LED vs. Incandescent Bulbs: How to Choose the Right Bulb for Your Lamp
Most lamps we sell take a standard screw-in bulb, and the first question is always the same: LED or incandescent? This guide covers what to buy, how to read the box, and what to check before you dim.
Read lumens, not watts
Watts measure the power a bulb draws. Lumens measure how much light it gives. Because LEDs use far less power, a wattage on the box no longer tells you how bright the bulb is, so shop by lumens and use this table to translate.
| Light you are used to | Brightness to look for | Typical LED wattage |
|---|---|---|
| 40W incandescent | about 450 lumens | 4 to 6W |
| 60W incandescent | about 800 lumens | 8 to 10W |
| 75W incandescent | about 1,100 lumens | 11 to 13W |
| 100W incandescent | about 1,600 lumens | 14 to 16W |
| 150W incandescent | about 2,600 lumens | 22 to 26W |
Always stay at or below the maximum wattage printed on the lamp socket label. An LED rarely comes close to that limit.
LED or incandescent: the short version
- LED: uses roughly 80 to 90 percent less energy, runs cool, and is commonly rated for 15,000 to 25,000 hours. It is the right default for almost every lamp.
- Incandescent: a rounder, slightly warmer glow and a lower purchase cost per bulb, but it runs hot, burns out in about 1,000 hours and costs more to run.
Choosing color temperature
Color temperature is measured in kelvins. For living rooms and bedrooms, 2700K gives the warm white glow of a classic bulb. 3000K is a touch crisper and suits kitchens and offices. Match the number across every lamp in one room so the light looks consistent.
If you dim
Use bulbs marked dimmable, and choose a flicker-free LED. A lamp with a built-in dimmer switch works best with a bulb labeled dimmable; a non-dimmable LED can buzz or flicker.
Check the base and shape
Most table and floor lamps use a medium E26 base with an A19 bulb. Smaller fixtures may use an E12 candelabra base or a G9 or G4 pin. Look at the existing bulb or the specifications on the product page before you order a replacement.
Questions to ask before you buy
Not sure which bulb fits a lamp you bought from us? Send us the product name and we will confirm the base, shape and wattage limit.