E27 Bulb Guide Everything About Edison Screw Bulbs

The Ultimate E27 Bulb Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Edison Screw Bulbs

Picture this: You’ve just moved into your dream home in Manchester, and you’re standing in the lighting aisle, completely baffled by the wall of light bulbs before you. The lamp you inherited from your nan needs a new bulb, but is it bayonet or screw? And what on earth does E27 mean? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Every day, thousands of Brits face the same lighting dilemma. Today, we're demystifying the E27 bulb once and for all, helping you become the lighting expert your home deserves.

Whether you're upgrading to energy-saving LEDs or simply replacing a blown bulb, understanding E27 bulbs will transform how you light your home. From cosy living rooms bathed in warm white light to bright, productive home offices, the right E27 LED bulb makes all the difference.

What is an E27 Bulb? Understanding the Basics

An E27 screw bulb is the most common type of light bulb fitting in the UK and Europe. The 'E' stands for Edison (yes, that Edison!), whilst '27' refers to the diameter of the screw base in millimetres. Simple as that!

What is E27 Bulb

Here's a crucial tip that could save you from a costly mistake: whilst E27 bulbs look nearly identical to American E26 bulbs, they're designed for different voltages. E27 bulbs work with our UK 240V system, whilst E26 bulbs are made for America's 120V supply. Always double-check you're buying genuine E27 bulbs for UK use.

Choosing the Perfect E27 Bulb: Your Complete Buying Guide

Selecting the right E27 bulb light isn't just about finding one that fits. Modern bulbs offer countless options for brightness, colour, and functionality. Let's break down what actually matters when you're shopping for bulbs.

How to choose the right lumens for E27 LED bulbs

Lumens vs Watts: The Brightness Revolution

Forget everything you knew about watts – they're yesterday's news! Modern LED bulbs E27 measure brightness in lumens, not watts. Here's your essential conversion guide:

Brightness (Lumens)	Equivalent Incandescent (Watts)	Ideal Use Case
450 lumens	40W	Perfect for bedside lamps or hallway lighting
800 lumens	60W	Ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and pendant lights
1100 lumens	75W	Great for reading areas, home offices, or study rooms
1600 lumens	100W	Brilliant for kitchens, bathrooms, and work-spaces

Pro tip: Always match your pendant light bulb size to its shade — a large globe bulb looks stunning in open fittings, while smaller candle bulbs suit enclosed designs.

Colour Temperature: Setting the Perfect Mood

The colour of your light dramatically affects your home's atmosphere. Here's what those Kelvin numbers mean for your E27 warm white bulb:

2700K-3000K (Warm White): Creates that cosy, inviting glow perfect for lounges and bedrooms.
4000K (Cool White): Crisp, clean light ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
5000K+ (Daylight): Energising light that's brilliant for home offices and garages.

Warm white vs cool white bulb color temperature guide

The E27 Bulb Family: Types and Styles for Every Home

The beauty of the E27 fitting lies in its versatility. From vintage-inspired E27 filament bulbs to ultra-modern smart bulbs, there's an option for every style and budget.

Different types and styles of E27 bulbs for home lighting

Filament LED Bulbs

Brings vintage charm with modern efficiency. Perfect for exposed fixtures.

Smart E27 Bulbs

Offer colour-changing features and control via smartphone apps or voice assistants.

Daylight E27 Bulbs

Ideal for detailed work, crafting, or combating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Installation and Troubleshooting: Expert Tips

Installing an E27 screw bulb might seem straightforward, but following proper procedures ensures safety and longevity.

Do ✅	Don't ❌
Switch off power at the mains first.	Overtighten the bulb in the socket.
Let old bulbs cool down completely.	Use an incompatible dimmer switch.
Grip the bulb by its solid body.	Touch the new bulb immediately after testing.

Decorative E27 globe bulb for stylish home lighting

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings with E27 LED Bulbs

Switching to LED E27 bulbs isn't just good for the planet – it's brilliant for your wallet too. Let's crunch the numbers that matter to UK households. Based on average UK electricity prices (34p per kWh in 2024), switching just one 60W bulb to a 10W LED equivalent can save you over £44 per year. With the average UK home having 40 bulbs, that's a potential saving of over £1,700 annually!

Energy-efficient E27 LED bulbs that lower electricity costs and enhance lighting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About E27 Bulbs

Is an E27 bulb the same as a standard screw bulb?

Yes! E27 is simply the technical name for what most UK shops call a "standard screw" or "ES" bulb. The 27mm screw base is the most common size in British homes.

Where can I buy E27 LED bulbs in the UK?

Quality E27 LED bulbs are available from specialist lighting retailers like LEDSone, offering expert advice and premium brands. You'll also find basic options at B&Q, Screwfix, and major supermarkets.

Are E27 bulbs dimmable?

Not all E27 bulbs dim – you need specifically labelled dimmable E27 LED light bulbs. Always check your dimmer switch compatibility, as older dimmers may not work with LED technology.

What's the difference between E27 and B22 bulbs?

E27 bulbs screw in clockwise, whilst B22 bayonet bulbs push in and twist. E27 is standard across Europe, whilst B22 remains common in older UK properties. Both work equally well – it's simply about matching your existing fitting.

Ready to Transform Your Home Lighting?

You're now equipped with everything you need to make confident decisions about E27 bulbs. Investing in quality LED E27 bulbs is about long-term savings, environmental responsibility, and creating the perfect ambiance in your home.

Shop Our E27 Bulb Collection Today