It used to be that you could run to the local hardware store and quickly grab a replacement bulb for the one that popped off last night. Pull the burned-out bulb from the lamp or fixture, check the wattage, maybe even take it in to the store to compare the base size just to make sure you choose the right replacement. Check out and dash away! Ah, simpler times! Nowadays, your bulb replacement options are nearly limitless! And you might want to take an extra minute or two to compare shapes, sizes, technologies, and benefits.

But rather than wander aimlessly through the aisles of a big box store contemplating your bulb selection and questioning, well, everything, let the pages of 1000Bulbs.com help you narrow down your options and coach you in the right direction. Let’s summarize some of the most popular shape options. 

A standard household bulb is the most classic choice and is referred to as an A-shaped (or arbitrary) bulb. It is the shape of the original incandescent bulb invented in the 1800s. While still available (in most states) in incandescent versions, it is likely that incandescent technology will be phased out in the coming years due to its inefficiency in producing more heat than light! However, this light bulb shape, also known by its symbolic use in standing for a great idea or revelation, will probably remain popular and available for years to come using LED technology.  

Another popular shape still available in incandescent technology is the round, globe bulb, denoted by the “G” in its name. More decorative than A-shapes, the spherical bulb is often used in bathroom vanity lighting, string lights, and any other place you want a little extra aesthetic punch. If you’re converting to LED, you’ll find plenty of globes available in varied sizes and styles, including a charming vintage design with a visible “filament.” 

B series and C series bulbs are so similar in shape, we’ll discuss them together. The B stands for blunt-tip and the C stands for candle. In general, these shapes are smaller and designed to mimic the look of a flame. The C series has a bit more of a decorative tip, much thinner at the top of the flame, while the B series has a more uniform, oblong shape. These bulbs are commonly used in chandeliers, sconces, and decorative displays. Many of these decorative styles are also available in LED versions. 

Tubular bulbs are appropriately named the T series. Historically, tube lights have almost always been fluorescent, but with the advancement of LED, tubular lights are now available in this technology.

We have only touched on some of the most often used bulb shapes in this blog and we didn’t even get started on the many different options in bulb base sizes! We’ll save that for another day. But when you are ready to find your next bulb, search the pages of 1000Bulbs.com to quickly sort and find your perfect bulb! And if you get confused or distracted by the many choices, simply reach out to one of our live lighting experts at 1-800-624-4488 for personalized advice. They are also available via the convenient pop-up chat at the bottom right corner of our web pages.