Clear Vs. Frosted Light Bulbs

Thomas Edison invented the clear light bulb in 1879. Manufacturers eventually introduced the frosted light bulb. Clear and frosted light bulbs are incandescent light sources that differ only slightly.

Design

• Clear light bulbs and frosted light bulbs share the same design. Both are made of glass and contain a tungsten filament that glows when heated by electricity, resulting in light. In addition, low- and high-wattage bulbs are available in clear and frosted bulbs.

Coatings

• The interior glass of frosted light bulbs contains a substance that coats the glass and diffuses the light. Clear bulbs do not contain any special coatings.

Usage

• Those wanting softer, diffused light use frosted light bulbs. Clear bulbs give light that is brighter and suitable for everyday applications.

History

• Inventors created early versions of light bulbs beginning in 1810, all using clear glass with no inside coating. Frosted light bulbs were not available until the 1920s.