Does GEs $8 stained glass bulb live up to its TikTok fame?
TikTok has many worlds to explore but my favorite and the most influential in my life is what I like to call home dcor-tok. It offers anything you may be looking for; from innovative design ideas for renters to tips on renovating on a budget or even how to build a mini home inside a van. Ive mostly participated as a daydreamer, but then something caught my eye that had me running out to Target. When I stumbled on a TikTok video by creator @katiaschwing, which shows her coming back to her apartment from a Target trip and jazzing up her living room with GEs 25w stained glass light bulb, I knew I had to have it, too. While I may be too easily influenced by an internet trend, I was hoping this would solve my problem of a perpetually too bright lamp on my bedside table. I love the shape, style, and design of this lamp, but its lighting has always been a little harsh, despite trying several softer glow and lower wattage bulbs. ADVERTISEMENT  After my own Target run, I brought this stained glass light bulb home. The GE bulb itself is decorated in stained glass style with colorful sections divided by thin black lines. Heres what happened when I plugged it in. What I like  Credit: Reviewed / Samantha Mangino GEs stained glass light bulb creates lovely and colorful shadows that cascade across the walls near the lamp. The bulb creates colorful shadows and a soft glow  GEs stained glass light bulb creates lovely and colorful shadows that cascade across the walls near the lamp. The ruling color of the glow is a muted red that fades outward. When I walked into my room to get ready for bed, the bulbs cast relaxed me, and I was able to unwind before drifting off. At 25w, the bulb doesnt burn bright, but I do appreciate that it provides enough light so I can read in bed. What I dont like  Sometimes its just not bright enough  Now that I've been using the stained glass light bulb for a few months, I have noticed a few downsides. Yes, I wanted a muted light, but this bulb creates mood lighting rather than standard, brighter LED light that is needed when tidying up, getting ready, or working at my desk. Ive been turning on my second lamp in my room so I can see better. ADVERTISEMENT  Its incandescent and less energy efficient  While LED light bulbs have flooded the market in the past two decades and use up to 80% less energy, GEs stained glass light bulb is incandescent and therefore nowhere near as energy efficient as an LED bulb. LED bulbs also have a far longer lifespan. Yes, LEDs are pricier, but youre making a longer term investment of 10,000 hours versus 1,000. Credit: Reviewed / Samantha Mangino GE's stained glass light bulb features multicolored segments. Yes. Being able to totally transform my space with a $8 purchase is a huge perk and just what I wanted. Its an affordable option if youre looking to create soft, mood lighting without the price of a popular dimming or colorful WiFi/Bluetooth-controlled bulb. And lets face it: Even if it breaks or doesnt last that long, youre only out $8. Its too soon to tell how long this bulb will last, but I recommend using it in a lamp thats intended for decorative, soft lighting rather than a rooms main light source. Ive seen other TikTokers use it in the IKEA bulb floor lamps which really adds ambiance to a room. Its been a few months since I made my purchase, and Im still very pleased with its soft glow. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.