Tungsten vs Carbon Filament: Which Should You Choose?

Deciding whether to choose a carbon filament light bulb or a tungsten light bulb often confuses buyers. At a glance, these two types of light bulbs may look similar, but the lighting materials used inside make them different.

In this guide on incandescent lighting, we will explain the design and uses of filament bulbs to help interior decorators select the right one. So, let’s start.

What Is a Carbon Filament Light Bulb?

In 1879, Thomas Edison transformed the lighting industry by inventing the famous carbon light bulb. After the introduction of carbon filament bulbs, many European researchers and other inventors made efforts to improve the lighting industry.

In Edison’s patent, carbon filament bulbs, carbon is used as the light bulb filament material. Using carbon as filament in early bulbs was a breakthrough in lighting history.

Carbon is a common material in lighting fixtures that glows when an electric current passes through. Carbon thin filament has a good electrical resistance, thus, it works best in general electric devices.

Carbon lamps are known for offering a warm glow and soft light. The ease of use and installation make this innovation of Thomas Edison a popular one.

However, the only issue with these bulbs is that they produce low brightness and have a short lifespan. Despite these limitations, carbon lamps are widely used to give a vintage look to restaurants, homes, shops, and cafes.

What Is a Tungsten Filament Light Bulb?

The invention of the carbon filament bulb changed the lighting industry in different ways, and the introduction of the tungsten bulb is the most notable one. 

In a tungsten filament light bulb, tungsten wire is used as the lighting material. Tungsten is sturdy and has a high melting point; thus, it can resist high temperatures. The positive temperature coefficient of tungsten lamps makes them better than carbon filament bulbs.

These bulbs were invented in the early 1900s, but due to the efficiency of the tungsten filament, it is still used in many incandescent bulbs.

Tungsten bulbs produce a white light and are practical for everyday use. They are a common source for lighting up warehouses and different residential properties. Additionally, as tungsten is sturdy, these bulbs last longer and are commonly used in various types of commercial buildings.

It is essential to note that these bulbs use higher voltage compared to other Edison bulbs.

Key Differences Between Carbon and Tungsten Filament Bulbs

The notable differences between these two types of bulbs are mentioned in the table below:

Why Choose Carbon Filament Bulbs?

Carbon filament bulbs provide a nostalgic and romantic ambience. Homeowners and interior decorators widely use these bulbs to give the space a vintage feel.

These bulbs also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. The ambient and period-correct lighting makes this bulb useful in historical settings. As carbon can light up with low voltage, it should be used in areas with low voltage or voltage fluctuations.

Furthermore, the old-school look of this bulb makes it a perfect choice for those looking to restore an old home or design a vintage restaurant. Different types of decorative lighting also use carbon filament bulbs as they are aesthetically pleasing. 

Why Choose Tungsten Filament Bulbs?

One of the multiple reasons for choosing tungsten filament bulbs includes their high durability, brightness, and efficiency. Tungsten bulbs use less energy than other bulbs. This is the reason behind its widespread use in commercial lighting fixtures.

Some tungsten filament bulbs feature a squirrel cage design. This design improves the look of the bulb while maintaining the same efficiency in terms of light output.

The appealing design of these bulbs makes them ideal to use with exposed sockets, chandeliers, and steampunk-style fixtures.

The 3 Perfect Filament Design Styles From Squirrel Cage to Spiral

The design in which the filament is placed inside the bulb enhances the look of the bulb. The filament is placed inside the bulb in various styles. Common ones include:

1. Zigzag Design:

The zigzag design bulb, staying true to its name, features the filament running back and forth within the bulb with sharp and angular turns. The filament is spread inside the bulb and adds to its energy.

This style is commonly used to give off cool vibes and is often found in apartments and certain shops.

2. Squirrel Cage Design:

The most common filament design style is the squirrel cage filament. As the name suggests, it features a cage-like pattern with long vertical loops.

This design style is commonly found in carbon filament bulbs. Using bulbs of this design is a perfect lighting idea for upgrading living rooms.

3. Spiral Design:

In a spiral design filament bulb, the filament twists like a spring inside the bulb. This bulb creates a dynamic look and is perfect for adding a modern-vintage feel to a space.

Whether the filament is tungsten, carbon, or any other metal filament, the spiral design draws attention.

Note that the filament design enhances the bulb’s overall aesthetic and has nothing to do with efficiency. A spiral design carbon filament bulb offers the same lumen output as a zigzag-styled one.

So, to give your setting a modern and warm look, go for a spiral cage carbon filament light bulb. If you want elegance, choose spiral tungsten light bulbs.

Best Uses for Vintage Filament Bulbs in Modern Lighting

The bulbs used in the past as a lighting source are now being used to add to the aesthetics of the place. The vintage look of these bulbs is linked with improving the overall look of the place.

There are many uses of vintage bulbs in modern lighting; the common ones include：

• Cafes: In cafes and coffee shops, vintage bulbs are used as a lighting source to enhance the customer experience. Vintage bulbs in cafes boost the client’s mood and experience by providing comfort and visual appeal.

• Table lamps: In table lamps, these vintage filament bulbs offer a comfy and inviting glow, while offering enough light for activities like reading and writing.

• Dining Rooms: Mostly, the dining rooms have dim lighting to create a relaxed yet inviting atmosphere. Owing to the features, most dining room chandeliers use these bulbs.

• Decorative Lighting: Trending chandelier styles and scones use vintage filament bulbs due to their attractive look. These vintage bulbs create a warm ambience without being too bright, making them ideal for mood lighting. 

Mostly, the places that require less lighting but more aesthetics use vintage filament bulbs. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the disadvantages of a carbon filament lamp?

The disadvantages associated with carbon filament bulbs include their lower durability. These bulbs have lower operating hours compared to other bulbs. Also, the bulbs are fragile and can break easily. All these reasons contribute to making these bulbs a less reliable source of lighting.

Q2. What does tungsten do in a light bulb?

In tungsten lighting bulbs, tungsten is a thin wire that acts as a lighting material. Tungsten is a filament that heats up and provides electricity. As tungsten has a high melting point, it can tolerate much heat and is the perfect filament in bulbs.

Q3. Is tungsten better than LED?

LEDS are more energy-efficient than tungsten light bulbs and other filament bulbs. Tungsten does offer warm and inviting lighting, but they are not as energy-efficient as LEDS. In terms of energy efficiency, LEDS are better. But, in some other terms, tungsten can beat LEDS.

Q4. What is the difference between LED and tungsten filament?

The main difference between LED and tungsten is in terms of their electricity production. LEDS use semiconductors to produce electricity, and tungsten filaments use heated wires to produce light. Additionally, LEDS are expensive but last longer than a tungsten filament bulb.

Conclusion: Which Bulb Should You Choose?

Carbon filament bulbs, LED bulbs, and tungsten filament bulbs are all excellent lighting choices. If you want to go for a vintage feel, choose carbon filament bulbs. If your objective is to choose a bulb that lasts longer and offers a nostalgic glow, tungsten filament bulbs are best for you.

Instead of spending time figuring out the right bulb yourself, it’s more effective to rely on a professional lighting supplier who understands your fixture types and lighting needs. A trusted supplier can help you choose the most suitable solution, saving you time, money, and future hassle.

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We have over a decade of experience in providing one-stop lighting solutions, including modern incandescent bulbs and tungsten bulbs. Our expert team can cater to all your unique demands.

Contact us today and get some suggestions for your wholesale lighting requirements and solve your worries.