Kelvins, watts, CRI, CFLs, LEDs. What does it all mean? In this episode, Devyn gives a history of the light bulb starting with the incandescent and ending up with his beloved LEDs. (It’s true!) Memory lane is real, and we go there.
Later in the episode, Devyn completely demystifies the overwhelming light bulb aisle for Stacy and anyone else who can’t figure out which bulb to buy for their antique fixtures.
A Note From Stacy
When Devyn first pitched this episode to me, I was not convinced we could talk for thirty minutes about light bulbs. Clarification: I was not sure the topic was interesting enough for a full podcast episode. Well, I was so very wrong. How we got from candlelight to incandescent to LEDs is a far more interesting story than I ever considered, and I think you will enjoy it too.
Be sure to read Devyn’s informative companion article over at Our Philly Row.
How To Listen
You may download this episode from Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or listen below:
(Note: The newest episode may still be filtering down to the different platforms.)
Devyn’s Top Light Bulb Picks
For Table Lamps
- Sylvania Home Lighting Non-Dimmable – Soft White 2700K 60W Equivalent, (24 Pack) $24.08 ($1.00 each) Buy Here
- Philips LED Non-Dimmable Frosted Light Bulb 2700-Kelvin 60W Equivalent, Soft White, 16-Pack, $25.46 ($1.59 each) Buy Here
- Philips LED Dimmable Light Bulb with Warm Glow Effect 800-Lumen, 2200-2700 Kelvin, 60-Watt Equivalent, Frosted, Soft White, 4-Pack $8.32 ($2.08 each) These 60-watt equivalent bulbs from Phillips are quite revolutionary. They have ‘Warm Glow Dimming Effect’ which means they dim from a soft 2,700k to a very warm 2,200k. As a bonus, they are rated for enclosed fixtures, which is also a recent innovation in LED bulbs. Buy Here
Edison Style For Antique Chandeliers, Pendant Lights, and Wall Sconces
- Philips 60-Watt Equivalent Dimmable with Warm Glow Dimming Effect Clear Glass LED Light Bulb Soft White 2200k-2700K – $9.58 (2-Pack) Buy Here
Chandelier Base (smaller)
- Philips LED Classic Glass Amber BA11 Dimmable Light Bulb: 2700-Kelvin, (40-Watt Equivalent), Soft White, 6-Pack – $19.97 ($3.33 each) Buy Here
- Philips 536664 LED Dimmable Clear X-Filament Glass Light Bulb with Warm Glow Effect: 2200-2700-Kelvin, (40-Watt Equivalent), E12 Candelabra Base, (12 Pack) $28.68 ($2.39 each)
(Also available in standard base as well as 60-watt equivalent.)Buy Here
Recessed Lighting
- Philips LED PAR20 Bright White Light Bulb: 3000-Kelvin, (50-Watt Equivalent), Glass, Dimmable 40-Degree Spot Light Bulb, (6-Pack) $25.65 ($4.28 each) Buy Here
Mentioned in This Episode
- A ton of cool photos of antique gas lamps, including the portable version.
- Devyn’s coveted $35 color-changing LED bulb
- Gas Valves for Portable Lamps at BHH
Special thanks to Audionautix for our theme song as well as all of the music in today’s episode.
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9 Comments
Architectural Observer
That was fun! Hopefully I will still retain most of this information the next time I’m shopping for light bulbs — it can indeed be an intimidating process these days. I found the summary of historic lighting especially illuminating (sorry; couldn’t resist). The cool photos of antique gas lamps you link to are just plain mesmerizing. Thank you both for another great podcast!
Stacy
I am so glad you enjoyed the episode. Devyn really lights up when he talks about bulbs. Ha! How’s that for a pun? Also, thank you for assuring me that I am not the only person who finds the light bulb aisle intimidating.
Monica
Enjoyed the podcast! Glad I just have to remember 2700 Kelvin’s! If you really want to hear an interesting story about lightbulbs try listening to this podcast about the Phoebus Cartel-
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/27/707188193/the-phoebus-cartel
Stacy
Thank you for listening, and thanks for the podcast recommendation too! I’ll be sure to check it out.
Ron Mellor
Devon mentioned Thomas Edison was the inventor of the light bulb, this is not correct I’m afraid. He bought the patent for the carbon filament bulb from a couple of Canadians Henry Woodward and Mathew Evans who patented there bulb in 1874. Edison just perfected the manufacturing process.
The Canadian duo were working off the backs of previous work over eighteen years earlier, Humphrey Davy, He proved the theory of the incandescent lamp. Another English fellow, Warren DeLeRue perfected the light bulb concept but could get the manufacturing cost down enough to make it financially viable.
Ron
Stacy
Thank you, Ron! We appreciate this correction. We will do some more research and clear this up on a future episode.