Everything You Need to Know
When Selecting Light Bulbs
Imagine buying a brand-new light fixture you love, only to screw in a bulb that makes your room look like a hospital waiting room. Or worse—one that doesn’t fit at all. At Lighting New York, we know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the maze of lightbulb options out there. But don’t worry. Choosing the right bulb doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tips and a better understanding of bulb basics, you’ll never feel lost in the lighting aisle again.
Let’s break it down so you can confidently find the perfect bulb for every fixture in your home or project.
Why the Right Bulb Matters
Think of your light fixture as the stage and the lightbulb as the star of the show. Even the most beautiful fixture can fall flat with the wrong lighting. The bulb you choose affects not only how a room looks, but also how it feels and functions. Want to create a cozy reading nook? Or brighten up a kitchen island? It all starts with the right bulb.
A mismatched bulb can cause problems: poor light coverage, harsh glare, wrong color temperature, or even damage to your fixture. That’s why understanding how to choose the right bulb is just as important as selecting the right fixture.
Know Your Bulb Basics
Before diving into shapes and sizes, let’s cover the essential terms you need to know:
Wattage – This tells you how much energy the bulb uses. LED bulbs use less wattage to produce the same amount of light as older incandescent bulbs.
Lumens – This measures brightness. More lumens = more light. A 60-watt incandescent bulb gives off about 800 lumens.
Kelvin (Color Temperature) – This affects how warm or cool the light appears. A lower Kelvin number (2700K) feels warm and yellow, great for bedrooms and living rooms. A higher number (4000K+) is cooler and bluish, ideal for task lighting in kitchens or bathrooms.
CRI (Color Rendering Index) – This measures how accurately colors appear under the light. A CRI of 80+ is good. Over 90 is excellent, especially for areas where true color matters (like closets or art studios).
Base Type – Make sure the bulb base matches your fixture socket. Common sizes are E26 (standard , medium base screw-in) and E12 (also known as candelabra base screw-in).
Choose the Right Shape & Size
Bulbs come in more shapes than just the traditional pear. Each shape serves a purpose and affects how light spreads. Here are the most common types with real-world examples to help you make the right pick:
A-series (A19, A21) – This is the standard bulb shape most of us grew up with. It’s ideal for table lamps, ceiling fan lights, semi-flush mounts, and general room lighting. Example: A19 LED bulb for a bedside lamp.
Globe (G16.5, G25, G30, G40) – These bulbs are perfectly round and come in different sizes. They’re especially decorative and work well in open fixtures. Example: G25 globe bulbs are commonly used in bathroom vanity lights, while larger G40s can add drama to oversized pendants.
Candle (B10, B11, C7, C11, CA10, CA11) – Slim and flame-shaped, these bulbs mimic the look of a candle flame. They’re perfect for chandeliers, wall sconces, and accent lighting. Example: B10 bulbs are often used in dining room chandeliers, adding elegance without overwhelming the fixture.
PAR (PAR20, PAR30, PAR38) & BR (BR20, BR30, BR40) – These are directional bulbs, often used in recessed can lights, track lighting, or exterior floodlights. PAR bulbs have a more focused beam, while BR bulbs are more diffused and softer. Example: PAR38 bulbs are great for spotlighting artwork, while BR30 bulbs are ideal for general illumination in a living room ceiling can.
Tubular (T6, T8, T10) – Long, cylindrical bulbs often used in bathroom strip lights, under-cabinet fixtures, or niche accent lighting. Example: A T10 LED works beautifully in minimalist wall sconces or modern bath bars.
Edison (ST19, ST64) – These vintage-style bulbs have exposed filaments and are designed to be seen. Often used in industrial, farmhouse, or retro fixtures. Example: ST64 bulbs look stunning in open pendant fixtures above a kitchen island.
Miniature and Specialty Bulbs – These include bulbs like G4 bi-pins, MR16s, or festoon bulbs, used in display cases, landscape lighting, or tiny pendants. Example: MR16 bulbs are commonly found in directional track lighting in modern gallery spaces.
Color Temperature: Set the Mood
Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly relaxed? Or maybe jolted awake by bright white lighting? That’s color temperature at work.
LEDs vs. Incandescents vs. Halogens
While incandescent and halogen bulbs still exist, LED technology has taken the lead. Here’s why:
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs use 75-80% less energy.
- Long Lifespan: LEDs can last 15,000–40,000 hours vs. 1,000 hours for incandescents.
- Cooler Operation: LEDs stay cooler, protecting your fixtures.
- Dimmability: Many LEDs are dimmable, but check the label to be sure.
Tip: Avoid mixing bulb types in the same room unless you’re matching color temperatures exactly.
Don't Forget Dimming Compatibility
Want to set the mood? Dimming is a great way to create ambiance. But not all bulbs are dimmable. Always check the packaging. Also, not all dimmer switches are compatible with LED bulbs. You may need an LED-compatible dimmer to prevent flickering or buzzing.
A Final Word
Choosing the right bulb is like finding the perfect lens for a camera. It changes everything. The color, the shape, the brightness—they all affect how your space looks and feels. Whether you're lighting a cozy living room or outfitting a new build with recessed lights, a little bulb knowledge goes a long way.
When in doubt, our team at LightingNewYork.com is here to help. Chat with our experts, explore our guides, or browse our massive selection of bulbs by fixture type, room, or finish. We’ll help you light your space with confidence.
Everything You Need to Know When Selecting Light Bulbs FAQs
Q: How do I know what bulb fits my fixture?
A: Check the socket size (usually printed near the socket or in the fixture manual). Match the base (like E26 or GU10), shape, and max wattage.
Q: What is the difference between watts and lumens?
A: Watts measure energy use. Lumens measure brightness. With LED bulbs, focus on lumens to get the light output you want.
Q: What color temperature is best for a bedroom?
A: Warm white (2700K–3000K) is best for creating a relaxing, cozy atmosphere.
Q: Can I use LED bulbs in any fixture?
A: Yes, as long as the bulb fits the socket and the fixture isn’t enclosed (unless the LED is rated for enclosed fixtures).
Q: Are all LED bulbs dimmable?
A: No. Only bulbs marked "dimmable" will work with dimmer switches. Check for compatibility with your specific dimmer.
Q: What's the most energy-efficient type of bulb?
A: LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting option available.
Q: How do I pick the right brightness for my space?
A: Use lumens as a guide. 800 lumens is equivalent to a 60-watt bulb. Larger rooms or task lighting may need 1100+ lumens.
Q: Do I need a special bulb for outdoor lighting?
A: Yes. Look for bulbs labeled "damp-rated" or "wet-rated" for outdoor use.
Q: What is CRI and why does it matter?
A: CRI tells you how accurately a light source shows colors. Higher CRI (90+) is better for color-sensitive areas.
Q: How long do LED bulbs really last?
A: Many LED bulbs last 15,000 to 40,000 hours. That could mean over 10 years of use depending on how often they’re on.