E27 Base Light Bulbs

The E27 bulb is a large screw base, where 27 refers to the base diameter in millimetres. It is the most common format for pendants, ceiling lights, wall lights and table lamps. All the E27 bulbs in this collection are IP20 and cast a warm white light from 2700 to 3500K.

What is an E27 base and how do you recognise it?

E27 refers to a large screw base, where 27 is the base diameter in millimetres. It screws in by hand, in two turns. It is the most widespread format on pendants, ceiling lights, wall lights and table lamps, and all the E27 bulbs in this collection use it.

E27 base: dimensions and thread

You recognise E27 by its wide screw thread, which takes up almost the whole width of the bulb foot. That width makes it easy to grip and gives a firm turn without forcing. It also explains why it appears on most of the pendants, ceiling lights and wall lights in the catalogue: the format fits the standard sockets of light fittings sold in France.

E27 or E14 base: how to get it right

The E14, known as the small base, is narrower and fits small table lamps, small wall lights and some chandeliers. Before buying, look at your fitting's socket: if the current bulb screws in with three and a half turns, it is E14. The comparison difference between E14 and E27 helps you decide, and other bases such as G4 and G9 cover pin sockets.

What are the different types of E27 bulbs?

The collection covers several families: standard LED, filament LED, dimmable models, retro bulbs in amber tones and outdoor-style bulbs. All are E27, IP20 and warm white 2700 to 3500K, some with a neutral white output. Materials range from glass to metal, brass, aluminium or iron.

LED or filament E27 bulb: what difference in output?

A standard LED gives an even light with no hot spot: handy in a room you live in during the evening. A filament bulb lets you see the filament through the glass, which changes everything in a low pendant where the bulb stays visible. Both are chosen from the E27 LED bulbs and the E27 filament bulbs.

Design, long or retro E27 bulb: the variations that change the look

The globe shape dominates the selection, ahead of more compact round models. On materials, glass comes first, followed by metal, brass, aluminium and iron: enough to match a bulb to a brass or black metal fitting. The retro bulbs and amber tones give a golden hue when lit.

How do you choose an E27 bulb for each room?

The choice depends first on the room. The living room dominates use of this selection (71%), ahead of the dining room (57%), the bedroom and the kitchen (43% each). For a living space, go for an even LED or a visible filament; for a wet room, a compact model that is easy to change.

E27 bulbs for the living room and dining room

In the living room, you want ambient light: a warm white filament LED, or a glass globe above a table. The E27 Éclat Doré filament bulb mixes glass, metal and aluminium and suits both contemporary and industrial living rooms. For meals, a living room bulb in warm white remains the starting point.

E27 bulbs for the bedroom, kitchen or bathroom

In the bedroom, you want a soft, non-dazzling light, ideally adjustable: the dimmable models in the bedroom lighting range let you lower the intensity in the evening. In the kitchen, a crisp light over the worktop, in neutral white if you work there. In the bathroom, a compact format such as the set of fifteen round vintage LED bulbs, in glass and brass.

Warm white or neutral white: which light temperature should you choose?

All the bulbs in the collection offer a warm white of 2700 to 3500K, and some models add a neutral white of 3500 to 4500K. Warm white suits living spaces, the bedroom and lamps with shades; neutral white suits worktops and reading.

Warm white 2700-3500K: for which rooms?

This tone leans golden and creates a calm mood, close to incandescent light. It remains the default choice in the living room, bedroom and dining room, and works well under a fabric shade. The 2700K bulbs are the warmest in the selection.

Neutral white 3500-4500K: when is it better?

Whiter, it makes reading and working at a worktop more comfortable, without the blue cast of a cool tone. It is the right choice above a sink, a desk or a hob. The 3000K bulbs sit right between the two.

Which is the most powerful E27 bulb and which lights best?

Power in watts indicates consumption, not the amount of light. In this selection, power ranges from 1W to 16W depending on the model, and the same E27 base can be more or less bright. So you compare lumens when they are given: the 7W E27 LED bulb rated at 760 lumens.

Watts or lumens: what really counts

A search such as 40w E27 bulb takes you back to a time when light was measured by consumption. Today, you read the flux in lumens: two bulbs of the same power can light differently. The watt remains useful to check what your fitting's socket can take, not to judge brightness.

The bulbs that light best depending on use

For a living space, a medium-flux bulb is enough and avoids glare. For a worktop or a hallway, you go up in flux. The 3000K models offer a good compromise between comfort and legibility, to use in all our E27 fittings.

Which E27 bulb should you choose for outdoors?

The E27 bulbs in this collection are all IP20, a rating that makes them suitable for indoor rooms. Outdoors, you therefore fit them in a closed fitting that protects them from rain, dust and impacts. The shatterproof filament model is designed for this sheltered use.

Outdoor E27 bulb: what to check before buying

The IP20 rating indicates protection against solid objects over 12 mm, nothing more: the bulb does not resist water. So you check two things, that the fitting closes and that there is a seal or a cover. The shatterproof E27 filament bulbs, at 3.5 x 10 cm, are made for these tight housings.

Sheltered, on a balcony or in a closed fitting

On a covered balcony, a sheltered terrace or in a closed lantern, the bulb does not get direct rain: the fitting provides the sealing. The shatterproof model comes in black, gold or white, in warm white. For the fitting, see the lighting catalogue.

How do you wire 3 bulbs in parallel?

Three E27 bulbs are wired in parallel: each socket receives the same voltage, they light at the same time and a blown bulb does not switch off the others. You join the live, neutral and earth conductors on suitable terminals, before screwing in the bulbs.

Series or parallel: what to remember

In series, the bulbs share the voltage and light dimly: that setup is not suitable for home lighting. In parallel, each receives the full mains voltage, which is the expected setup for independent light points. Cut the power at the breaker before any work.

Screwing in and replacing an E27 bulb correctly

Cut the power, then screw in without forcing: the base locks by hand. Check the power the fitting allows, shown on its label, and dust the socket with a dry cloth. If the switch has a dimmer, a compatible model avoids flickering: see the models compatible with a dimmer.

Why do my LED bulbs stay lit or flicker?

An LED that stays faintly lit often comes from a poorly suited dimmer or switch, which lets residual current through. Flickering appears when the bulb is not compatible with the dimmer. In that case, choose a model designed for dimming, such as those in the selection.

Why are LED bulbs rated F?

The energy label relates consumption to the light produced. A very efficient bulb gets a good class, a more demanding model drops to F. That class says nothing about colour or visual comfort, two points judged in kelvins and in use.

Can you replace a classic bulb with an LED?

Yes: same base, direct replacement in the fitting. The E27 LED bulbs use the same large screw socket as incandescent bulbs. Two things to check, dimmer compatibility and the size of the bulb, which must fit under the shade. A dimmable model can be found among the E27 dimmable LED bulbs.

Frequently asked questions about E27 bulbs

To complete your installation, browse the full bulb catalogue, the glass bulbs and the modern-style bulbs. Unsure about compatibility or size? The Designix team answers before you buy.

Secure payment, tracked delivery, possible returns and Designix customer service at your side. First choose the room and the light temperature, then the flux: you will know which E27 bulb to screw in.