Filament bulb shapes: candle, globe, pear and elongated

A guide to the main filament LED bulb shapes, their codes, and which one looks best in which kind of light fitting.

The main appeal of a filament bulb is how it looks: thin lines of light inside clear glass, reminiscent of an old incandescent filament. Such bulbs are often left on show rather than hidden under a shade, so the shape matters as much as the fitting itself. When choosing, look for a specific shape rather than just "a filament bulb".

Candle and flame-tip shapes

Candle-shaped filament bulbs are the classic choice for chandeliers and wall lights. They are usually coded as something like C35, where the number is the approximate diameter of the glass in millimetres. A straight candle tapers smoothly towards the top, while the flame-tip version has a tip bent to one side, like a candle flame. The flame tip looks more decorative on an open-arm chandelier; the straight candle sits more neatly under a small shade.

These shapes are mostly made with an E14 cap. Their small size also limits their light output, so a single candle bulb is not meant to light a room but to work together with others in a multi-arm fitting.

Globe shapes, small to large

Globe filament bulbs carry the letter G. A G45 is a small globe, suited to wall lights, night lights and narrow shades. G80, G95 and G125 are progressively larger globes used mainly in open pendants, where a lampholder simply hangs from a cable. Inside a large globe the filaments are spread further apart, and the bulb itself becomes a decorative feature.

With large globes, check one thing: the diameter has to pass through the ring or cage of the fitting. Decorative metal frames often leave little room.

Pear and Edison shapes

The A60 is the classic pear shape and a direct swap for an ordinary bulb. Filament A60s come in clear and frosted glass. The frosted version hides the filaments but spreads the light softly, which makes it a practical choice for ceiling shades where the bulb is not seen but comfortable light is needed.

The elongated pear coded ST64 is known as the "Edison bulb". Its glass starts with a narrow neck and widens towards the bottom, often with long vertical filaments or a spiral arrangement inside. It is a frequent pick for loft-style interiors, cafés and restaurants.

Long tubes

T-coded filament bulbs, such as T32 or T45, are cylindrical. Some reach 20–30 cm in length. They are used in wall lights mounted parallel to the wall, in rows of pendants over bar counters and in window displays. A long tube is also heavier, so if it will hang from a thin decorative cable, check how sturdy the lampholder is.

How the filaments are arranged

Two bulbs of the same shape can look completely different depending on how their filaments are laid out. In the simplest version, several straight filaments stand vertically or at a slight angle around a central glass support, which is closest to the look of a classic incandescent bulb. Newer bulbs use flexible filaments that can be bent into spirals, loops, hearts or even lettering, making the bulb more decorative.

The arrangement also affects how light is spread. Vertical filaments send light mainly sideways, while a spiral gives a more even glow. In a downward-facing pendant, you will notice this in how the table or floor is lit. Decorative filament bulbs are usually not very bright, so it is better to think of them as atmospheric accent light rather than the main source.

Quick selection criteria

• In an open fitting, the shape is a large part of the look; choose clear glass and an interesting filament layout.
• Under a shade, size and light output matter more than shape; a straight candle or small globe is enough.
• At eye level, a clear filament's bright lines can dazzle; frosted or amber glass is more comfortable.
• With several bulbs in one fitting, keep them all the same shape and colour temperature.
• Check the cap: the same shape can come with either E14 or E27.

The shape of a filament bulb does not determine its energy use; wattage and light output are stated separately on the box.

The Zəfər İşığı range includes two E14 filament shapes: a straight candle and a teardrop bulb. These Ganja-made lamps are meant for decorative fittings, chandeliers and wall lights in particular.