By Eugene Haug
Stained Glass lamps, fused glass shades and many other lighting fixtures work just as well with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's) as they do with incandescent (or Edison) bulbs. There are CFL's for each lighting task and mood (color).
Light Temperature Tips: Choose Your Mood
While most CFLs come in "warm" colors to match the yellowish light of the incandescent bulbs you are now using in your lamps, you can also choose "cooler" colors with whiter and bluish hues for reading and task lighting. You can choose the temperature that will set off stained glass colors and supply the amount of light you need.
Color in lighting is measured on the Kelvin scale (K) and is marked on CFL packaging. For warmer color look for 2700-3000K the incandescent temperature and the color for which most stained glass lamps are designed, 3500-4100K gives a bright white light and 5000-6500K is bluer and most like daylight.
CFLs Come In A Multitude Of Sizes And Shapes.
Bare, Mini-spirals, Spirals: These work well in desk lamps with glass shades. The stained glass shades covers them. These are also the most economical.
Bare, Double, Triple, and Quadruple Tubes: These work well in stained glass sconces that paint a ceiling by pointing upward. The bulbs can not be seen.
Covered A-Line: These look just like regular incandescent light and look very good in all stained glass lamps, floor lamps, torchieres, and sconces.
Covered Globe: These are made for bathroom and vanity lights.
Covered Bullet or Torpedo CFL's: These are designed for chandeliers, including stained glass chandeliers.
Choosing the right wattage CFL Comparable to Your Incandescent Lamp Bulbs.
- Incandescent 40 watt = Fluorescent 9 - 12 watt
- Incandescent 60 watt = Fluorescent 13 - 15 watt
- Incandescent 75 watt = Fluorescent 18 - 25 watt
- Incandescent 100 watt = Fluorescent 23 - 30 watt
- Incandescent 150 watt = Fluorescent 13 - 52 watt
CFL's Are Different than Incandescent Bulbs.
CFL's can save you a good deal of money, if they are used properly. The lamps should not be turned on for brief periods of time and then off. This shortens the life of the CFL and increases the cost of running it. Figure leaving the lamp on for at least 15 - 20 minutes, for maximum efficiency and longer bulb life.
Be aware of these differences using Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.
- 1. If your light is on a dimmer switch, you will probably have to replace the switch. Each type of light bulb needs a dimmer switch specifically designed for that type of bulb.
- 2. CFL's contain a minute amount of mercury. Care should be taken so that the bulb does not break and is disposed of properly.
Co-owner of Smashing Stained Glass, LLC, Gene Haug and his wife, a retired home decorator, started the website to promote the Tiffany stained glass lighting fixtures and other glass lighting fixtures. For m ore information on lighting, Tiffany stained glass and fused glass visit us at: http://www.smashingstainedglass.com
