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We’ve talked about different bulbs and what each of the various sizes and bases mean and how things are classified. But we didn’t talk too much about practical applications of this knowledge around your home. Here is a quick guide to which bulbs are both the most common household bulbs and how they can easily be replaced with LED equivalents.

Ceiling fans and fixtures

Depending upon the fixture, ceiling fans with integrated lights are typically outfitted with either E12 (candelabra) or E26 (medium/standard) sockets. There are all kinds of fan fixtures with a huge range of styles. Beyond the size of the base, what kind of bulb to use is up to you. Some fixtures, especially those where the bulbs are visible, may benefit from a decorative bulb such as G25 globe or a vintage-style LED Edison bulb. With the exception of chandeliers, which we’ll cover here too, ceiling light fixtures without fans typically use E26 base bulbs. Whatever your fixture, SunLake has the bulbs you need.

E12 candelabra bulbs

E26 medium/standard bulbs

Wall sconces

While it may at first glance sound like we’re talking about a biscuit-like breakfast pastry, we are in fact talking about a sconce, not a scone. A sconce is a light that is mounted on a wall. They are typically used in living and dining rooms, though many bathroom vanities also use sconces. By contrast, a scone is baked good made of wheat or oatmeal and is delicious. We strongly recommend against attempting to eat your sconces. You’ll ruin your teeth. And spoil your dinner.

Typically the appeal of sconces is their diffused, indirect light. They achieve this by being mounted on a wall and using shade of some kind to direct the light. More often than not bathroom sconces have exposed bulbs while living and dining room sconces’ bulbs are not visible. For bathrooms, we recommend a 5000K daylight G25 globe bulb, while for sconces in living spaces, a warmer 2700K or 3000K standard A19 bulb.

Chandeliers

Typically a chandelier takes candelabra-sized bulbs. Certainly older or more classically modeled fixtures will use these smaller bulbs. Some more modern chandeliers use larger standard-sized bulbs. Much like other ceiling fixtures, the type of bulb will depend largely on the aesthetic look you’re going for. Some fixtures have exposed bulbs and would look great with filament bulbs while others would be better served with globe-style bulbs. If the bulbs aren’t visible, then a basic B11 candelabra or standard A19 would perhaps be more appropriate as you won’t see the decorative qualities of the filament or globe bulbs anyway.

E12 candelabra bulbs

E26 medium/standard bulbs

Recessed lighting

Recessed lighting, also known as can lights, can be found nearly everywhere in a home, especially in homes that have been built or renovated since the early ‘90s. Most popular in kitchens, cans are also found in hallways, bathrooms, basements, and even bedrooms. Sunlake has a few options for converting your cans to LED. The simplest solution is to simply swap out those energy-hungry halogens with LED equivalents. SunLake’s BR bulbs are the perfect fit for your recessed cans. The most common is the BR30, but we offer slightly smaller BR20s and slightly larger BR40s. If you’re unsure which bulb to use, the bulb you’re looking to replace should say on it what size it is. If you’re unsure, the BR30 is probably your best bet.

Alternatively, SunLake also offers what are called “recessed downlights” or also known as “can retrofit kits.” These are fixtures that screw directly into the recessed can socket and mount flush with your ceiling. They come in two sizes to accommodate 4”, 5”, or 6” cans and are available with smooth or baffle trim.

Another option is the 6” disk downlight. These are integrated fixtures that mount flush with your ceiling but require no existing cans to operate. Simply install a junction box and run the wire to where you want the light, and install the disk light by connecting it to the power source and affixing it to your ceiling.

Garage and workshop

Garages and workshops have similar but slightly different lighting requirements. Both should have clear, clean, even lighting. Any workshop space should also include some kind of task lighting. SunLake offers a few different options for lighting these spaces. If your garage or workshop already has fluorescent troffers installed, you’re likely using 4’ T8 fluorescent tubes. You can read our article here about why we recommend upgrading to LED tubes rather than continuing to run fluorescents. We also recommend checking out this article about upgrading your fluorescent fixtures to LED. Ultimately, once you decide to upgrade from fluorescents, SunLake has the LED tube lights you need.

If your space doesn’t already have adequate lighting, you may consider SunLake’s shop lights. These are integrated LED fixtures that mimic fluorescent troffers but are much easier to install, can hang at your desired height, and require no special wiring. They come with a wall outlet and can be wired in series if desired. When choosing shop lights, you have a choice between clear and frosted tubes.

Task lighting can come in all shapes and sizes, but typically you’ll be looking for either a standard 60W or 75W bulb. Sunlake’s A19 come in both these equivalents while requiring substantially less power to operate and are great for any task lighting lamp you may have.

Exterior

There are many options for exterior lighting available. In this article we’ll just cover the basics. Some of the most common exterior lighting for residences is facade uplighting/spotlighting, and security lighting.

Facade uplighting is often accomplished by PAR style bulbs. SunLake’s PAR bulbs are wet-rated, long-lasting, and come in a variety of color temperatures. While there are other sizes available depending upon your application, the most common sizes are PAR30 and PAR38.

When it comes to your home and family, security is paramount. SunLake’s two-head security light is motion-activated and IP-65 rated. Super easy to install, and with a 100 degree beam angle, you can illuminate nearly any yard with only one or two of these powerful 5000K daylight lamps. Comparable halogen models can use 150W while SunLake’s security light requires on 20W to achieve the same level of illumination.