One of the most common questions Tiffany lamp owners ask is: what bulb should I use? Get it right and your lamp glows beautifully. Get it wrong and you risk overheating the shade, washing out the colours, or simply not getting the warm ambience you're after. Here's everything you need to know.
The Golden Rule: Check the Lamp's Maximum Wattage Rating
Every Tiffany lamp has a maximum wattage rating — usually printed on a sticker inside the socket or listed in the product specifications. This is the most important number to follow. Exceeding it can damage the shade, melt the solder lines, or create a fire risk.
Most standard Tiffany table lamps are rated for 40W to 60W maximum (incandescent equivalent).
LED vs Incandescent: Which Is Better for Tiffany Lamps?
LED bulbs are strongly recommended for Tiffany lamps, and here's why:
- They run cool — incandescent bulbs generate significant heat, which over time can stress the glass and lead to cracking or discolouration of the solder. LEDs produce far less heat.
- They use less energy — a 6–8W LED produces the same light output as a 40–60W incandescent bulb, well within most lamps' wattage limits.
- They last longer — fewer bulb changes means less handling of your lamp, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
Avoid halogen bulbs in Tiffany lamps. They run extremely hot and can cause serious damage to the glass and lead came over time.
What Wattage LED Should You Use?
| Incandescent Equivalent | LED Wattage | Lumens (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 40W | 4–6W | 450 lm |
| 60W | 8–10W | 800 lm |
| 75W | 11–13W | 1100 lm |
For most Tiffany table lamps, a 6W to 10W LED (40–60W equivalent) is the sweet spot — bright enough to illuminate a room, warm enough to show the glass colours at their best.
Colour Temperature: Warm White Is Always the Answer
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and has a huge impact on how your Tiffany lamp looks:
- 2700K–3000K (Warm White) ✅ — this is the ideal range for Tiffany lamps. It mimics the glow of a traditional incandescent bulb and brings out the rich reds, ambers, and greens in the stained glass beautifully.
- 4000K (Cool White) ⚠️ — usable, but will make the colours look flatter and less vibrant.
- 5000K–6500K (Daylight) ❌ — avoid entirely. This cold, bluish light completely kills the warm ambience a Tiffany lamp is designed to create.
Always look for bulbs labelled "warm white" or "soft white" — not "cool white" or "daylight."
Bulb Shape: Does It Matter?
Yes — bulb shape affects both the light distribution and the look of your lamp:
- Golf ball (G45) or candle (E14) bulbs — ideal for smaller Tiffany table lamps with narrow sockets. Their compact shape fits neatly within the shade.
- Standard (A60) bulbs — suitable for larger floor lamps and pendant shades with wider sockets.
- Globe bulbs — avoid these in enclosed or downward-facing shades as they can trap heat.
If your lamp uses an E27 (standard) or E14 (small) Edison screw fitting, you'll find a wide range of warm white LED options available.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Use LED bulbs — they're cooler, more efficient, and safer for the glass
- ✅ Stay within the lamp's maximum wattage rating
- ✅ Choose 2700K–3000K warm white for the best colour rendering
- ✅ Match the bulb shape and fitting to your lamp's socket
- ❌ Avoid halogen and high-wattage incandescent bulbs
- ❌ Avoid cool white or daylight colour temperatures
The right bulb makes your Tiffany lamp sing. A warm white LED at the correct wattage will protect your lamp, reduce energy costs, and deliver that signature golden glow that makes stained glass lighting so special.
Browse our Tiffany lamp collection — and if you have questions about bulb compatibility, feel free to get in touch.