Choosing the right bulb makes as much difference as choosing the right light. This guide covers the three things that matter – the cap (fitting), the brightness and the colour of the light – so you get it right first time.
1. Bulb caps: which fitting do I need?
| Cap | What it is | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|
| E27 | Large screw-in (Edison screw) | Most pendants, chandeliers and floor lamps |
| E14 | Small screw-in | Smaller lamps, candle chandeliers, wall lights |
| B22 | Bayonet (push and twist) | Very common in older UK homes |
| GU10 | Two-pin twist-in spotlight | Spotlights and track lights |
| G9 | Small two-pin capsule | Compact modern fittings |
Check the specifications on the product page for the cap type. Some of our lights have integrated LEDs, which means there's no bulb to buy or change.
2. Brightness: lumens, not watts
With LED bulbs, brightness is measured in lumens (lm). As a rough guide to the old bulbs you might be used to:
| Old bulb | LED equivalent |
|---|---|
| 40W | about 450 lm |
| 60W | about 800 lm |
| 100W | about 1,500 lm |
Kitchens, home offices and bathrooms need the most light; bedrooms and living rooms feel cosier with less, plus a lamp or two.
3. Colour temperature: warm or cool?
| Kelvin | Name | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K | Warm white | Living rooms, bedrooms – cosy and relaxing |
| 3000K | Soft white | Dining rooms, hallways, all-round use |
| 4000K | Neutral / cool white | Kitchens, bathrooms, home offices |
| 6000K+ | Daylight | Workshops and tasks needing bright, crisp light |
Several of our LED lights let you switch between warm, neutral and cool white, so you can change the mood.
4. Dimming
To dim an LED light you need both a dimmable bulb (or a light marked as dimmable) and an LED-compatible dimmer switch. An old dimmer with a new LED bulb can cause flickering or buzzing.
5. Decorative and filament bulbs
For glass pendants and open fittings where the bulb is on show, a decorative LED filament or globe bulb in warm white gives a vintage glow without the heat or running costs of old bulbs.
Shop the look: Pendant Lights · Table Lamps · Floor Lamps · Wall Lights
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