Not to be confused with GLS or golfball light bulbs, a globe light bulb is a large, round light bulb usually used in decorative fittings and in hospitality industries like bars and restaurants.
Their size means that they are inappropriate for smaller lamps and fittings, but can be striking when paired with larger ceiling lights.
Globe light bulbs can sometimes be around twice as wide as a standard GLS light bulb so as a result, their cap types are limited. The majority will be fitted with either a B22d bayonet cap (sometimes abbreviated to BC) or an E27 Edison screw (ES) base. The B22d cap is the ‘push and twist’ type of fitting that is used on the majority of lamps in the UK, while the E27 is the screw-in type that is more common in Europe and the US.
View our article here to read more about cap types.
The different sizes of globe light bulbs
The distinctive shape of globe light bulbs makes them relatively easy to recognise. The large, round light bulb tapers very suddenly into a comparatively narrow base.
While they look similar to GLS or golfball light bulbs, the size of the globe compared to its cap makes it easy to differentiate.
They come in several standard sizes as follows (the measurement refers to the diameter of the light bulb at its widest point):
- G80 – 80mm diameter
- G95 – 95mm diameter
- G125 – 125mm diameter
- G200 – 200mm diameter
Energy-saving globe light bulbs
Traditional incandescent globe light bulbs will be in use in the UK until September 2018, when an EU directive takes effect banning their sale. They will be replaced by energy-saving LED alternatives.
LED globe light bulbs have been designed to look like the incandescent light bulbs they supersede. They have the classic globe shape and as the technology develops, they are beginning to look more like traditional light bulbs.
These will often be opaque (sometimes described as ‘pearl’ or ‘opal’) and they are made out of glass or a heat-resistant thermal plastic. Many have a white plastic base to hide the light bulb’s componentry, but there are now models available that are completely transparent. Look out for the distinctive yellow ‘filaments’ of these LED light bulbs, designed to mimic the filaments of the traditional incandescent globes.
Our best decorative globe light bulbs
Best Selling
Crompton Lamps LED G95 Globe 7W E27 Dimmable Warm White Opal
A 7W direct retrofit globe light bulb with an opal finish. This light bulb is an LED bulb equivalent to an old style 60W, this dimmable LED light bulb uses around 90% less energy than traditional light bulbs of a comparable brightness, and can reduce your lighting bill by a similar amount.
It is designed with a full glass body with an opal white finish and is ideal for use in large light fittings and pendants.
This globe is particularly popular for kitchens where the white body gives it a clean and low glare light, ideal for placement over kitchen islands.
The Crompton LED G95 globe emits 806 lumens of warm white (2700K) diffused light and boasts a nominal lifetime of up to 10,000 hours.
Unique Design
Osram LED G125 Globe 4W E27 Vintage 1906 Pinecone Warm White Gold Gold
This stylish LED G125 globe light bulb from the Osram Vintage 1906 collection has a decorative pinecone glass finish which gives an attractive and warm, feel-good light that works equally as well at home as in commercial settings such as restaurants and bars.
It is quite large at 125mm diameter so really comes it to it’s own when used as a statement piece.
Producing a cosy 470 lumens of 2400K extra warm light, these gold-effect finish vintage LED globe light bulbs are best suited for decorative lighting purposes and are ideal for creating a decorative retro look in any home, bar or restaurant.
Retro style
Osram LED G200 Filament Globe 4W E27 Dimmable Vintage 1906 Extra Warm White Smoke
If you desire the look of days gone by, but want the technology to be firmly rooted in the present, the OSRAM Edition 1906 range of LED bulbs is the ultimate expression of retro high-tech.
Faithfully recreated from Edison’s first lightbulb, these vintage light bulbs give a knowing nod to the past.
With their smokey tinted glass design, the Edition 1906 LED Globe lamp provides a warm and ambient light combined with energy efficiency. The aim here is to set atmospheric accents and create ambient lighting. The extravagant spiral filament variation adds an additional, strong style element to your lighting fixtures.
This G200 light bulb is 200mm in size and really needs to be centre-piece in any lighting display!
With their smokey tinted glass design, the Edition 1906 LED Globe lamp provides a warm and ambient light combined with energy efficiency. The aim here is to set atmospheric accents and create ambient lighting. The extravagant spiral filament variation adds an additional, strong style element to your lighting fixtures.
Quirky and Different
Prolite LED G125 Globe 6W E27 Dimmable Funky Filaments Extra Warm White Crackle
This stylish LED Globe light bulb has a decorative mirrored crackle glass finish which casts in interesting and light effect across surfaces and lamp shades.
The light bulb looks equally as attractive when turned off due to it’s mirrored finish.
Consuming only 6W of power this dimmable LED filament G125 Globe 125mm is a popular replacement for traditional decorative or vintage light bulbs.
It produces 400 lumens and the inviting colour temperature of 2200K emits a warm white.
Related Posts:
What is a Candle Light Bulb?Candle light bulbs are designed to look like the flame from a candle (hence their name), and are often used when a...
LED Light Bulb Buyer’s GuideLED light bulbs have the potential to save any household money, thanks to their incredible energy efficiency and long lifespan. The average...
Using LED light bulbs to Decorate Your HomeWhen choosing to update your home with new energy efficient lighting, there are a lot of things to take into account. We’ve...
Buying LED Strip LightsWith the phasing-out of light bulbs now well underway, LED light bulbs are becoming the first choice for numerous consumers. LED lighting...