Exposed light bulbs..

[janellelk]

Hi guys! New to the board and love it so far. Great information and friendly folk. I know this might step on the heels of the DIY home improvement genre, but any feedback would definitely help.

So, my boyfriend and I are moving. The bedroom's ceiling light fixture is two exposed light bulbs! Think 1920s.. We cannot replace the fixture because it's a rental unit and apparently it's "historical."

Aside from buying "pink tinted" light bulbs to soften the harsh light or buying multiple lamps and just not using the ceiling light, what other alternatives are there? Is it possible to stick something over the exposed light fixture? Like a paper lantern or something (Is this a fire risk?)... Would some sort of plastic or glass cover be better? Also what is the best way to fasten it without causing damage when removed? I am truly baffled!

I know photos would help but we don't have any right now.. This is the closest thing I could find on the web without the weird wire think sticking out.

 

[Frank The Plumber]

I thought I had seen black bottomed bulbs that control the spray of the light.

 

[kbs2244]

Most of those fixtures have a 1/8 inch pipe, or at least a place to screw one in, in the center.

There was a glass “bowl” with a hole in the center of the bottom that was slipped over the pipe and held in place with a decorative nut.

Check out an antique store.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Most of those fixtures have a 1/8 inch pipe, or at least a place to screw one in, in the center.

There was a glass “bowl” with a hole in the center of the bottom that was slipped over the pipe and held in place with a decorative nut.

Check out an antique store.

This is typically the case. If you can get a photo, we can probably tell for sure. If it is, you may be able to find the right parts at a well stocked hardware store or a lighting store.

There are also inexpensive shades that have a sort of circular spring deal that clips right onto a light bulb. However, they are usually for use with a single bulb that points straight down so I don't know if one of them will work in your case.

 

[janellelk]

Thanks for the suggestions and feedback! Wow! I will be back with a actual photo asap.

 

[Jack Olsen]

If yours has a threaded extension down below the socket (like the one in the picture), then there are shades that can go on that, with a washer and a bolt holding it in place.
Think of an upside-down umbrella.

There are also shades that clip onto the bulbs themselves. They're used in chandelier applications, but they would also work for this.

As Frank mentions, there are bulbs that have a cover on the end -- like the bulb was dipped -- that would keep you from having to stare right into the filament.

If you've got an Ikea near by, take a look at their sphere-shaped and cylinder-shaped paper shades. One of them might enclose the fixture while still allowing cooling air to circulate.

Chandelier bulbs with the full size base and a low enough wattage will look nice, although you'd have to supplement the light in the room with some lamps.

 

[ptschram]

I thought I had seen black bottomed bulbs that control the spray of the light.

Lights for funeral homes are often frosted on the top to create a pleasing, warm effect. But, most are mogul base, not medium base.

(my dad spent 30 years as an industrial lighting salesman-I did iy for a few months, I wasn't as good at it as he)