Complete guide to choosing the right light bulbs: color temperature, lumens vs watts, base types, bulb shapes, and which bulb works best for each room.
| Type | Efficiency | Lifespan | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | Excellent (80-90%) | 15-25 years | $2-15+ | Best choice for most uses, dimmable options available |
| CFL | Good (60-70%) | 7-10 years | $2-8 | Contains mercury, being phased out |
| Halogen | Moderate (20-30%) | 2-3 years | $2-6 | Runs very hot, good color rendering |
| Incandescent | Poor (10%) | 1-2 years | $1-3 | Being phased out, warm light |
Bottom Line:
LED bulbs are the clear winner for energy savings, longevity, and total cost of ownership. A $5 LED replacing a 60W incandescent saves approximately $150 in electricity over its lifetime.
Understanding Color Temperature
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers = warmer/yellower light. Higher numbers = cooler/bluer light. This dramatically affects the mood and function of a space.
| Kelvin | Name | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2200K | Candlelight | Very warm amber/orange | Accent lighting, mood lighting |
| 2700K | Soft White | Warm yellow/orange | Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms |
| 3000K | Warm White | Warm white with yellow tint | Kitchens, bathrooms, general purpose |
| 3500K | Neutral White | Balanced warm/cool | Offices, retail, workspaces |
| 4000K | Cool White | Crisp white with blue tint | Garages, laundry, task areas |
| 5000K | Daylight | Bright bluish-white | Reading, craft rooms, workshops |
| 6500K | Daylight Deluxe | Very blue/harsh | Detail work, photography, aquariums |
Warm Light (2700K-3000K)
Creates relaxing, cozy atmosphere. Makes skin tones look flattering. Best for spaces where you want to unwind.
Cool Light (4000K-5000K)
Increases alertness and focus. Better for task lighting and productivity. Can feel sterile in living spaces.
Shop by Lumens, Not Watts
Watts measure energy use, not brightness. Lumens measure actual light output. With LED technology, you get more lumens per watt - that's the efficiency gain.
| Brightness | Lumens | LED Watts | "Equivalent" Incandescent | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 250-450 | 4-5W | 25-40W | Accent, nightlights, closets |
| Medium | 800 | 8-10W | 60W | General purpose, most rooms |
| Bright | 1100 | 12-14W | 75W | Kitchens, reading areas |
| Very Bright | 1600 | 16-20W | 100W | Work areas, garages |
| Maximum | 2600+ | 25-30W | 150W | Workshops, commercial |
Energy Savings Example
Replacing a 60W incandescent with an 9W LED (both 800 lumens) saves 51 watts. Running 3 hours/day = 56 kWh/year saved = ~$7-14/year per bulb at typical electricity rates.
| Base Code | Name | Diameter | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| E26 / E27 | Medium Edison Screw | 26mm (1") | Standard household - lamps, ceiling fixtures |
| E12 | Candelabra | 12mm (~1/2") | Chandeliers, decorative fixtures, night lights |
| E17 | Intermediate | 17mm | Appliances, ceiling fans (less common) |
| GU10 | Twist & Lock | 10mm pins | Track lighting, recessed downlights |
| GU24 | Two-Pin Twist | 24mm pins | Energy-efficient fixtures (Title 24) |
| MR16 / GU5.3 | Bi-Pin (Low Voltage) | 5.3mm pins | Track lighting, landscape, 12V systems |
| G4 | Bi-Pin Tiny | 4mm pins | Under-cabinet, RV, boat lights |
| G9 | Bi-Pin Loop | 9mm pins | Decorative fixtures, pendants |
Pro Tip: Bring the Old Bulb
When shopping for replacements, bring your old bulb to ensure exact match. E26 and E27 bases are interchangeable (E27 is metric equivalent).
Understanding Shape Codes
The letter indicates shape (A=Arbitrary, B=Bullet, C=Candle, G=Globe, PAR=Parabolic, etc.). The number is the diameter in eighths of an inch (A19 = 19/8" = 2.375" diameter).
| Shape | Common Sizes | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Arbitrary) | A15, A19, A21 | Classic pear/bulb shape | Table lamps, ceiling fixtures, anywhere |
| BR (Bulged Reflector) | BR30, BR40 | Wide flood beam, domed front | Recessed can lights (most common) |
| PAR (Parabolic) | PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 | Focused beam, glass lens | Track lights, outdoor floods, spotlights |
| MR (Multifaceted) | MR11, MR16 | Small reflector, focused | Track lighting, display, landscape |
| B/C/CA (Candle) | B10, C7, CA10 | Decorative candle/bullet | Chandeliers, sconces, decorative |
| G (Globe) | G16.5, G25, G40 | Round ball shape | Vanity mirrors, pendant lights |
| T (Tubular) | T8, T10, T12 | Tube shape | Fluorescent replacements, showcases |
| ST (Edison) | ST18, ST19, ST64 | Vintage teardrop shape | Exposed bulb fixtures, industrial style |
| Can Size | Opening Diameter | Bulb Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" | ~3.5" opening | BR20, PAR20, MR16 | Smaller spaces, accent lighting |
| 5" | ~4.5" opening | BR30, PAR30 | Common residential size |
| 6" | ~5.5" opening | BR30, BR40, PAR38 | Most common - kitchens, living areas |
| 8" | ~7" opening | BR40, PAR38 | Commercial, high ceilings |
LED Retrofit Options:
You can replace entire recessed fixtures with LED retrofit kits that include integrated trim and LED module. These are more efficient than replacing just the bulb and often dimmable.
Living Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Garage/Workshop
Outdoor
Common Dimmer Brands
Lutron, Leviton, and Legrand all make quality LED-compatible dimmers. Check their websites for LED bulb compatibility lists before purchasing.
What is CRI?
CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural light (100 CRI). Higher CRI means colors look more natural and vibrant under that light.
| CRI Rating | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | Excellent | Art studios, retail, makeup, photography |
| 80-89 | Good | Homes, offices, general residential (minimum recommended) |
| 60-79 | Moderate | Garages, storage, utility areas only |
For living spaces, always choose bulbs with CRI 80 or higher. CRI 90+ is worth the extra cost for kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere you want colors to look natural.
WiFi Bulbs
Zigbee/Z-Wave Bulbs
Smart Bulb Considerations:
This comprehensive light bulb buying guide is designed for homeowners who want to make informed decisions when purchasing light bulbs for their homes. With the transition from incandescent to LED technology, understanding color temperature, lumens, and base types has become essential for creating the right lighting atmosphere in each room.
Whether you're replacing a burned-out bulb, upgrading to energy-efficient LEDs, or planning lighting for a renovation, this guide covers everything you need to know. We explain the difference between warm and cool light, how to read lumens instead of watts, which bulb shapes fit which fixtures, and how to choose the right color temperature for each room in your home.
LED bulbs have revolutionized home lighting with their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility. While they cost more upfront than incandescent bulbs, they save significant money over time through reduced energy bills and fewer replacements. This guide helps you navigate the many LED options available today to find the perfect bulbs for your needs.
Choosing the right light bulb affects your home's comfort, energy bills, and the way colors appear in your spaces. This guide helps you make informed decisions every time you shop for bulbs.