On Mon, 4 Feb 2008 13:03:47 -0800 (PST), z
wrote:

One way to "cheat" is to replace the bulb with one of those where the
bulb is a big globe, instead of using a glass globe on the outside.
Then you can use a 100, no problem, and it still looks OK.
As a bonus, those big globe bulbs seem to last forever.

Depending upon the type of the fixture, it could work. The problem is
what to do with the mounting hardware that supports the globe (i.e.,
can it be easily removed?) and the bare socket and any wiring that
would now be visible. Fixtures specifically designed for globe-style
(sometimes referred to as "fat albert") lamps have decorative shafts
that hide the socket, whereas a globe fixture would not.

Beyond these hardware issues, the operating efficiency of G-style
lamps is comparatively poor; watt for watt, a Halogená Energy Saver
lamp would produce twice as much light as a standard G40. For
example, a 60-watt GE G40 soft white produces 680 lumens (11.3 lumens
per watt); the 70-watt Halogená ES mentioned earlier produces 1,600
lumens (22.8 lumens per watt). The Halogená also offers longer life
(3,000 versus 2,500 hours).

Cheers,
Paul