Even if a bulb fits in the fixture, you still need to double-check the voltage and wattage for each bulb and fixture to make sure they line up. Don’t assume that just because a bulb fits that it’s safe to use.
Standard bulbs (also known as medium or Edison base bulbs) go into bases that resemble the size of a quarter. These are the most popular type of fixture base and they’re 26 mm in diameter. Intermediate bulbs are roughly the shape of a dime. These bases measure 17 mm in diameter. Candelabra bulbs have bases that are roughly the same size as Lincoln’s head on a penny. These small bases measure 12 mm in diameter. If your fixture looks like two pins slide into it, you have a bi-pin, twist-lock, or plug bulb. There are hundreds of these bulbs and you’ll need to read the instructions for the light fixture to figure out which bulb you need. For example, a G9. 5 bi-pin can have a pin diameter of 3. 1–3. 25 millimetres (0. 122–0. 128 in), while a G12 bulb will have a diameter of 2. 35 millimetres (0. 093 in). Both bulbs will look nearly identical and they come in a variety of voltages, so you’ll have to read the instructions for the light fixture to ensure that you’re using the right bulb.
Never use a lightbulb with a wattage higher than the fixture’s max wattage. This will eventually destroy the fixture, but it can even cause a fire if you leave the light on for too long. This information is often printed on the inside of the base for the bulb on the fixture. You can absolutely use a bulb with a lower wattage than the fixture’s max wattage.
You will destroy the bulb or the fixture if you use a bulb with the wrong voltage. In most cases, a bulb with an incorrect voltage won’t even turn on. If you got a new bulb and it won’t light up in your fixture, the voltage is probably incorrect.
For example, a 60-watt fixture requires an LED bulb that’s 8-12 watts, and if you’re going with a halogen bulb, it must be 43 watts. This is due to the fact that different types of bulbs produce different amounts of energy. This conversion measurement is often listed on a bulb’s box as the wattage “equivalent. ” If you need a 60-watt incandescent bulb, you can use any light bulb that says “60-watt equivalent” on the box.
Some people dislike LED bulbs because they tend to be a little brighter and sharper than the old incandescent bulbs people are used to. LED bulbs tend to be the most expensive but they last for so long that it’s often worth it in the long run. You find LED bulbs in almost every type of lighting fixture. They’re so efficient and popular that you can find them in almost every style.
CFLs generate a little more heat than LED bulbs which is why they’re generally not as popular. They tend to get very hot if you leave them on for a long time. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are commonly used in desk lamps, floor lamps, under-cabinet lamps, table lamps, linear strips, and sconces. CFLs have basically made fluorescent tube lighting entirely obsolete. If you really like the look of those old fluorescent tubes, get a CFL bulb. The feel of the light tends to be extremely similar. [8] X Research source
Halogen bulbs are popular options for track lighting, appliance lighting, and desk lamps. They aren’t usually great choices for overhead fixtures, though.
If you really love the look of incandescent lighting, look for a “warm” LED with roughly 800 lumens. The texture of the light should look nearly identical. [11] X Research source
Many 3-way bulbs are incandescent, but there are 3-way LED and halogen bulbs as well. These bulbs are almost exclusively used in freestanding and table lamps. You won’t often find them on a wall fixture or ceiling light.
Dimmable light bulbs have adjustable voltages. When you turn a dimmer down, the voltage is throttled and less light is produced.
The scale for lumens ranges roughly from 450-1600. A bulb with 800 lumens will produce an “average” amount of light. Again, how 800 lumens looks in your home depends on what you’re using the light for. A desk lamp producing 800 lumens will be really bright. An outdoor motion-sensor light will feel really dim at 800 lumens.
The softer the light is, the less harsh it will be when you look at it. Generally, softer lights are great for mood lighting and exposed bulbs. Harder lights are great for ceiling fans and lights that need to be bright. Harder lighting is often marketed as “bright” or “ultra-bright. ” Warmer lights tend to have tints of yellow, orange, or red, while cooler lights tend to have a bluish tint. It’s entirely up to you which you prefer.
Energy Star is the name of the certification program in the United States, but most countries have a version of this.
Tube-style bulbs come in a variety of sizes, so measure the length of a hanging fixture before purchasing a bulb to avoid getting a light that’s too short or long.
If you put a regular bulb in a track or directional light, you’ll be wasting light on the sides of the bulb.
These types of decorative lights come in a few different styles. There are pear-shaped, blunt-tip, and tapered candle bulbs for different fixtures and looks. These bulbs tend to look softer than their round counterparts, even when the wattage is identical.
PAR bulbs are not a great option for indoor lighting. They’ll feel really overwhelming, even at a low wattage.
