YOU MUST READ THIS BEFORE BUYING ANY EDISON VINTAGE LED BULB.
Before making any purchase of an Edison Vintage LED bulb, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with some important information. One of the most misleading aspects of LED vintage bulbs is the wattage equivalent. Many websites and manufacturers provide this information, but what they fail to mention is whether it is equivalent to a Vintage Edison Incandescent bulb or a standard incandescent bulb. This distinction is significant and can greatly impact your decision.
Let's delve into the details:
Vintage Edison incandescent bulbs, like the ones we offer here, produce significantly less light (lumens) per watt compared to standard incandescent bulbs. For example, a 60-watt vintage bulb will provide approximately 300 lumens, while a standard incandescent 60-watt bulb will give you around 800 lumens.
Do you see the issue here?
When you come across LED vintage bulbs that claim to be 60 watts or 40 watts equivalent, it's challenging to determine what they are comparing it to. It's important to note that every manufacturer or website may have a different approach to this. This is precisely why it is advisable to focus on the lumens and understand the lumens equivalence. At nostalgicbulbs.com, we display the wattage equivalence based on standard incandescent bulbs, not Edison vintage incandescent bulbs.
To provide further clarity, here is a wattage equivalent chart for replacing standard incandescent bulbs:
- To replace a 75W bulb, opt for a bulb with approximately 1100 lumens.
- To replace a 60W bulb, select a bulb with around 800 lumens.
- To replace a 40W bulb, choose a bulb with roughly 450 lumens.
- To replace a 25W bulb, go for a bulb with about 200 lumens.
- To replace a 15W bulb, consider a bulb with approximately 100 lumens.
- To replace a 10W bulb, look for a bulb with around 50 lumens.
In addition to wattage equivalence, it's essential to consider the color of the LED vintage bulb. Nowadays, you have various options when it comes to color temperature, which refers to the color of light emitted by the bulb.
To help you make an informed decision, here is a chart illustrating the different color temperature ranges:
In addition to wattage equivalence, it's essential to consider the color of the LED vintage bulb. Nowadays, you have various options when it comes to color temperature, which refers to the color of light emitted by the bulb.
To help you make an informed decision, here is a chart illustrating the different color temperature ranges:
- Warm Amber (2000K-2400K): This amber warm glow is the color of the Edison vintage light bulbs.
- Warm White (2700K-3000K): This color temperature provides a cozy and inviting ambiance, similar to traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Soft White (3000K-3500K): This color temperature offers a slightly brighter and crisper light, ideal for areas where clarity is important, such as kitchens or workspaces.
- Neutral White (3500K-4100K): This color temperature falls in the middle, providing a balanced and natural light that is suitable for various settings.
- Cool White (4100K-5000K): This color temperature emits a bright and vibrant light, often used in commercial spaces or areas where a more energetic atmosphere is desired.
- Daylight (5000K-6500K): This color temperature replicates natural daylight, offering a cool and refreshing light that is perfect for tasks requiring focus and concentration.
USING LED EDISON BULBS IN ENCLOSED FIXTURES:
To use Edison LED bulbs in enclosed fixtures you need the bulb to be rated or approved for enclosed fixtures. Many of them are not and most consumers do not know that they should be looking for a feature. Using the wrong LED bulb will unquestionably shorten the life span and increase the likelihood of premature dimming of the LED bulb.
When shopping for LED bulbs for enclosed fixtures make sure to read all the bulbs’ features, especially if they are 'dimmable' or 'fully dimmable'. This ensures you can adjust the lighting as needed in enclosed fixtures. If it does not state, listed, or approved for enclosed fixtures then it is not. View our collection of Enclosed Fixtures Approved LED Bulbs.
6 comments
Thanks for the very clear, succinct explanations!
If I am using in a bathroom vanity situation (2 pendants on either side of mirror). What color is best? Cool/Warm/daylight? Any thoughts or direction would be IMMENSELY appreciated. Thanks!
Response to Philip Parker’s question:
Yes, it depends on which type of bulbs are you comparing. Edison vintage style incandescent to Edison LED vintage style or a standard general purpose incandescent bulb to a vintage style Edison LED. Like you said there is a big difference in the light output. What I’m trying to say is that you should not pay attention to the watts when dealing with LED bulbs. Just look at the Lumens! Know that 800 Lumens is what you were getting from a standard general purpose 60-watt incandescent bulb.
Then why are you billing a bulb to be a 60 watt replacement when it only puts out half the lumens! Most edison bulbs put out less than a 40 watt bulb!
I’m looking for an LED equivalent of a 40W, ST38 Edison bulb. Does such a thing exist, and do you carry it?
The bulb is for a decorative wax warmer that I received as a gift. I don’t really intend to use it as a wax warmer, and at 40W, the bulb is pulling a lot of electricity, so I’m looking for a more economical and longer lasting alternative.
Great article and explanation. Thank you!