4 Essential Lightbulbs You Should Know
Shopping for lightbulbs can be confusing with so many types and specs. To make it easier, here’s a quick guide to the four main types of lightbulbs, how to identify them, and their pros and cons.
1. Incandescent
The classic bulb with a visible filament.
- Pros: Inexpensive upfront, warm light, dimmable
- Cons: Short lifespan (about 1 year), inefficient — 90% of energy turns into heat
Best For: Accent lighting, basic household use
How to Spot: Traditional bulb shape with glowing filament
2. LED (Light-Emitting Diode)
Highly energy-efficient and long-lasting.
- Pros: Long lifespan (~25,000 hours), low heat, recyclable, dimmable, good for all climates
- Cons: Higher initial cost (offset by energy savings)
Best For: Task lighting, outdoor use, general lighting
How to Spot: Modern design, often labeled “LED,” cool to the touch
3. CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp)
Spiral-shaped bulbs that use less energy than incandescents.
- Pros: More efficient than incandescent, lasts longer, good for large spaces
- Cons: Contains small amounts of mercury, slow warm-up time, not usually dimmable
Best For: Kitchens, basements, living rooms
How to Spot: Spiral or folded tube shape
4. Halogen
A brighter, more efficient version of incandescent bulbs.
- Pros: Bright white light, better efficiency than incandescent, compact size
- Cons: Short lifespan, gets hot quickly, not eco-friendly
Best For: Recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, task lighting
How to Spot: Clear glass with small filament inside, often in capsule shape
Lightbulbs Shape
Lightbulbs come in different shapes to match specific fixtures and styles. For chandeliers, go with candle-shaped bulbs. For pendants, try globe bulbs. Table lamps work best with standard shapes. Most fixtures list the compatible bulb shape on or near the socket.
| Shape | Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | A | Table lamps, general use |
| Capsule | T4 Bi-Pin | Small fixtures, specialty |
| Globe | G | Pendants, modern fixtures |
| Candle | C | Chandeliers |
| Candle Angular | CA | Decorative chandeliers |
| Tube | T | Under-cabinet lighting |
| Spiral | T2 / T4 Spiral | Compact fixtures |
| Flood/Spotlight | PAR | Task and outdoor lighting |
| Specialty | CP | Unique or custom fixtures |
Determine the Best Wattage & Lumens
When choosing a lightbulb, it’s important to understand both watts (energy used) and lumens (light output). While higher wattage means more energy use, it doesn’t always equal more brightness—lumens are the true measure of how bright a bulb is.
| Wattage | Incandescent Lumens | LED Lumens |
|---|---|---|
| 40W | ~450 | ~4-9W |
| 60W | ~800 | ~8-12W |
| 75W | ~1,100 | ~10-15W |
| 100W | ~1,600 | ~14-20W |
How Many Lumens Do You Need Per Room?
To calculate: Room length × width = square footage
Then multiply by the recommended lumens per square foot, and add 10 lumens/sq ft for dark rooms or spaces with little to no natural light.
| Room | Recommended Lumens/sq ft |
|---|---|
| Living Room | 10–20 |
| Kitchen | 30–40 |
| Bedroom | 10–20 |
| Bathroom | 70–80 |
| Home Office | 60–80 |
Choose a Lightbulb Color Temperature
Lightbulbs come in different color temperatures, which affect the mood and function of a room. These temperatures are measured in Kelvins (K), ranging from warm, soft glows to bright, cool daylight. Use the table below to choose the best light for your needs:
| Color Temperature | Kelvin Range | Light Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candlelight | 1,000K – 2,600K | Very soft, dim glow | Ambient lighting, decorative lamps |
| Warm White | 2,600K – 3,000K | Cozy, soft white (incandescent-like) | Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms |
| Neutral White | 3,000K – 5,000K | Bright, clean white | Kitchens, bathrooms, home offices |
| Daylight | 5,000K+ | Crisp, blue-white light | Reading, studying, outdoor and security lighting |