Choosing a beautiful light is only half the job – the bulb decides how it actually looks. The wrong fitting will not screw in, the wrong colour can make a warm room feel clinical, and the wrong bulb type can make a dimmer flicker. This guide explains the terms you will see in the Specifications section of every BROKLEN light.
Bulb fittings explained
The fitting (also called the base or cap) is the part of the bulb that connects to the light. The letter describes the type and the number is the diameter in millimetres.
E27 and E26 – standard screw
The most common fitting for pendants, table lamps and floor lamps. E27 and E26 are very similar screw sizes used in different regions; each product page lists the fitting it uses. Examples include the Travertine Pendant Light with Walnut Band, the Nordic Saucer Pendant Light and the Scandinavian Table Lamp with Wood Base.
E14 – small screw
A narrower screw fitting often used on multi-arm chandeliers and smaller shades, such as the Flemish Style Multi Light Chandelier, the Cascading Glass Globe Chandelier and the Vintage Industrial Cone Pendant Light.
G9 – compact two-pin capsule
A tiny bulb with two looped pins that push into the holder. G9 is popular in glass shades, crystal fittings and slim wall lights because the bulb is so small. You will find it in the Ribbed Glass Pendant Light for Kitchen Island, the 9 Light Crystal Sputnik Chandelier, the Mini Flush Mount Crystal Chandelier and the Frosted Glass Wall Lamp.
Integrated LED – no bulb to change
Many modern designs have the LED built in, so there is no separate bulb. Integrated LEDs allow slimmer shapes and long life. Examples include the Three Ring LED Pendant Light, the Minimalist Round Wall Sconce with Halo Light and most of our outdoor wall lights.
Colour temperature: warm white vs cool white
Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). Lower numbers look warmer and more golden; higher numbers look cooler and bluer.
- 2700–3000K (warm white): cosy and relaxing – ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas. Most of our pendants are specified at 3000K.
- 4000–4500K (neutral white): crisp but not harsh – good for kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.
- 5000–6500K (cool white/daylight): bright and clear – best for task areas, garages and outdoor security lighting.
Some lights let you choose. The Crystal Ceiling Light offers 3000K, 4500K and 6000K, and the Linear Wooden LED Pendant Light comes in a warm white or tri-colour remote-control version.
Wattage and brightness
Watts measure power use, not brightness. Because LEDs are far more efficient than old incandescent bulbs, a small LED gives the same light as a much larger traditional bulb. When a product lists a maximum wattage (for example "max 40W"), never fit a bulb above that rating. For brightness, compare lumens on the bulb packaging: roughly 400–500 lumens is a gentle bedside light, while 800+ lumens suits a main ceiling light.
Dimming
To dim a light you usually need three things: a fixture that supports dimming, a bulb marked "dimmable" and a compatible dimmer switch. Product pages state whether a light is dimmable and whether a dimmer is included. Integrated LED lights with touch or remote dimming, such as the LED Globe Table Lamp with Touch Dimming, have the control built in.
Quick checklist before you buy a bulb
- Check the fitting in the product's Specifications (E27, E14, G9 and so on).
- Check whether bulbs are included.
- Stay at or below the maximum wattage.
- Pick a colour temperature that suits the room.
- Choose a dimmable bulb if you plan to use a dimmer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an E26 bulb in an E27 fitting?
The two sizes are very close and are often interchangeable, but always follow the fitting and voltage listed for your light and your local electrical guidance.
Are LED bulbs better for lampshades?
Yes. LEDs run much cooler than incandescent bulbs, which is gentler on paper, silk, rattan and fabric shades.
Not sure which bulb you need?
Email sales@broklen.com with the product name and we will help you choose.