Norman Lamps, Inc.

Globe light bulbs feature spherical glass envelopes that provide decorative appeal and even light distribution in open fixtures where the bulb is visible. You'll find them in bathroom vanity fixtures, dressing room mirrors, pendant lights, decorative ceiling fixtures, and anywhere the bulb itself is part of the design rather than hidden inside a shade or housing. The uniform spherical shape creates a clean, contemporary aesthetic while distributing light evenly in all directions.

Globe bulbs are designated by a "G" followed by a number indicating the diameter in eighths of an inch. G25 bulbs are 25/8 inches (3.125 inches) in diameter, the most common size for bathroom vanities and many decorative fixtures. G30 bulbs at 3.75 inches diameter work in larger fixtures or anywhere you want more visual impact. G16.5 bulbs (just over 2 inches) fit smaller decorative fixtures, pendant lights, and chandeliers. G40 and G50 bulbs serve specialty applications like string lighting and large decorative fixtures.

Base types on globe bulbs typically include medium (E26), the standard screw base that fits most household fixtures, and candelabra (E12), the smaller threaded base used in chandeliers and decorative fixtures. Some European-style fixtures use E27 bases, which are very similar to E26 but with slightly different thread specifications. Matching the correct base type to your fixture is essential – you can't interchange E26 and E12 bases without an adapter.

The choice between clear and white (frosted) glass significantly affects both the appearance and light quality. Clear globe bulbs show the visible filament, creating a more decorative appearance with slightly sparkly light. They work well in fixtures where you want the bulb to be a design element. White or frosted globe bulbs diffuse the light evenly, eliminating the bright filament and providing soft, even illumination without glare. For bathroom vanities where you're looking in a mirror, frosted globes typically provide more flattering light without harsh shadows or bright spots.

Wattages in incandescent globe bulbs commonly range from 25W to 100W, with 40W and 60W being most popular for general residential use. Bathroom vanity fixtures often use 40W or 60W globes to provide adequate light for grooming tasks. Decorative fixtures may use 25W bulbs where ambiance matters more than brightness. Keep in mind that multiple bulbs add up – a 4-bulb vanity fixture with 60W bulbs consumes 240W total.

LED globe bulbs have become excellent alternatives to incandescent versions, offering the same decorative appearance with dramatically better energy efficiency and lifespan. A 6-7W LED globe typically provides light equivalent to a 40-60W incandescent while lasting 15,000-25,000 hours versus 1,000-2,000 hours for incandescent. LED globes are available in both clear and frosted versions, with warm 2700K color temperature that closely matches traditional incandescent light. Many LED globes now feature decorative LED filaments that mimic the classic incandescent look while providing all the LED efficiency and longevity benefits.

Common Sizes: G16.5 (2" diameter), G25 (3.125" diameter), G30 (3.75" diameter), G40 (5" diameter), G50 (6.25" diameter)

Typical Applications: Bathroom vanity lighting, dressing room mirrors, pendant lights, ceiling fixtures, decorative fixtures, string lighting (larger sizes)

Available Options: Incandescent (25W-100W), LED (equivalent wattages), clear glass, white/frosted glass, medium (E26) and candelabra (E12) bases, dimmable versions