A dielectric barrier discharge lamp is disclosed, which comprises a discharge vessel having a principal axis. The discharge vessel encloses a discharge volume filled with a discharge gas. The discharge vessel further comprises end portions intersected by the principal axis. At least one electrode of a first type and at least one electrode of a second type are used in the lamp. The electrodes of one type are energized to act as a cathode and the electrodes of other type are energized to act as an anode. The electrodes are substantially straight, elongated electrodes with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the principal axis of the discharge vessel. At least one of the electrodes is positioned within the discharge volume, and the electrodes of at least one type are isolated from the discharge volume by a dielectric layer. At least one of the electrodes inside the discharge volume is provided with an outer luminescent layer. Additionally, at least one of the electrodes inside the discharge volume provided with a luminescent layer may have a reflective layer under the luminescent layer.