Light Bulb Types Explained: Choosing the Right One for You

Choosing a good light bulb is only half the battle. At Union Lighting, we know that the light bulb is the "heart" of your new lamp. The wrong bulb can ruin everything: make the light dim, "dead" or too harsh.

There are so many types of light bulbs that it’s easy to get confused. They differ not only in shape, but also in the way they feel in a room. Understanding light bulb types will help you make sure your new lamp looks 100%.

The Big Three: Understanding the Main Types of Light Bulbs

It used to be simple: there was one regular light bulb. But today, technology has become much better, and that’s great because it gives us control over efficiency and atmosphere.

• Old incandescent bulbs: These are the same "Edison bulbs". They give off a very warm, pleasant light. But they have two disadvantages: they waste a lot of energy (90% goes into heat) and burn out very quickly (short lifespan).

• Halogen bulbs: This is a slightly improved version of the old bulbs. They shine brighter, last longer, but still get very hot and "eat" a lot of electricity.

• LED (Light Emitting Diodes): This is the champion for today. LED bulbs are a miracle of efficiency. They consume very little energy, and their lifespan can be 15-20 years! They do not get hot and, most importantly, give you complete control over what kind of light you want.

It's Not Just Brightness, It's Color: Understanding Temperature

Perhaps the most important thing to know about modern types of bulbs (especially LED) is color temperature. It's not about how hot the bulb is, but about what shade its light has.

Here's a simple list:

• Warm light (~2700K-3000K): This is the light from a candle or fireplace. It's yellowish, very cozy. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and all decorative lamps that create a mood.

• Neutral light (~3500K-4100K): Similar to pure daylight. It's bright, white, but not "blueish." This is a great choice for a kitchen, bathroom, or workspace where you need to see color and detail clearly.

• Cool light (~5000K+): Has a slight blue tint. It's very invigorating, but it's like hospital light. It's hardly used for home use, except in the garage.

Forget Wattage: Now Lumens Are What Matter

We're all used to choosing bulbs by Wattage. But with LED bulbs, this system no longer works. A 10-watt LED bulb can be just as bright as an old 75-watt bulb.

Remember: Watts now only indicate how much energy the bulb uses, not how bright it is.

Now we’re looking at Lumens (lm). Lumens are the true brightness of the light. The more lumens, the brighter it is. This is the new, correct way to choose all types of bulbs.

Finding the Right Fit: A Look at Bulb Sizes and Shapes

Finally, shape. There’s a reason why different bulb types and bulb sizes exist. They affect how the light will be scattered.

• A-Shape: A regular "pear." Fits almost anywhere.

• G-Shape (Globe): A large round "ball." Often used in open fixtures where the bulb itself is visible.

• C-Shape (Candelabra): Small, candle-like. Required for classic chandeliers.

• Edison Bulbs: These are decorative LED bulbs that look like old lamps with a visible "thread". They create an incredibly warm, vintage atmosphere.

When you choose the perfect lamp at Union Lighting, always think about which bulb will best complement it. The right bulb is the final touch that makes the design complete.