Incandescent Light Bulb Types

The world of light bulbs is vast, and can be confusing. See our earlier post Light Bulbs 101: What am I Looking for? for our intro course. If you already visited that page, we will dive a little deeper!

1. Base

Every light bulbs have a base. Some light bulbs, usually halogen, will have a more complicated and unfamiliar base, such as a bi-pin or a GU10 like this one:

If your bulb is an incandescent, you will typically have six different base types.

Mogul- The largest size, reserved for high wattage bulbs.

Standard (also known as Edison or Medium)-

Looks familiar? This is your standard sized bulb with the "Edison" base. This will fit into most regular sockets, and most people have lamps or fixtures that carry this size.

Candelabra- 

This size is featured a lot in chandeliers and wall sconces. They are typically reserved for smaller and more decorative bulbs (like this torpedo bulb as shown), and usually gives off less light. We carry these from 10 watts up to 60 watts, although you will typically use only a 40 watt maximum in most fixtures.

European-

Obviously, these go into European fixtures.
 

Intermediate-

Just like it sounds, it's a size in between candelabra and standard. Not used as much, you'll find this size in some appliances, indicator bulbs and tubular bulbs.

Bayonet- 

 

There are a few different types and sizes of bayonet bases, and these aren't very common in light fixtures.
 
2. Sizing and Shapes

Light bulb sizes and shapes are standardized in the United States with a simple naming system. Just like the bases have a letter/number code. Incandescent bulb size is determined by measuring the bulb's diameter at it's widest point. The measurement is written in 8ths of an inch increments. 

For example, your typical looking light bulb:

 

Is a type A look that is 2 3/8 inches in diameter. The 2 3/8 is translated into 19/8", so the bulb type is "A19".

"A"s are the bulb shape that you always think of when thinking about light bulbs.

"G"s are globe bulbs. Used with vanity mirrors in bathrooms, in pop culture you think of broadway or dressing rooms for theatres.

    
"B10"s are torpedo shaped.

 

"BA"s are flame tipped.

 

Other important bulbs shapes:

R's and BR's are spotlight bulbs.

PAR's are a special type of spotlight bulb. More durable and used outdoors or indoors. Typically halogen.

Of course there are many other types of bulb shapes!

3. Coating

The coating of the bulb determines several lighting characteristics. The amount of light that shines, the direction and width of the beam, the color/mood of the light and how much glare exists. For instance, on a see through fixture, you may not want to use a clear bulb that will blind people in the room! But clear might be apappropriate for stronger lighting. 

Clear-

This type shines in a whitish yellow, broadcasts the light and produces significant glare. Most efficient for the amount of energy output.      

Frosted-

A softer light, typically more yellow in tone. Decorative, and can produce a lot of light, but needs a higher wattage to do so.

Satin White- 

Produces a specific soft white light, very decorative but doesn't broadcast light as well.

Silver Crowned-

The bulb is dipped in silver at the bottom. Great for a pendant! Keeps glare at bay and looks great in a modern fixture.

      
Colors- Can cover with any color to produce reds, blues, yellows, etc. Good for special events, parties or unique fixtures.  




In the world of light bulbs, it's easy to get confused. Follow these tips and you'll soon be a light bulb expert! 


Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Satco Products for providing us this information in their products guide, and for all of their awesome light bulbs!

How to Get the Most out of your Shade Shopping Experience- Revisited!

This post was posted back in March, but it is still very relevant, so we will repost it here:

To those of you who are new or a pro at shopping for shades, these quick tips will surely prove useful! Here at The Accessory Store, we have years of experience picking just the right shade for your needs, but preparing ahead of time will not only save you time, but will also give you the opportunity to pick the perfect shade for your lamp and your room.

1. Bring the lamp, not the shade!

     It goes against what most people logically think of when it's finally time to do in that 25 year old shade that looks like it has come from your great grandparent's house (and might have). You bring the shade in to match the shape, size and color, right? Wrong! Unless you're a proponent of keeping decor exactly the same, bringing just the shade will only hinder you. In fact, we recommend that you bring just the lamp, along with your current harp and finial.

     Picking a new shade should be a creative and fun process; we are reinventing the entire look of your lamp and room with this important accessory. Let's start from scratch and create something that you never thought was possible!

2. Have an open mind! 

     Many times our customers come in and already know exactly what they want. Often we surprise them (and they surprise themselves) by picking out something completely different! Have fun, experiment, see what you can make out of it. We have literally thousands of shades in stock, and our shade specialists can help you try new things.

3. Come prepared!

     We will have to ask you many questions to find the perfect fit for your room, so make sure to do your homework. Be prepared to answer questions like: What type of room is this going in? What is the style and color theme of the room? Is it more formal or casual? What piece of furniture is this going to be on? Are there going to be people sitting near it? Do you need this lamp for light in the room or just for a decorative accent?

     Better yet, if you have a smartphone with a camera, snap a few quick pictures of the room, table and lamp without the shade!

4. Know your budget!

     High quality handcrafted shades are not going to be the same price as a new lampshade from Target, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank at our store! If you are looking for a formal, elegant hand-sewn silk pleated shade, expect to pay more for a beautifully crafted piece of art. If you are more budget conscious at the moment, a less formal but still beautiful linen or paper shade can still go a long way to improve the look of your lamp! Keep in mind that simpler shapes such as oval, drum and coolie will be less expensive than more complex shapes such as pagoda, cut corners, squares, etc. At the Accessory Store, you truly get what you pay for, and whatever price range you are in, we will wow you with our incredible one-on-one customer service and be sure we pick out the best shade for you!

5. Have fun!

     Shade shopping doesn't have to be painful; it can be experimental and fun. How often do you get the chance to change up the look of your favorite room? Try things that you'd never thought of previously, and trust our shade experts to open your mind to knew ideas! Above all, have fun!