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The B-series light bulb is better known as the candelabra or chandelier bulb. The “B” stands for bulged and the number that follows (for example, a B11) refers to the diameter of the bulb measured at the widest point in eighths of an inch. These nearly always use the E12 “candelabra” base, which is smaller than a normal E26 bulb base used for most household fixtures.

The B-series bulbs are most closely associated with chandeliers. Their design mimics a candle’s flame and they are often used in traditional chandeliers after it was no longer necessary to rely on wax candles or oil lamps for the light source. They offered the convenience of electricity while helping maintain the look of a candle so many associated with the fixtures at the time. B-series bulbs are mostly decorative. Their small size traditionally meant they couldn’t produce much light and they were used for accent lighting rather than being relied upon as the main source of light for an entire room. Modern advances in lighting technology, such as Sunlake’s LEDs allow for much better, brighter lighting while still maintaining the same traditional size and shape of the bulb. While more modern chandeliers may benefit from larger bulbs (e.g. G-series or ST-series), most still call for a traditional B11. “Traditional” isn’t meant to imply energy-inefficient incandescents, of course. Sunlake has a variety of B-series lights including vintage-style filament LED B-series bulbs that save you money while compromising nothing on style.