Large G95 and G125 globe bulbs for bare pendant lights

The size of large G95 and G125 globe bulbs, how they look in bare pendants, choosing clear or frosted glass, hanging height and avoiding glare.

A bulb hanging from a cable with no shade is no longer seen as a sign of unfinished decorating. On the contrary, a large globe bulb above a kitchen table, bar counter or desk is a deliberate design choice. Here the bulb is both the light source and the fitting itself. That is why size, glass and hanging height matter more with large globes such as G95 and G125 than with ordinary bulbs.

Sizes and names

The letter "G" marks a globe, and the figure after it gives its width in millimetres:

• G45: a small globe for wall lights and night lights;
• G80: medium size for small pendants;
• G95: a large globe about 9.5 cm across, the most popular size for bare pendants;
• G125: a very large globe about 12.5 cm across, for large tables or high-ceilinged spaces;
• G150–G200: decorative giant globes, rarely used.

G95 and G125 bulbs mostly come with E27 caps. They are slightly longer than their diameter, because the cap and neck add length.

The glass: clear, frosted and amber

In a bare pendant, the choice of glass defines the whole look.

Clear glass shows the filaments. In a large globe the filaments are widely spaced, in spirals or vertical lines, creating a decorative effect. But in clear glass each filament appears as a bright line, which can be uncomfortable at eye level.

Frosted or opal glass spreads light over the whole surface of the globe. The bulb looks like a glowing ball and glare is reduced. It is more comfortable above a table or wherever people sit for long periods.

Amber glass keeps the filament look but shifts the light to a warm, golden tone and lowers the brightness. It is often chosen for café and restaurant atmospheres, but may not give enough light for work or reading.

There are also globes with a mirrored front: they reflect light up towards the ceiling and do not dazzle when seen from below.

Hanging height and glare

The biggest risk with a bare globe is light shining straight into the eyes. Hanging height is the main way to deal with it.

• Above a table, the bottom of the bulb should be above the eye level of someone sitting, yet low enough to light the table well. In practice, the most reliable method is to seat someone at the table and find the height by trial before fixing the pendant.
• Above a bar counter, stools are high, so the bulbs hang higher, and several are spaced evenly.
• In walkways, check separately that nobody will hit their head.

If a bright clear-glass bulb is close to eye level, a dimmer or a lower-output bulb makes a big difference to comfort.

Weight, holder and cable

Large globes such as G125 are heavier than ordinary bulbs. In a bare pendant that load falls directly on the holder and cable. So:

• the holder should have a cord grip so that the load does not rest on the wire terminals;
• a braided decorative cord has to be rated to hold the weight of the lamp;
• the ceiling fixing point must support the combined weight of bulb, holder and cable;
• hold the holder while screwing in the bulb so the cable does not twist.

Several globes in one room

Two or three G95 bulbs above a table give more even light than one big bulb and soften the shadows. In such an arrangement all bulbs should be the same size, the same glass type and the same colour temperature. Bulbs with the same name from different makers can differ in tint, so it is better to buy them all from one batch.

Globes of different sizes hung at different heights can also make an interesting composition, but again the colour temperature should stay the same.

Quick check

• Does the globe's diameter suit the size of the space?
• Has the glass type been chosen with glare in mind?
• Has the hanging height been tested from a seated position?
• Does the holder have a cord grip?
• If there are several bulbs, are they all from the same batch?

For decorative light, Zaferoğlu Elektrik's Zəfər İşığı range includes E14 filament bulbs and the small C45 E27 bulb. For a large globe pendant, it helps to compare bulbs against the criteria above to suit the size of the space.