Norman Lamps, Inc.

Tubular incandescent light bulbs feature cylindrical glass envelopes in various diameters and lengths, serving both functional and decorative purposes in applications ranging from vintage Edison-style fixtures to bathroom vanities, display cases, exit signs, and specialty equipment. The tubular shape allows for more compact fixtures, provides even light distribution along the length of the tube, and in decorative applications, creates a distinctive vintage or industrial aesthetic.

The designation system uses "T" followed by a number indicating the tube diameter in eighths of an inch. T6 bulbs are 6/8 inch (0.75 inches) in diameter, T8 bulbs are 1 inch, T10 bulbs are 1.25 inches, and so on. Note that these incandescent tubular bulbs use the same designation system as fluorescent tubes but are completely different technologies – incandescent T8 bulbs are traditional filament bulbs in tubular form, not fluorescent tubes.

Common lengths vary by diameter and application. Shorter tubes (4-6 inches) work in picture lights, display cases, and decorative fixtures. Medium lengths (8-12 inches) fit bathroom vanities, showcase lighting, and various specialty fixtures. Longer tubes (up to 24 inches or more) serve linestra fixtures, architectural lighting, and specialty applications. The base types vary as well – medium (E26) screw bases on one or both ends, candelabra (E12) bases, or specialized push-in bases depending on the fixture design.

Vintage Edison-style tubular bulbs have become extremely popular in recent years for decorative lighting. These bulbs feature exposed decorative filaments – often arranged in loops, spirals, or vintage patterns – inside clear glass tubes. They create a warm, nostalgic ambiance perfect for industrial-style fixtures, steampunk décor, rustic settings, or anywhere you want visible, decorative bulbs. While traditional versions use tungsten filaments, LED versions now replicate the vintage look while providing much better energy efficiency and lifespan.

Showcase and display lighting often uses tubular bulbs because their shape provides even illumination along a display shelf or cabinet without the individual bright spots that standard bulbs create. Picture lights above artwork use small tubular bulbs that distribute light evenly across the picture surface. The tubular form factor simply works better in these applications than round bulbs would.

Linestra lamps are a specific category of tubular bulbs with a specialized pin base on each end, designed for linestra fixtures common in European and modern architectural lighting. These long, narrow tubes provide linear light sources for mirror lighting, decorative applications, and various specialty uses. The base configuration requires specific linestra sockets, so these bulbs aren't interchangeable with standard screw-base tubular bulbs.

LED tubular bulbs offer modern alternatives to incandescent versions, providing dramatic energy savings and lifespans of 15,000-25,000 hours versus 1,500-3,000 hours for incandescent. For decorative Edison-style applications, LED filament tubes now closely replicate the vintage appearance while using 90% less energy and lasting 15+ years. For functional applications like showcase lighting, LED tubes provide cool operation that won't heat up display cases or damage temperature-sensitive items.

Common Sizes: T6 (0.75" diameter), T6.5, T7, T8 (1" diameter), T10 (1.25" diameter) in various lengths from 4" to 24"+

Base Types: Medium screw (E26), candelabra (E12), intermediate (E17), linestra (specialized pin base)

Applications: Decorative Edison fixtures, showcase and display lighting, bathroom vanities, picture lights, exit signs, linestra fixtures, specialty equipment