A tall filament globe, compact A-shape and small golf-ball LED can illuminate the same shade very differently even at equal lumens.
Start with the problem, not the product photograph
Electrical compatibility and visual quality are different questions. For LED shape and bulb position inside a Tiffany shade, begin at the rating label and finish with a documented trial.
Photograph the proposed position straight on and from the side. Record the full dimensions, lampholder, bulb, connection method and the main task. A close product image rarely shows room scale, door movement or the angle from which a bare bulb becomes visible.
Three distinct decisions
1. Decide the job before the style
Keep the light source hidden from normal sight while placing its emitting area where it reaches the coloured glass evenly.
Keep this evidence: write the main task and the one constraint that could rule the fitting out.
2. Measure the real fitting envelope
Measure socket-to-crown height, shade opening and bulb envelope, including any harp or cluster obstruction.
Keep this evidence: record every dimension from one named reference point and photograph the tape measure in place.
3. Test the result from normal positions
Compare two compatible shapes at similar lumens from seated, standing and doorway viewpoints.
Keep this evidence: repeat the check by day and after dark, using the bulb and furniture layout you expect to keep.
Worked calculation
Bulb-to-glass clearance
C = S − B
Variables: C is clearance, S is internal shade radius at the bulb’s widest level and B is bulb radius.
Example: If the shade radius there is 105 mm and the bulb radius is 30 mm, C = 105 − 30 = 75 mm. Repeat vertically and around any harp or socket cluster.
The calculation gives a planning check, not an installation approval. Confirm the maker’s dimensions, use a full-size mock-up and let the appropriately qualified person decide structural and fixed-wiring details.
A real TiffanyLight.co.nz product as the worked case
20 cm Tiffany-style stained-glass wall light
A shallow wall fitting used to check projection, side glare, door movement and stair or hallway sightlines.
This model demonstrates the method; it is not an automatic recommendation. Draw its complete dimensions, verify the current electrical specification and test the proposed light in the real room. Product details can change, so check the live page before buying.
Confirm on the product page: total dimensions, weight, voltage and connection, lampholder, maximum wattage, included parts and installation conditions.
Practical New Zealand home scenario
Photograph the fitting label and compare two compatible LEDs where only one property changes. Confirm the globe fits, remains clear of glass and is hidden from normal view. Record the exact bulb model that gives the most stable, useful result.
Common mistakes
- Guessing the bulb cap or voltage from a photograph.
- Confusing watts, lumens, lux and kelvin.
- Assuming every dimmable LED works with every dimmer.
Final checklist
- The fitting label has been read.
- Voltage and maximum wattage are respected.
- The globe fits without contact.
- Lumens, kelvin and CRI are recorded.
- Dimming is stable across the useful range.
Record sheet: model, complete dimensions, total weight, voltage and connection, lampholder, chosen LED, position, mock-up photograph and check date. The current product information and maker’s instructions take priority over general guidance.
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