using old designs from 1910-1930. In Denmark, the Danlamp plant produces the same products. They also follow old technologies.

On the market today you can find not only Danish and American, but also Chinese products. The latter should be treated with caution - among goods from the Middle Kingdom there are many defects.

Main advantages

As we already said, Edison light bulbs are very beautiful. They are mainly used not for lighting homes, but for decorating them. Admiring these products is as pleasant as, for example, the sun setting behind the mountains or the flame of a fire. This is why Edison lamps are liked by all people without exception. Vintage light bulbs work without transformers, boast a high color rendering index, a variety of shapes and sizes, and an unusual filament. These designs do not contain mercury or other harmful substances.