Short answer: the number after the E is the width of the screw base in millimeters. E26 is 26 mm and E27 is 27 mm. Read the base type printed on your fixture before you buy a bulb.
What does E27 mean?
The E stands for Edison screw, the thread that most bulbs use. The number is the diameter of that thread in mm. An E14 candle bulb has a 14 mm base. An E26 bulb has a 26 mm base, and an E27 bulb has a 27 mm base.
E26 is the standard base in North America. E27 is the standard in Europe. Some of our lights, such as the Nordic Solid Wood Vanity Light and the Black 3-Light Glass Vanity Light, take E27 bulbs, so we sell E27 bulbs to match.
How do you check which base you need?
- Read the label inside the socket or on the fixture. It lists the base type and the maximum watts.
- Check the voltage rating on the label too.
- If the label says E27, buy E27. If it says E26, buy E26.
How bright is each bulb?
Brightness is measured in lumens, not watts. Some figures from our bulbs:
- Vintage Edison Ice Cube Light Bulb: 4W, 200 lumens, close to a 25W incandescent bulb. Amber at 2000K or clear at 2200K. Base E26 or E27, depending on the version you pick.
- Filament Candle Light Bulb: 4W, 400 lumens, which matches a 40W incandescent bulb. E14 base.
- Warm Cool E27 Light Bulb: a 6-pack of A60 bulbs from 8W to 24W, plus a 3W G45 globe, rated for 25,000 hours.
Which color temperature should you pick?
Our E27 bulbs come in 3000K warm white, 4000K daylight and 6000K cold white. Pick 3000K for living rooms and bedrooms. 4000K and 6000K suit a kitchen, a desk or a garage. Read our 2700K vs 3000K guide for more on warm light.
Which bulb shape fits which light?
- A60 globe: the standard bulb shape for table lamps and ceiling lights.
- G45 globe: a smaller round bulb for exposed fixtures.
- C35 candle: the flame shape for chandeliers and wall lights.
- Edison cube: a decorative bulb for bare-bulb fixtures and open shades.
FAQ
What does E27 stand for?
E is Edison screw. 27 is the base width in mm.
Is E27 the same as E26?
No. They are 1 mm apart in base width, and each is the standard in a different region. Match the base printed on your fixture.
Are LED bulbs dimmable?
Some are. Check the product page. The Vintage Edison Ice Cube and the Filament Candle bulbs are dimmable.
See the full range in our light bulbs collection. Shipping is free in the US, with 14-day returns.