In a pendant, the bulb is usually visible. Sometimes it is the entire design. That makes the choice as much about what the bulb looks like switched off as what it does switched on.
Shapes for exposed fixtures
- ST64 / ST19 — the tall teardrop Edison shape. The most used in open pendants.
- A19 — the standard household shape. Sensible under a shade, plain when exposed.
- G25 / G40 — round globes. Clean and modern; G40 is large enough to be the feature itself.
- T45 tubular — a slim vertical tube. Suits narrow pendants.
Glass and glare
Clear glass shows the filament, and that is the point of an exposed pendant — but a clear bulb at eye level is also a glare source. Over an island where you look across at the fixture, frosted glass or a low-output filament is the more comfortable choice. Over a table where you look down, clear is fine.
Amber or clear?
Amber glass softens the light further and pushes the colour warmer, which reads as more traditional. Clear glass is crisper and suits a modern fixture. Neither changes the wattage — only the mood.
How bright
| Pendant is for | Lumens per bulb |
|---|---|
| Task light over an island | 600 – 800 |
| Over a dining table | 400 – 600 |
| Decorative accent | 200 – 400 |
Everything exposed should be on a dimmer. A visible filament at full output is tiring to sit under for an evening.
Related
See also chandelier bulbs and lamp shades.