Glossary: Lighting

Candelabra Base (Light Bulb): Smaller bulbs that fit a typical Chandelier or string of Christmas lights. Distinguishes from "Medium", "Standard" or "Edison Base", among others. "Chandelier Bulb" is sometimes used to mean one with a Candelabra Base, but this is imprecise -- a Chandelier Bulb might have any size base.

Edison Bulb: Also called "vintage style bulbs", "antique filament bulbs" or any of a number of names, Edison Bulbs are modern light bulbs that are made to have an antique appearance resembling early bulbs of the late 1800's and early 1900's. They're noted for their distinct shape and elaborate, winding filaments and come with clear or slightly tinted glass which show them off. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and even LED versions.

Medium Base (Light Bulb): Synonymous with "Standard Base" and "Edison Base", these are regular screw-in bulbs that fit a typical Lamp or Light Fixture. Distinguishes bulbs from "Candelabra Base" among others.

Mercury Glass: Reflective glass with a somewhat uneven, silvery appearance. The reference to mercury is derived from the use of quicksilver in early mirrors, but "Mercury Glass" items of the 1800's were actually made with a (non-lethal) solution including silver nitrate, which was injected between two layers of glass. "Silvered Glass" is another, more correct, term. Modern Mercury Glass items recreate the appearance of those antique silvered glass items with other techniques.

Close-up of the Hammered Mercury Glass Pendant Light

Seeded Glass: Glass with tiny air bubbles within it, which recreates the look of common window glass of the 1800's. "Seeded Glass" is actually a nonsensical term -- genuine antique glass was, and is, called "Seedy Glass" by collectors, but many manufacturers and vendors avoid the word "seedy" because of its ugly connotations.

The Chadwick Seeded Glass Dome Pendant Light

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Glossary: Lighting

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