How to Choose the Right Type of Ceiling Fan Light Bulb

If the lights are flickering on your ceiling fan, then the time has come to go shopping for new bulbs. Before you go, take a look at the key features that make up a ceiling fan light bulb so you can find the right fit for your fixture. We’re diving into features like bases and wattages, as well as optional elements like color and dimmability, so you can create the perfect ambiance.

1. Bulb Types

Light bulb types include everything from halogens to fluorescents, but there are only two you’ll really need to think about when you’re installing a ceiling fan: incandescents and LEDs.

Incandescents

Incandescent bulbs are an older style of light bulb known for their warm yellow glow. If you’re buying a ceiling fan that includes a dimmer switch, you’ll need to make sure that you get incandescent light bulbs as they are dimmer-compatible. 

They’re also some of the most affordable bulbs on the market, but that low initial cost comes with its own price—incandescent bulbs use a lot more energy than newer types, so they can rack up energy bills in the long run. They also have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced more often.

Best for: Creating a warm yellow light or for ceiling fans with dimmer options

LEDs

LEDs are now the more popular choice for most lighting thanks to their energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly nature. LEDs deliver more lumens for the same wattage and have a far longer lifespan than incandescents. 

Although they don’t usually deliver the same yellow glow as incandescent lights, the choice of warm white and cool white colors offers some flexibility. 

LEDs are also more durable when it comes to temperature sensitivity and humidity, and they release less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Best for: Energy efficiency, brighter light, replacing bulbs less frequently

2. Types of Bulb Bases

Once you’ve decided between incandescent or LED, you’ll need to figure out the bulb base size you need. The base refers to the length and shape of the part of the light bulb that screws into your lighting fixture. Most of the time the wrong base size won’t even fit into your ceiling fan light, so checking ahead will save you time and money when you’re shopping for light bulbs.

Different types of ceiling fans may have specific light bulb requirements, but in general, you’ll be looking at four common bulb base types: E11, E12, E17, and E26. Most of the time your lighting fixture will say the type of base you need. If it doesn’t specify, you can check on the base of the bulb itself or use this table to buy the correct base.

E11: Mini Candelabra

Mini candelabra bulbs have the smallest base, and are most common in new ceiling fans.

Best for: New ceiling fans

E12: Candelabra

Candelabra bulbs are the next size up. These have a narrower base than most bulbs and are common in a wide variety of ceiling light fixtures.

Best for: Most ceiling fans 

E17: Intermediate

These have a fairly short, wide base, and are the most common light bulb for ceiling fans alongside candelabra bulbs. 

Best for: Most ceiling fans 

E26: Medium

Medium-base bulbs are the largest base commonly found in ceiling fan lights. Although they’re less popular now, you’ll often find this size in older ceiling fan models.

Best for: Older ceiling fan models

3. Lumens and Wattages

Lumens measure the brightness of a light bulb—more lumens equals brighter light. Wattage measures the amount of energy needed to power the bulb. In most cases, you’ll need a higher wattage to generate more lumens. 

However, newer and more energy-efficient bulbs can often deliver high lumens at a lower wattage than previous models. These bulbs tend to cost more at the outset, but the lower wattage can save you money in the long run.

You’ll also want to note the maximum wattage on your lighting fixture. Most fixtures specify the maximum wattage you can use, and going over this amount could cause electrical safety issues in your light. There’s some flexibility to go below the wattage, but it’s generally best to try to match it fairly closely. 

4. Color 

Light color is measured in Kelvin, with lower numbers representing a warmer spectrum and higher numbers creating a more cool, blue type of light.

Depending on your fixture, you may also be able to buy specially colored or color-change light bulbs. Some LED bulbs offer color-changing features that you can control with a remote or an app to set a custom ambiance. 

These specialty bulbs don’t tend to have any drawbacks, aside from the fact that they cost a bit more at the outset, and are usually easier to find in common base types like E17 and E26.

Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan Light Bulbs

If this feels like a lot to sift through, it can be helpful to sort the features into categories, like necessary and optional. Necessary features include bulb base and wattage. You’ll have to match the bulb base to what’s specified on your fixture in order for it to fit. You also can’t exceed the maximum wattage of your specific fixture.

Optional features are bulb type and color. For the most part, these choices won’t dramatically impact the functioning of your light. LED bulbs will save you some money on energy bills and replacements in the long run, but both LEDs and incandescents will keep your ceiling fan light running. 

In the end, there’s plenty of flexibility to create the lighted atmosphere you like. If you’re in the market for a new ceiling fan, or if you’d like to add something like a dimmer switch, a lighting professional near you can help you set up the perfect fit.