Light Bulb Types Buying Guide

GLS bulbs, also known as A series, arbitrary or standard bulbs, are very common. They’re pear shaped and available with many fitting types, but will usually have a bayonet or edison screw cap. GLS light bulbs are used in a range of settings, such as ceiling lights, lamps or porch lights

Candle light bulbs, also known as C series bulbs, are shaped like a candle and can have a pointed or slightly blunted tip. These light bulbs often have smaller edison screw or bayonet fittings, such as B15 and E14. Candle bulbs are most commonly used for decorative lights, chandeliers, artificial candles and night lights. 

Reflector light bulbs, also known as R series bulbs, have a flat or bulged surface and are sometimes internally lined with a reflective material which projects light out to produce a wide beam. Many LED varieties aren’t lined now, due to their efficiency of directing light. Reflector bulbs are usually used in track lighting, recessed lighting or for display lights. 

Globe light bulbs, also known as G series bulbs, are spherical and shaped like a globe. They’re often viewed as a contemporary, attractive alternative to A series bulbs which are usually seen as the ‘standard’. G series bulbs can be used almost anywhere an A series bulb would be, but are often found in pendant lamps, chandeliers, vanities (such as hollywood style mirrors), and decorative lighting. 

GU10 bulbs, also known as PAR series bulbs are like reflector bulbs, but are shorter which means they can sit flush to a surface and have very little glare. They have a GU10 cap which have two pins that connect to the power supply. These bulbs are used for downlights, track lighting, recessed lighting, display lights, security lights, and landscape lighting.

MR series light bulbs are also known as spotlight bulbs and most commonly refer to MR16 bulbs. They have a GU5.3 cap type and the spotlight can provide a wide or narrow beam. MR series bulbs are used for track lighting, recessed lighting, desk lamps, display cases and landscape lighting. 

Stick shaped light bulbs look like small, straight tubes rising upwards from the base. They have bayonet or edison screw caps, most commonly B22 or E27. Stick light bulbs are used for a range of standard domestic applications, including ceiling lights and table lamps. 

Capsule bulbs are a very compact type of light bulb that have G9 or G4 pin caps that connect to the power supply. You’ll find capsule bulbs on small scale lights such as decorative Christmas lights, appliances such as cooker hoods and under cabinet lighting. These light bulbs are being slowly phased out as a result of new government regulations from September 2023. 

2D light bulbs are a compact type of bulb that are also called double D bulbs, because they’re shaped like two D’s back-to-back. They have two or four pin caps which connect to the power supply. 2D bulbs are used for bathroom lighting, kitchen lighting as well as schools and offices.

ST64 light bulbs are a type of oversized, decorative bulb shaped like a rounded, inverted triangle and provide a 360 degree beam. They have edison screw or bayonet fittings, usually E27 and B22 respectively. ST64 bulbs are usually used for statement ceiling lights and lamps, such as those that have no lightshare or a lightshade that exposes the bulb.

Tube lights, also known as T series bulbs, are a type of long, tube shaped lighting that generally have T8, T5 or S15 caps at either end. Tube caps are used for office lighting, garage lighting, warehouse lights and fridge lights. Many of these light bulbs are being slowly phased out as a result of new government regulations from September 2023. 

Disc bulbs, also known as bulkheads, have a compact, 2D design and are circular. They usually have a GX53 cap and are most commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens and commercial environments that prioritise function over style.