A chandelier is mostly bulbs, and they are on show. Which is why the bulb you pick changes the look of the fixture more than almost any other component in the house.
Base sizes
| Base | Also called | Found in |
|---|---|---|
| E12 | Candelabra | Most chandeliers and small sconces |
| E26 | Medium, standard | Larger fixtures and lamps |
| G9 | Bi-pin | Modern and contemporary chandeliers |
| G4 | Bi-pin, small | Crystal and low-voltage fixtures |
E12 is what most chandeliers take. Measure the screw thread if you are unsure — E12 is 12mm across, E26 is 26mm.
Shapes
- Candle (B10/B11) — the classic tapered shape. Straight tip or flame tip.
- Globe (G16.5, G25) — round. Modern, and softer when the bulb is exposed.
- Slim candle — narrower and longer than a standard candle bulb.
- Vintage filament — visible looped filament inside clear glass. Only worth it where the bulb is meant to be seen.
Buy them all at once
Bulbs from different batches vary slightly in colour, and in a chandelier every bulb sits beside every other one. One bulb running warmer than its neighbours is obvious. Buy a full set, plus a spare from the same batch.
Dimming
Check that both the bulb and the dimmer are rated for LED. A standard dimmer built for incandescent will make LED bulbs flicker or buzz, and no amount of swapping bulbs will fix it.
Related
See also pendant bulbs and sconce bulbs.