Remodelista Reconnaissance: Silver-Tipped Lightbulbs, Always a Bright Idea

Leave it to Copenhagen It couple Frederik Bille Brahe (chef) and Caroline Brasch Nielsen (model/designer) to remind us that a silver-tipped lightbulb can transform an otherwise ho-hum fixture into a design detail worth emulating. (For evidence, see A Family Kitchen in Copenhagen with Uncommon Style.)

It’s the kind of easy swap we’ve long admired. But where to source such a silvery bulb? Read on.

The Sighting(s)

Above: Our reminder of the enigmatic appeal of chrome-tipped bulbs came from Frederik and Caroline’s kitchen, where they’re paired with simple white sconces (and some creative work with the electrical cord). Photograph courtesy of Reform from A Family Kitchen in Copenhagen with Uncommon Style.
Above: But we’ve previously admired silver bulbs, too, including in the French home of French stylist and costumier Céline Sathal, where a solitary silver bulb hangs from the ceiling. Photography by Eefje de Coninck for Remodelista from La Vie en Rose: Inside a Costumier’s Dreamlike, DIY Maison in France.
Above: And small chrome bulbs replaced regular white ones in Sarah Lonsdale’s own California bath, as seen in 10 Tips for Transforming a Rental Bath on a Budget. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

The Source

Above: Silvery lightbulbs are easy to source. The keywords you’re looking for are “half-chrome lightbulb” or “silver-tipped lightbulb.” Shown is the 60W G40 Chrome Tip Bulb, $14 from Rejuvenation, and other options are widely available from Nostalgic Bulbs ($4.95), Ace Hardware ($7.99), Lamps Plus ($3.98), and Home Depot ($9.89).

For more design details uncovered, see:

• Remodelista Reconnaissance: A Cane-Back Rocker in a Designer’s Summer Bedroom
• Remodelista Reconnaissance: Interior Shutters in a Workstead-Designed Retreat
• Remodelista Reconnaissance: The Ideal Ceramic Coffee Cups, Sans Handle

N.B.: This story originally appeared on September 9, 2022 and has been updated with new products and pricing.