How to Choose the Best Bulb for Any Lighting Fixture

The various types of bulbs available in the stores are mind-boggling, and many often grab the unit they think can fit their fixture – you cannot blame them. Nevertheless, the wrong bulb often doesn’t last as long as expected, and you’re back to the store much sooner.

Picking the correct bulb saves you money and possible mishaps associated with the wrong voltage or wattage. It also ensures you acquire proper lighting for the space. 

Here are tips on how you pick the best lighting bulb for the fixture. 

1. Use the Old Bulb

The bulb you’re replacing is the best reference point for your new bulb. Simply bring the bulb to our hardware stores in Ellicott City and Columbia and find a team member to help you out. 

Remember that good fitting doesn’t always mean that a bulb is the best for the fixture. Keep tabs on the voltage and wattage as well. 

Your old bulb will provide: 

• Voltage and wattage
• Diameter 
• Brand (if you loved it) 

2. Determine the Wattage and Voltage

The maximum wattage or voltage is listed on a fixture’s sticker or manual. If no documentation or listing is available, install the same bulb as the last one that worked fine the last time. While you can use a bulb with a lower wattage rating than the fixture, you cannot use one with a higher wattage rating. Going above the fixture’s maximum wattage can malfunction (the fixture and bulb) or be a fire hazard. 

Our experts recommend not using a bulb with the wrong voltage to ensure the fixture’s health and prevent dangerous situations. Sometimes, a wrong voltage bulb will not even turn on. 

3. Determine the Diameter

There are different sizes of bulb diameters, and it’s important to find the right size for your fixture. Use a string and hold it over the opening of the bulb, and take the measurement with you to the hardware store. 

Most standard bulbs are 26 mm in diameter, or the size of a quarter. Intermediate bulbs are 17 mm in diameter, and candelabra bulbs are 12 mm. 

4. Bulb Type

LED bulbs are the most popular and easy to find, primarily because of the associated advantages. These bulbs are durable, with one unit lasting as long as 20 years. Also, LEDs are available in various colors, shapes, styles and sizes, which is quite helpful for people who aren’t sure of the bulb they want. 

Another popular choice is the compact fluorescent or CFL. CFLs are adjusted to produce a similar light color to sunlight and are around 20% more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. However, CFL bulbs have more heat than LEDs and may not be ideal for some indoor applications. 

Another popular choice is the compact fluorescent or CFL. CFLs are adjusted to produce a similar light color to sunlight and are around 20% more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. However, CFL bulbs have more heat than LEDs and may not be ideal for some indoor applications. 

For a bluer and sharper light, go with halogen lights. Halogen lights are excellent for desk lamps and appliance lighting but burn out quickly. 

Smart bulbs are the latest addition to the roster and are as they sound – smart. These LEDs connect to your Bluetooth or WiFi so that you can control them through a smartphone application or smart assistant. One primary function of smart bulbs is programming to turn on and off at particular times. 

5. The brightness of the Lighting Bulb

The ideal bulb brightness depends on applications and preference. If you’re looking for something brighter, you need a bulb with a higher number of lumens (not wattage). Anything around 800 lumens is sufficient for overhead lighting for an average amount of brightness. Go higher than 800 lumens for outdoor lighting and lower for desk lighting. 

Contact Clarks Hardware for All Your Lighting Needs