Edison Bulb Shapes: Globe, Tube, Pear, or ST64 – Which Is Best for You?

Confused by Edison bulb shapes? Choosing wrong can spoil your design. We'll help you find the perfect fit for any space.

The best Edison bulb shape depends on your fixture and desired ambiance. Globes offer wide light, tubes suit narrow spaces, pears are classic, and ST64s deliver iconic vintage charm. Each enhances specific settings.

Picking the right bulb isn't just about brightness; it's about style. As a lighting manufacturer with 30 years in the business here at Omitaled, I've seen how shape transforms a room. My name is Mila, and I'm the Marketing Manager. We believe in "Nice light, better life," and that starts with choosing wisely. Our mission is to produce high-quality, low-cost products, and helping you understand your options is part of that. Many of our B2B clients, from owners to product managers like Jacky in America, rely on us for this kind of insight. They value good quality and reasonable prices, and that's what we deliver from our base in Dongguan, China. Let's explore these fascinating forms together.

What Makes Globe (G-Shape) Edison Bulbs So Universally Appealing?

Need a bold statement light? Worried about uneven illumination? Globe bulbs provide a full, even glow, perfect for many fixtures.

Globe Edison bulbs (G-shapes like G80, G95, G125) are loved for their spherical form, offering wide, even light distribution. They're ideal for pendants, exposed sockets, and creating a modern or retro focal point.

Globe bulbs, often designated with a "G" followed by their diameter in millimeters (e.g., G80, G95, G125), are a fantastic choice when you want the bulb itself to be a feature. I've seen them used beautifully in minimalist pendants where the bulb is the star, or in clusters to create a cloud-like effect. At Omitaled, we manufacture a variety of LED filament globe bulbs, ensuring that the filaments inside are perfectly arranged for maximum aesthetic appeal and consistent light output. This is something our clients in the US and UK particularly appreciate, as quality control is a major pain point they often face with other suppliers. The round shape provides a soft, encompassing light, making them great for ambient lighting.

Key Features of Globe Bulbs

• Shape: Perfectly spherical.
• Light Distribution: Offers a 360-degree, even spread of light.
• Common Sizes: G80 (80mm), G95 (95mm), G125 (125mm) are popular.

Ideal Applications

Globe bulbs truly shine in:

• Open or exposed pendants
• Bathroom vanity fixtures (especially larger globes flanking a mirror)
• Festoon string lights for outdoor or festive settings
• Modern chandeliers where the bulbs are prominent

Here's a quick comparison of common globe bulb sizes¹ and their typical uses:

Their versatility and pleasant aesthetic make them a favorite for many designers and homeowners. We find buyers are always looking for reliable G-shape LED filament bulbs².

When Are Tubular (T-Shape) Edison Bulbs the Ideal Lighting Choice?

Struggling with narrow fixtures? Need a unique, linear look? Tubular Edison bulbs offer a sleek solution for specific design challenges.

Tubular Edison bulbs (T-shapes like T30, T45) are perfect for slender fixtures, sign lighting, or creating minimalist lines. Their elongated form provides focused, artistic illumination in tight or linear spaces.

Tubular bulbs, often denoted by "T" (like T30 or T45, where the number can refer to diameter or a series type), offer a completely different aesthetic. I always think of them for more industrial, minimalist, or even art-deco-inspired designs. Their slender profile is perfect for picture lights, highlighting artwork without a bulky fixture. We also see them used effectively in unique pendant designs where multiple tubes hang at different lengths. At Omitaled, we pay close attention to the filament inside these T-shape LED bulbs. A long, straight filament looks stunning in a tubular bulb, and ensuring its quality and longevity is key. This is especially important for our clients in the Netherlands, who have a keen eye for design and detail. Communication about these specifics is something we prioritize to avoid any misunderstandings, a common pain point in B2B transactions.

Understanding Tubular Designs

• Shape: Elongated, cylindrical.
• Filament Focus: Often feature long, linear filaments that become a design element.
• Common Types: T30 (often ~30mm diameter, varying lengths), T45 (can be a slightly wider tube or refer to a specific antique style).

Where They Shine

Tubular bulbs are excellent for:

• Wall sconces, especially narrow or vertical designs
• Picture lights or art illumination
• Showcase or cabinet lighting
• Minimalist or industrial pendant fixtures
• Sometimes, smaller T-shape bulbs like T20 or T25 are used in appliance or sign lighting.

This table highlights their specific strengths:

For businesses looking for something a bit different, high-quality T-shape LED filament bulbs can be a great addition to their product lineup.

Why Do Pear-Shaped (A/P-Shape) Edison Bulbs Remain a Timeless Classic?

Want a familiar yet vintage feel? Unsure which shape is a safe bet? Pear-shaped Edison bulbs blend classic design with retro charm.

Pear-shaped Edison bulbs (like A60/A19 or slightly more elongated P-shapes) mimic traditional incandescent bulbs. They offer a versatile, timeless appeal, fitting well in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and pendants.

The A-shape bulb, with A60 (in Europe/Asia) or A19 (in America) being the most common, is what most people picture when they think of a standard light bulb. The "A" stands for "Arbitrary," but it's become the classic pear shape. When these are made as Edison-style filament bulbs, they offer a lovely vintage twist on a familiar form. I find these are incredibly versatile. At Omitaled, our A60 LED filament bulbs are a staple. They fit into so many existing fixtures, making them an easy upgrade for anyone wanting to add a touch of vintage charm without changing their lamps or shades. Product managers and buyers, like our typical customer Jacky, appreciate the reliability and familiar form factor, making it an easy sell. The P-shape (Pear) is similar but can sometimes be slightly more elongated or decorative.

The Familiar Pear

• Shape: The classic light bulb silhouette (A-shape) or a slightly more defined pear (P-shape).
• Versatility: Fits a vast majority of standard light fixtures.
• Filament Styles: Often feature "squirrel cage" or simple loop LED filaments.

Versatility in Application

Versatility in Application

These shapes are workhorses in the lighting world:

• Table lamps and floor lamps (often with shades)
• Ceiling fixtures (flush mounts, semi-flush)
• Pendants where a classic look is desired
• Wall sconces with standard sockets

Consider these points for A-shape/P-shape bulbs:

For a reliable, high-quality option that appeals to a broad market, the A-shape LED filament bulb³ is a solid choice. It's a product we export in large volumes, knowing it meets the needs for good quality at a reasonable price.

Is the ST64 Edison Bulb the Ultimate Icon of Vintage Lighting?

Craving that iconic vintage Edison look? Want a bulb that screams retro? The ST64 is often the go-to for authentic antique style.

The ST64 Edison bulb, with its elongated teardrop shape and prominent filament, is a hallmark of vintage industrial design. It’s perfect for exposed fixtures, creating a strong nostalgic and atmospheric statement.

The ST64 is probably the shape most people associate with "Edison bulbs." The "ST" stands for "Straight Tubular" in its original coining, but it's evolved to represent this specific elongated teardrop shape, with the "64" referring to its 64mm maximum diameter. I love the ST64 for its undeniable vintage appeal. It’s the star of the show in exposed bulb pendants, wall sconces, and multi-light fixtures in cafes, restaurants, and homes aiming for an industrial or rustic chic look. As a manufacturer, we at Omitaled see huge demand for ST64 LED filament bulbs. The key is the filament design – squirrel cage, spiral, or other intricate patterns that are meant to be seen. Our clients, especially those in the US and UK markets, focus heavily on the aesthetic of the filament and the warm color temperature these bulbs produce. Delivering this consistently, along with reliable lead times, is how we've built trust.

The ST64 Explained

• Shape: Elongated teardrop or antique shape, larger than an A-shape.
• Filament Prominence: Designed to showcase decorative LED filaments.
• Iconic Status: Strongly associated with vintage and industrial styles.

Signature Applications

The ST64 is a favorite for:

• Exposed bulb pendant lights (single or in clusters)
• Industrial-style chandeliers
• Wall-mounted fixtures where the bulb is visible
• Creating a warm, inviting ambiance in hospitality settings

Here’s why the ST64 stands out:

For any business targeting the vintage, industrial, or farmhouse aesthetic, the ST64 LED filament bulb is an essential product. We ensure our ST64s meet the high expectations for both performance and style.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Edison bulb shape truly enhances your space. At Omitaled, we provide quality options for every style. Nice light, better life!