The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Light Bulb
You’ve found the perfect light fitting for your home, but have you thought about the bulb? It might seem like a small detail, but choosing the right bulb can completely transform a space. The wrong choice might leave a room feeling cold and clinical, while the right one creates exactly the atmosphere you’re after.
At Fisherman’s Lights, we want to help you get the most from your new lights. That’s why we’ve put together this straightforward guide to everything you need to know about bulbs.
Why Your Bulb Choice Matters
Think of your light fitting as a beautiful frame and the bulb as the artwork inside. The bulb determines not just how bright your room will be, but also its mood, warmth, and even your energy bills. Getting it right means creating spaces you’ll love spending time in.
Decoding Bulb Fittings
Before anything else, you need to make sure your bulb will actually fit your light. Here’s what you need to know about the most common fittings in UK homes:
Edison Screw (E27) is our most popular fitting. With its 27mm screw base, it’s wonderfully simple to use. Just twist it in, and you’re done. You’ll find E27 fittings in most of our pendant lights, wall lights, and table lamps.
Small Edison Screw (E14) is the compact cousin of the E27. At just 14mm, it’s perfect for smaller, more delicate fittings and decorative designs. Don’t let the size fool you though—these bulbs still pack plenty of light.
GU10 bulbs are the go-to choice for downlights and contemporary wall lights like our Sollux range. They’re brilliantly practical because they run straight from the mains with no transformer needed. Just twist and lock them into place.
G9 fittings appear in our more compact or modern designs where space is at a premium. These small but mighty bulbs are ideal for accent lighting and decorative touches.
You might also come across Bayonet (B22) fittings in older lamps around your home. While these were once the UK standard, we’ve moved away from them in our current range.
LED: The Smart Choice for Every Home
When it comes to bulb type, we always recommend LED. Here’s why:
LED bulbs use a fraction of the energy that traditional bulbs consume, which means lower electricity bills month after month. They also last remarkably longer—we’re talking years rather than months. This means fewer trips up the ladder to change bulbs and less waste.
Modern LEDs come in every shape, size, and fitting you could need. Plus, if you’re interested in smart home features, many LEDs offer dimming capabilities and even colour-changing options, all controllable from your phone.
To Dim or Not to Dim?
Unlike older incandescent bulbs (old 40 / 60 watt etc) LED bulbs can be dimmable or non-dimmable, so if you to be able to dim your lights, you need dimmable bulbs and a led dimmer switch.
Setting the Mood with Colour Temperature
This is where lighting gets really interesting. The colour temperature of your bulb—measured in Kelvins (K)—completely changes how a room feels.
Warm White (2700K–3000K) creates that soft, golden glow you find in the cosiest homes and restaurants. It’s welcoming, relaxing, and perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. This is the colour temperature we use and recommend for most Great Lighting products because it helps create spaces where people feel comfortable and at ease.
Cool White (3500K–4100K) offers a brighter, more neutral light that’s excellent for areas where you need clarity and focus. Think kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. It’s crisp without being harsh.
Daylight (5000K–6500K) mimics natural daylight and works beautifully for task lighting, workshops, or anywhere you need to see fine details clearly. It’s also popular for display areas where you want colours to appear true to life.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the perfect bulb doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what to remember:
First, check which fitting your Great Lighting product uses—E27, E14, GU10, or G9. This information is always included in the product description with your light fitting.
Next, opt for LED for the best efficiency, longevity, and value for money.
Finally, think about the atmosphere you want to create. For most living spaces, warm white gives you that inviting, comfortable feeling. For practical areas where you need good visibility, cool white or daylight works better.
Let There Be (the Right) Light
The beauty of great lighting is in the details. When you pair one of our carefully designed fittings with the perfect bulb, you create something special—a space that not only looks beautiful but feels right.
Whether you’re creating a cosy reading nook, a vibrant kitchen, or a serene bedroom retreat, the right bulb makes all the difference.
Have questions about which bulb is right for your Great Lighting product? Our team is always happy to help you find the perfect match.
