Ideas for finding this specific lightbulb?

December 19, 2006 7:46 AM

Where to find silver bowl lightbulbs in Chicago?

Shape is not as important as the silver reflective stuff, but it must fit a regular old lamp.

I've been to Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, you name it. I'd buy 'em online, but shipping is 5X the cost of the bulb and I'm far too cheap and impatient for that. Does anyone know of a source in the city or suburbs?

posted by Work to Live to Home & Garden (12 answers total)

So, oddly enough, (my) Home Depot. I'm surprised yours doesn't have them. Do you have a small local hardware store that could order some in for you?
posted by GuyZero at 7:52 AM on December 19, 2006

Response by poster: GuyZero -- Chalk that up to one more way Canada bests the U.S.
posted by Work to Live at 7:54 AM on December 19, 2006

The Home Depots and Lowes where I live both have them too; I am in GA. Did you ask any of the big box stores about ordering them for you?

Surprisingly enough, I sometimes find hard-to-find lightbulbs at my local Krogers Grocery of all places.
posted by TedW at 8:02 AM on December 19, 2006

I've always heard these referred to as "half-silvered "bulbs. If you're getting blank stares, you could try calling them that. Alternatively, the Perkins restaurants where I live use these. You could try buying some off of them.

Matt
posted by cosmicbandito at 8:06 AM on December 19, 2006

i've never understood why these bulbs exist. to light the table, not the ceiling? i don't mean to hijack, but as long as we're here, anyone care to, um, enlighten me?
posted by twistofrhyme at 8:39 AM on December 19, 2006

they don't cast light directly down, so they create a softer, more difuse light. They reduce glare. They're primarily used in hanging lamps over tables. At least, that's been my experience.
posted by cosmicbandito at 9:20 AM on December 19, 2006

twistofrhyme - I've usually seen them in ceiling installations, so the entire area is lit by indirect light (makes for a much softer environment). I suppose putting them the other way around would create more of a spot effect.

FWIW, I've been searching for these in the Boston area forever without much luck.
posted by zerokey at 9:21 AM on December 19, 2006

Generally they are used when you have a light fixture suitable for a globe light, but you want more indirect light from the fixtur rather than the harsh light straight from the bulb
posted by TedW at 9:28 AM on December 19, 2006

Lightology claims to have them. They have a retail show room at

1718 West Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Toll-Free: 1-866-954-4489
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

There is also a store called:

Chicago Lighting Warehouse
1657 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
7737728105

But they don't seem to have a website.

ps: this information courtesy of a google search for "chicago lighting store". I find the big boxes useless for anything even vaguely special and when I'm thwarted I reach for the yellow pages to see if I can find a speciality dealer. Most places selling to tradespeople will deal with you if you have cash.
posted by Mitheral at 10:53 AM on December 19, 2006

Seconding Lightology. They have them.
posted by Not in my backyard at 12:04 PM on December 19, 2006

Response by poster: Mystery solved: Bulbs found at Clark Devon Hardware.

Thanks.
posted by Work to Live at 3:37 PM on December 20, 2006

thanks also for the answers about what they're for.
posted by twistofrhyme at 10:50 PM on December 26, 2006