Why did carbon-filament electric bulbs become popular even though they were inefficient?

Although the carbon-filament incandescent lamp was highly inefficient, it gained widespread popularity because it offered a significant improvement over existing lighting methods. Specifically, it eliminated the soot and fire hazards associated with coal-gas jets, which were the primary form of artificial light in urban areas at the time.1

By providing a safer and cleaner alternative, the carbon-filament bulb became an accepted part of urban life by 1900. Its adoption was further supported by the development of practical electrical power systems, including dynamos and distribution networks, which allowed for the reliable use of electric lighting in homes and businesses. While later innovations, such as the tungsten-filament bulb, eventually replaced carbon filaments due to their superior efficiency and durability, the early carbon-filament lamps were essential in establishing the foundation for modern electric lighting.123