Shopping for light bulbs might seem simple—until you're staring at a screen full of options: LED vs. incandescent, lumens vs. watts, warm white vs. daylight, screw bases vs. pins... it’s a lot! At Brand Name Lighting, we believe buying light bulbs online should be easy, affordable, and well-informed. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know before adding bulbs to your cart—ensuring you get the right light, right now.
Why Buying Light Bulbs Online Is Smarter
Convenience
No more late-night runs to the hardware store. From standard A19 bulbs to specialty Edison-style LEDs, it’s all at your fingertips.
More Variety
Online lighting stores like Brand Name Lighting offer a wider range than big-box stores, including dimmable LED bulbs, smart bulbs, decorative bulbs, energy-saving options, and hard-to-find bases.
Better Prices & Bulk Discounts
Shopping online often means direct-to-consumer pricing. Whether you’re outfitting a single room or a commercial space, bulk light bulb deals and subscription reorders help save time and money.
Types of Light Bulbs Explained
Understanding the types of light bulbs helps you choose the perfect fit for your space and needs:
1. LED Bulbs (Light Emitting Diodes)
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Most energy-efficient option
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Last up to 25,000 hours
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Low heat output
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Available in every shape, size, and color temperature
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Best for: Home, office, outdoor, recessed lighting, and more
2. CFL Bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps)
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Use less energy than incandescent
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Contains a small amount of mercury (dispose responsibly)
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Best for: Table lamps, ceiling fixtures, utility areas
3. Incandescent Bulbs
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Traditional warm glow
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Shorter lifespan (~1,000 hours)
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Not energy efficient
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Best for: Accent lighting, vintage-style fixtures
4. Halogen Bulbs
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Brighter and whiter than incandescent
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Higher efficiency but shorter lifespan than LED
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Best for: Track lighting, under-cabinet lights
5. Smart Bulbs
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Connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
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Controlled via app, Alexa, or Google Home
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Change colors, set schedules, dim remotely
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Best for: Modern smart homes
Choosing the Right Light Bulb: A Buyer's Checklist
✅ 1. Check the Socket/Base Type
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E26: Standard screw base (most common in U.S.)
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E12: Candelabra base
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GU10 / MR16: Twist-lock bases for spotlights
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G9 / G4: Bi-pin bases for specialty fixtures
✅ 2. Pick the Right Brightness (Lumens)
Forget watts—lumens = brightness. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Incandescent Watts | LED Lumens Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 40W | 450 lumens |
| 60W | 800 lumens |
| 75W | 1100 lumens |
| 100W | 1600 lumens |
✅ 3. Choose the Color Temperature (Kelvin)
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2700K: Warm White – cozy, golden glow (living rooms, bedrooms)
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3000K: Soft White – still warm, but slightly brighter
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4000K: Cool White – neutral and clean (kitchens, bathrooms)
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5000K+: Daylight – bright, crisp, and energizing (offices, garages)
✅ 4. Look for Dimmable Options
If your fixture is on a dimmer switch, make sure to buy dimmable LED bulbs. Not all LEDs are dimmable!
✅ 5. Consider the Shape
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A19: Classic everyday bulb shape
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BR30 / BR40: Floodlight bulbs for recessed cans
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PAR: Directional light for spotlights
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G25 / G30: Globe bulbs for vanities and mirrors
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ST19: Vintage Edison-style bulbs
Energy Savings & Longevity
Switching to LED bulbs can save hundreds of dollars over time. Here's how:
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Use 80–90% less energy than incandescent
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Last 15–25x longer
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Reduce heat output = lower A/C costs
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Environmentally friendly = less waste
Tip: Look for ENERGY STAR® Certified bulbs for trusted performance and rebates.
Specialty & Decorative Bulbs
At Brand Name Lighting, we carry an extensive range of specialty options:
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Vintage Edison bulbs for rustic charm
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Color-changing smart bulbs for parties or ambiance
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Bug lights for outdoor use
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Garage and workshop lights
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Candelabra bulbs for chandeliers
Common Light Bulb Terms You Should Know
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CRI (Color Rendering Index): Measures how accurately colors appear under a bulb. 80+ is good; 90+ is great.
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Kelvin (K): Color temperature
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Lumens: Brightness
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Watts: Power used (not brightness)
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Lifespan: How many hours a bulb lasts
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Base Type: The part that screws into the fixture
Tips for Buying Light Bulbs Online
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Measure first. Know your fixture size and socket type.
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Match the vibe. Choose warm tones for comfort, daylight for focus.
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Read reviews to ensure quality and consistency.
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Buy in packs to save money and have spares.
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Check return policies (ours is hassle-free!).
Why Buy from Brand Name Lighting?
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✅ Huge variety of LEDs, smart bulbs, and decorative lighting
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✅ Trusted brands and premium private-label options
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✅ Competitive prices, fast shipping, and bulk discounts
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✅ Friendly customer support that actually helps
FAQs: Buying Light Bulbs Online
Q: How do I know what base size I need?
A: Check the label on your existing bulb or fixture. Common types are E26, E12, and GU10. We include clear sizing guides on every product page.
Q: What’s the best light bulb for reading?
A: Choose a daylight bulb (5000K) with high lumens (800–1100) and high CRI (90+) to reduce eye strain.
Q: Can I replace my old incandescent with LED?
A: Yes! Just match the base and shape. Our LED equivalents are labeled by wattage and brightness for easy swaps.
Q: Are LED bulbs safe for enclosed fixtures?
A: Not all are. Look for “Enclosed Fixture Rated” in the specs.
Q: What is the lifespan of an LED bulb?
A: Most last 15,000 to 25,000 hours, depending on usage and quality.
Final Thoughts
Lighting impacts how we feel, function, and live. By understanding your options, comparing features, and shopping smartly, you can light your home beautifully, efficiently, and affordably. Whether you're looking for a simple E26 soft white bulb or a smart color-changing solution, Brand Name Lighting has you covered.
Shop now and see the difference the right light can make.
