LED Decorative Light Bulbs
LED decorative light bulbs are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Designed to match traditional decorative shapes, these LED bulbs replicate the same decorative glow as their incandescent counterparts while using a fraction of the energy and lasting far longer. LED decorative bulbs are available in a variety of shapes, wattage, and color temperatures. Bulbs with a high color rendering index, or CRI, of 90 or higher are ideal for applications where color fidelity is important. CRI is the measurement of how accurately a bulb displays colors compared to the midday sun. The higher the CRI, the better the color accuracy. Some bulbs are also dimmable when paired with a compatible LED dimmer. To ensure you dimmer is compatible, you will need to look up your dimmer on the dimer compatibility PDF hyperlinked on the product’s page. Non-compatible dimmers can cause flickering, buzzing or humming, and affect the life of LED bulbs.
Decorative Light Bulb Shapes
Much like other light bulbs, LED decorative bulbs use a code to identify their shape. The letter represents the specific shape and the number represents the bulb's width in eighths of an inch. Although many bulb shapes have nicknames, this code is the most accurate way to describe a specific bulb. We’ll go over some examples later.
Chandelier Light Bulbs and Bases
When it comes to chandelier bulbs, the most common bulb shapes are B for bullet, C for candle or conical, CA for candle angular, and F for flame style. For example, B11 is a bullet shaped bulb that is 11 eights of an in, or 1.735 inches in diameter. LED chandelier bulbs have either a medium E26 or candelabra E12 base.
Globe Bulbs
Globe bulbs are known for their large round shape and are perfect for fixtures with exposed light bulbs, and are represented by the letter G. A few of the most common globe sizes are G40, G25, and G12. G40 bulbs have a diameter of 5 inches, G25 bulbs are 3 inches in diameter, and G12 bulbs have a diameter of 1.5 inches. LED decorative globes have either a candelabra E12, intermediate E17, or medium E26 base. Other decorative LED bulbs include appliance bulbs and colored bulbs.
Color and Color Temperature Options
Color temperature is measured in Kelvin and tells you how warm or cool the light emitted from a light bulb will appear. The lower a bulb's Kelvin rating is, the warmer and more yellow the light appears. The higher the Kelvin, the cooler and bluer the light. Kelvin color temperatures 3500K and lower emit a warm white light that's designed to resemble the light of halogen or incandescent bulbs. 4000K and higher are cooler lights. If plain white bulbs won't cut it for your application, we offer colored bulbs. From traditional A19s to the smaller S14 bulbs, you're sure to find the right decorative light bulbs for any occasion.
Can I Use this Bulb Outside?
Bulbs rated for wet locations can be used anywhere outside, except in enclosed fixtures unless otherwise stated. If a light bulb is rated for damp locations, it can be used outdoors if it is protected from direct exposure to water or inclement weather, such as a sheltered porch or an enclosed fixture if rated for enclosed fixtures. Dry location bulbs can only be used indoors. Be sure to check the UL rating listed under the Specifications section on each product page.
At 1000Bulbs.com, we maintain a broad selection of decorative LED bulbs so you can choose anything from a traditional A19 to a G16 globe. If you aren't sure what you need, then just call our helpful staff of lighting experts at 1-800-624-4488.