The Importance of Choosing the Right Candle Light Bulbs for Your Light Fitting

1. Introduction to Candle Light Bulbs

Candle light bulbs have been designed as a replica of the original candle shape with a bulbous end that widens and then tapers at the top, just like a wax candle. These types of bulbs are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, as they can add to the ambience of a room, with many people choosing light fittings that would show off these bulbs. The candle light bulbs themselves were brought into development during the late 1800s as a section of the electric lightbulb arc lamps. Initial versions were known as "fat bulbs," but these can be referred to as "flame" bulbs and just "candle" bulbs. Various versions are available from the incandescent and the more modern LED candle light bulbs.

Candle light bulbs today are often used in configurations that seek to display the bulb itself. While the luminescence from light bulbs is focused generally around the perimeter, the bulged part causes some of the light to be radiated inwards. Often, these light bulbs are used in configurations that require a variety of bases, either Edison screw, bayonet, or small screw bases. Candle light bulbs can be used in a variety of lighting fitments such as chandeliers, ceiling fittings, wall lights, and bollards, almost anywhere. A certain amount of confusion exists regarding the type of light bulb that people should choose for their lighting fitments. The most common mistake is failing to understand wattage and lumens, and failing to understand what kind of fitment they are choosing the light bulb for. In this guide, I will aim to provide you with information as to the "best fitment of light bulbs/candle light bulb" for the particular fitment you may have at home or your workplace.

2. Factors to Consider When Choosing Candle Light Bulbs

Several factors should be considered to ensure that the correct candle light bulbs are purchased. Size - this is a key factor in any lighting choice. Make sure that the bulb will fit within the shade if you have one, and also the fitting. If the candle design bulb has a wide point at the end, as some do, it will be worth measuring to ensure top-and-side clearance within the fitting. Base Type - some metal candle bulbs have a larger base. Ensure the base is the correct size to fit the lamp holder. Some smaller bases will fit a larger ceramic holder; however, this is not advised because it may not make suitable contact with the connected pins or wires. Choose the same base size to fit the lamp holder. LED Light Fittings - ensure that the light fitting is compatible with LED bulbs. Some light fittings can only work effectively with incandescent products. Color Temperature - the light color is possibly the most important consideration. A cool white around 6000K will give a bright white daylight effect and looks great in some living and eating spaces. A warm white of 2700K, giving an orange or yellowish light, is much softer and would give a more relaxing ambient room light. The light color can make a difference to the look and feel of a room, so it's worth spending time getting this right. Brightness - another important factor to take into consideration. The higher the lumens or wattage, the brighter the bulb. Intended Use - soft warm lighting can be great for accent and mood lighting. It harmonizes with other lighting sources and has the power to turn a plain room into a vibrant, colorful space. Candle light bulbs are perfect for room illumination, such as a dining room where a chandelier is installed above the dining table, accentuating and creating a stunning glow. Design - if a design feature is a must-have, then make sure the chosen bulb will complement the place. This is important because the design of a bulb illuminates the style and design of the room. If a light fitting or shade is made with opal or clear glass, this will show up unsightly elements of the cheap or outdated light bulb. Safety - consider safety. If the bulb is for the bathroom or can get splashed with water due to a direct jet, consider buying a bulb certified to meet safety standards. Guest Bedrooms - if a guest bedroom is planned, these are suggested to have gentle, relaxing, and soft lighting. Achievable with energy-saving clear or white light bulbs that do not generate any heat, are long-life, and maintain a temperature of under 70°C. The glass envelope of the extended life LED bulb is more resistant to chlorine, sulfur, and ammonia, making it more suitable for damp or warm atmospheres such as a bathroom. The luxurious, extended life bulbs are eco-friendly, improving efficiency in overall energy costs without compromising on beautiful light dispersal throughout the fitting.

3. Impact of Candle Light Bulbs on Ambiance and Décor

The warm glow from candlelight bulbs creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and cozy, an ideal light source for any country- or traditional-styled property but is equally at home in a vintage or shabby chic room setting. Arguably, their biggest appeal is in their use as a statement. In the right surroundings, the shape and style of a candlelight bulb can be an independent feature or highlight to a room or object that simply complements its surroundings – by acting as a counterpart in form, shape, and size. Celebrated for its ability to evoke nostalgia, in urban industrial or historic restoration destinations, the design aesthetic of the 20th century has seen a surge in appeal for newly built, contemporary homes.

Whether you are selecting them for use as wall lights or chandeliers for dining rooms, the living room, or the bedroom, their enduring appeal acts as the perfect accompaniment to all types of interior design; from shabby chic to modern minimalist. In light fittings where the bulb is not visible to inspect, candlelight bulbs can be used to offer performance without failing to adhere to the restrictions of the light fitting shape for a safe and elegant lighting solution. Different light bulb shapes will provide a smaller or larger surface area for the light to illuminate your living or dining space. Candid oval shapes with an incandescent filament will protect any unsightly hotspots and make for a professional finish. Dark shades or tinted glass will offer a contemporary vibe. Whatever filter of light bulb you choose, your space will benefit from a welcoming glow and optimum efficiency. A focused approach when purchasing your light bulbs will not only enhance the visual impact of the environment you are choosing to brighten – it will elicit a physical, emotional response.

Available in both E14 and E27 cap types, this classic light bulb shape was crafted first to complement candlelight fixtures with an appropriately shaped light bulb. You may have thought they were only for the home – but intended for shuttered wall sconces and outdoor garden lamps, they are in fact very versatile light bulbs that can be incorporated into a wide range of traditional commercial fittings, as well as for event lighting. With so many options available, we want to encourage you to consider whether candlelight bulbs will be the right finishing touch for your environment. Whether they are selected for event lighting or for a home renovation project, they are guaranteed to make a stylish statement. With all of this information in mind, we are sure that you will consider your light bulb selection with a trained, astute eye.

4. Energy Efficiency and Longevity of Candle Light Bulbs

There are many things to consider when deciding which type of candle light bulb to purchase, but the two factors that tend to have the most impact on purchasing decisions are energy consumption and the light bulb’s lifespan. Candle light bulbs are available in numerous options, including traditional incandescent, the slightly improved halogen, and the super energy-efficient LED. Older style candle bulbs might be cheaper to buy initially, but they can quickly become a false economy, and modern LED light bulbs can offer savings as high as 85% on energy consumption, as well as a lifespan of around 25,000 hours, or 17-25 times that of the older incandescent and halogen options. This means that the longer-term benefits far outweigh the slightly increased initial outlay.

While the initial expense can seem off-putting, on closer inspection, the long-term cost savings can be substantial and even offer users an excellent return on investment. For example, changing just ten bulbs to low-energy LED candle light bulbs could save around £120 in energy bills over a 5-year period. Over the same time frame, if the same bulbs were all switched to halogen candle bulbs, consumers would pay an additional £120 compared to the LED, when taking into consideration the cost of the bulbs and the increased energy usage. These calculations are based on an average price, and we advise browsing through our entire LED lighting range. We also recommend users perform their own calculations based on manual readings for kWh of energy used and the average time the lights are on each day to give a more accurate running cost. The savings can also be calculated in euros if preferred. Not only are LED candles an excellent way to save money, but they are also more environmentally friendly compared to standard incandescent and CFL light bulbs. Linear LED candles allow for increased light output for large light fittings, making it possible to be super energy-efficient.

To make the most savings on energy used with any light bulb and to help extend its life, it is advised to install dimmer switches to lower light settings.

Low energy does not mean a compromise on light; the alternatives we offer give out a high level of light compared to the older style bulbs. The overall effect in many instances is that rooms are, in fact, brighter, as the coverage of light and color is much improved. The life of a candle light bulb is an average figure and greatly depends on usage, with lifespan being reduced significantly if used all day or even in a high vibration or hot location. In addition, candle bulbs are known to have a shorter life if used in close proximity to curdling agents. So, for example, candles could be used in a chandelier where a vast number of bulbs are required or over a makeup mirror.