What’s the Most Profitable Way to Stock Decorative LED Filament Bulbs?

You see dozens of decorative bulb shapes from ST64 to G95 to T30. Stocking the wrong styles means dead inventory and wasted capital, a buyer's worst nightmare.

The most profitable way is to build a curated portfolio. Focus on a core trio: the classic ST64 Edison bulb for vintage charm, the versatile G95 globe for modern appeal, and the unique T30 tube for specific design niches. This covers 90% of market demand.

I'll always remember a conversation with a new customer from the United States, a product manager we'll call Jacky. He was just starting his own online lighting store and wanted to make a big impression. He sent me a list of about 25 different bulb shapes he wanted to stock—diamonds, oversized globes, intricate tubular designs, everything. He thought offering the widest variety would make him the most successful. I had to gently explain that this was a recipe for disaster. Most of those unique shapes sell in tiny quantities. He would have tied up all his starting capital in bulbs that would sit on a shelf for years. We worked together to narrow his first order down to the core three: the ST64, the G95, and the T30, each with clear and amber glass options. Six months later, he was placing his third re-order, because he was selling through his inventory instead of just sitting on it. His story proves a vital point: in decorative lighting, success comes from strategically stocking the right shapes, not just all of them.

Why is the ST64 Edison Bulb Still the Cornerstone of Decorative Lighting?

You see this teardrop shape everywhere, from cafes to homes. Is it just a passing trend, or is there a fundamental reason for its lasting popularity that justifies making it your core inventory item?

The ST64's enduring appeal comes from its perfect balance of historical authenticity and versatile size. Its iconic teardrop shape is instantly recognizable as "vintage" and fits perfectly in the exposed-bulb fixtures that dominate decorative trends.

The ST64 shape is the backbone of the entire decorative filament bulb market. Its success isn't an accident. The "ST" stands for "Squirrel cage Teardrop," and the "64" refers to its 64mm diameter. This shape is a direct descendant of the early 20th-century bulbs designed by Thomas Edison's competitors. When the trend for industrial and rustic design exploded, designers looked for a bulb that screamed "authenticity." The ST64 was the answer. It’s long enough to look elegant in a single pendant but not so large that it overwhelms a multi-light fixture. It has become a visual shorthand for "vintage," "industrial," or "farmhouse" style. Any restaurant, bar, or home aiming for that aesthetic will specify this bulb shape. As a manufacturer, we see consistent, high-volume demand for the ST64 year after year, across all our major export markets like the US, UK, and Netherlands. It is the safest and most essential decorative bulb for any distributor to stock. While other shapes have their place, the ST64 is the workhorse that pays the bills. It is the one bulb your customers will expect you to have in stock, always.

Anatomy of an Icon

The ST64's design features are what make it so universally applicable.

• The Shape: An elongated pear or teardrop shape. This gives it a more elegant and prominent look than a standard A19 bulb when exposed.
• The Size (64mm diameter): This is the sweet spot. It's substantial enough to be a feature but small enough to be versatile. It fits perfectly in the common open-bottom glass shades and wire cages that are popular in decorative lighting.
• The "Squirrel Cage" Legacy: The "ST" designation hearkens back to the old tungsten filament bulbs where the filaments were arranged in a cage-like structure. Modern LED versions replicate this with either straight filaments for an industrial look or spiral filaments for a softer, more authentic glow.

The Most Common Applications

When you stock the ST64, you are stocking a solution for these popular design styles:

• Industrial: Hung in clusters from exposed conduit or in simple, dark metal fixtures.
• Rustic/Farmhouse¹: Used in fixtures made of reclaimed wood, rope, or Mason jars.
• Steampunk: Paired with elaborate fixtures made of pipes, gauges, and gears.

The ST64 is not just a bulb; it's a guaranteed seller that forms the foundation of any serious decorative lighting program.

Are Globe Bulbs (G95/G125) More Versatile Than Edison Bulbs?

You see the rising popularity of large, round globe bulbs. Are they a better investment for a modern audience, or are they just a different kind of niche product compared to the ST64?

Globe bulbs, particularly the G95, offer a different kind of versatility. While the ST64 owns the "vintage" aesthetic, the G95's simple, perfect sphere fits seamlessly into vintage, modern, and mid-century designs, making it arguably more adaptable across different styles.

While the ST64 is the king of vintage, the Globe bulb is the undisputed champion of modern versatility. The "G" stands for Globe, and the number (e.g., G95) is the diameter in millimeters. The shape's power lies in its geometric purity. A perfect sphere is a fundamental design element that feels at home in almost any setting. A G95 (95mm diameter) is the most popular size—large enough to be a statement in a pendant but perfectly scaled for a bathroom vanity or a multi-light "spoil" fixture. The larger G125 (125mm diameter) is a pure statement piece, best used alone to create a dramatic focal point over a dining table or in a high-ceilinged entryway. Unlike the ST64, which is permanently tied to a vintage feel, a clear glass G95 with a straight filament can look incredibly modern and minimalist. Put that same G95 with an amber finish and a spiral filament, and it feels warm and retro. This ability to cross genres is the G95's superpower. For a buyer like Jacky, it means that by stocking just one shape, the G95, in a few different finishes, he can service customers looking for mid-century modern, Scandinavian, minimalist, and even soft-industrial styles.

The Globe Family: A Matter of Scale

Choosing the right globe bulb is all about understanding its visual weight and intended placement.

• G80 (80mm): The Supporting Actor. Best used in clusters or multi-light fixtures where several bulbs are used together.
• G95 (95mm): The Versatile Lead. The go-to size for the widest range of applications. It's the core globe bulb for any inventory.
• G125 (125mm): The Dramatic Special Effect. A large, impactful bulb meant to be a standalone feature. Lower volume, but high margin.

Globe vs. Edison: A Strategic Choice

The decision between stocking globes and Edison bulbs isn't an "either/or" scenario. They serve different, though sometimes overlapping, customer desires.

A smart inventory doesn't choose between them. It recognizes the ST64 as the vintage essential and the G95 as the modern essential. Stocking both is the key to capturing the largest share of the decorative market.

When Should I Recommend a Tubular (T30) Bulb?

You have the teardrop and the globe shapes covered. Then a customer asks for something "long and thin" for a specific fixture. Is the tubular bulb a necessary addition or just a rare specialty item?

The tubular bulb, specifically the T30, is a necessary problem-solver for narrow fixtures and a unique design element for accent lighting. Its slim profile is essential for certain wall sconces and pendants where a wider bulb simply won't fit.

The tubular bulb fills a critical niche that the ST64 and G95 cannot. The "T" stands for Tubular, and the number is the diameter in millimeters. The T30 (30mm diameter) is the most common decorative size, often available in lengths from 185mm to a dramatic 300mm. Its primary function is twofold. First, it is a problem-solver. Many modern and art deco-style wall sconces are designed with very narrow glass shades or frames. A standard A19, ST64, or G95 bulb is physically too wide to fit inside. The slim T30 is the only option that works. Second, it is a unique design tool. When used in a series, long tubular bulbs create a visually stunning effect, like a curtain or waterfall of light. This is a popular choice for designers creating features in restaurants, hotels, or modern homes with high ceilings. While you will sell fewer T30s than ST64s, the customers who need them really need them, and they often lead to high-value project sales. Having them in your catalog demonstrates that you are a comprehensive supplier who can solve technical fitment issues and cater to creative design visions.

Understanding Tubular Variations

The T30 is the workhorse, but there are other "T" bulbs to be aware of.

• T30 (30mm Diameter)⁴: The primary decorative tube bulb. Its length is its key variable feature (e.g., T30-185, T30-300).
• T45 (45mm Diameter)⁵: A slightly wider tubular bulb that offers a "fatter" look. It's a cross between a tube and a traditional bulb, working well in single pendants.
• Radio Style (T45 Short): A short, stubby version of the T45, often with a flat top, mimicking the look of old vacuum tubes from vintage radios. A definite niche, but popular in steampunk and custom lighting.

Why a Buyer Needs Tubular Bulbs

Your inventory is incomplete without a core tubular offering, as it addresses specific needs.

The T30 isn't an everyday seller, but it's the key to unlocking specific projects and solving frustrating fitment problems. It's a sign of a professional lighting supplier.

How Do Candelabra (C35) Bulbs Fit into a Decorative Strategy?

You've mastered the large statement bulbs. But what about the most common decorative fixture of all: the chandelier? Ignoring these smaller bulbs seems like a missed opportunity.

The C35 candelabra bulb is the decorative workhorse for chandeliers, wall sconces, and multi-light fixtures. Offering it with a vintage filament transforms these traditional fixtures, making it a high-volume, essential part of any decorative lighting strategy.

For every single G125 statement bulb you sell, you will sell hundreds of C35 candelabra bulbs. While they may be small, their sales volume is enormous. The "C" stands for Candle, and the "35" is its 35mm diameter. These bulbs are designed to mimic the shape of a candle flame and are the standard for any fixture using a small E12 (in North America) or E14 (in Europe) base. For decades, the only options were dull, opaque white bulbs. The innovation of the LED filament completely revolutionized this category. Suddenly, a traditional chandelier could be retrofitted with clear C35 filament bulbs, creating a sparkling, glittering effect that looks infinitely more elegant and luxurious. You can offer them in a classic torpedo shape or a "flame-tip" version with a bent, flickering-flame shape for added authenticity. Offering these bulbs in both a clear, bright 2700K and a warm, vintage 2200K allows you to service both the traditional and rustic decor markets. For a professional buyer, ignoring the C35 filament bulb is like owning a grocery store that doesn't sell milk. It's a fundamental, high-turnover product that your customers expect you to carry.

The Candelabra Family

While the C35 is the main player, there are a couple of key variations to know.

• C35 (Torpedo Shape): The standard, symmetrical candle shape. The most common and versatile option.
• CA35 (Flame Tip Shape): The "A" stands for "Angled." This version has a decorative bent tip that mimics the flicker of a real candle flame. It's a more traditional and ornate look.
• G45 (Small Globe): A 45mm globe bulb, often on an E12/E14 base. It's a more modern alternative to the C35 for chandeliers and small lamps, offering a different, rounder shape.

The Business Case for Small Bulbs

Don't let their small size fool you. These bulbs are a big business.

Because a single chandelier can require anywhere from 5 to 25 bulbs, a single sale can result in a significant order quantity. This category is all about volume.

Conclusion

Profitably stock decorative bulbs by focusing on a core of ST64 for vintage, G95 for modern, and T30 for niches. This strategic portfolio meets most customer needs and maximizes your return on investment.