Light Bulbs

Bright Choices: A Practical Guide to Buying Light Bulbs and Lighting in the UK

Why the right light bulb changes everything

Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly relaxed or oddly on edge? A lot of that mood comes from lighting. Choosing the right light bulb can be like choosing the right seasoning for a meal — a small change makes everything taste better. From cosy filament bulbs to efficient LED Downlights, the right lamp can transform your living room, kitchen, or bedroom without a complete remodel.

Core bulb types explained — quickly and clearly

LED, filament, and traditional options

LED bulbs dominate the market because they use less energy, last longer, and come in a huge range of styles — from classic filament looks to modern omni-directional designs. Filament LEDs mimic the warm glow of old-fashioned bulbs while keeping energy bills down. Traditional incandescent bulbs are now rare in the UK; if you spot them, they’re usually specialty items rather than everyday choices.

Base types: E27, E14 and B22 demystified

When you pick a bulb you’ll see codes like E27, E14, and B22. Think of these as the bulb’s shoe size. E27 (a common screw base) is typical for table lamps and pendant fittings. E14 is the smaller screw base for chandeliers and small lamps, and B22 is the bayonet cap found in many UK fittings. Match the base to your lamp and you’ll avoid that awkward wobble or the “close but not quite” moment.

Brands worth knowing — what you’ll find in UK stores

Integral: reliable everyday LEDs

Integral makes a wide range of LED lamps you’ll often see in online and high-street electrical suppliers. They produce dimmable and non-dimmable bulbs in warm to cool tones, including omni-filament candle styles and R80 downlight replacements. If you want consistent quality without a huge price tag, Integral is a safe bet.

Kosnic and Bell: stylish filament and garden-friendly bulbs

Kosnic and Bell both offer attractive filament-style LEDs in small bases like E14 and B22, perfect for period properties and decorative fittings. Kosnic’s golf ball and vintage filament ranges give a boutique look for side lamps, while Bell’s satin and clear options suit dining rooms where the bulb is on show.

Philips and specialist fittings

Philips remains a top pick for dependable bulbs with familiar names and solid color rendering. For recessed and high-output needs, specialist fittings from brands like Collingwood and Genbay (with reflectors and highbay options) are common in trade suppliers and are useful if you’re lighting garages or workshop spaces.

Where to shop in the UK for the best range and value

Expert Electrical — trade-level choice

Expert Electrical is known for a broad trade catalogue, stocking everything from common filament candle bulbs to technical items like reflectors and tri-rated cable. If you’re rewiring, installing downlights, or fitting a new kitchen, they’re a good stop for trade-grade supplies and brand ranges like Integral and Kosnic.

Mainstream DIY: B&Q, Wickes and Homebase

For weekend projects, big high-street DIY chains carry easy-to-find bulbs and kits. You’ll find general-purpose LEDs, downlight conversion kits, and decorative filament options. These stores are great for quick replacements and standard sizes like E27 and B22 without needing a trade account.

Trade and online specialists: Screwfix, Toolstation and lighting specialists

Need specific items such as Genbay reflectors, downlight trims, or highbay lighting? Trade suppliers and specialist lighting retailers are where you’ll find those. They’re aimed at electricians and contractors, but most also sell to the public and often stock brands like Collingwood for heavy-duty applications.

General marketplaces and department stores

Amazon UK and department stores like John Lewis can be handy when you want name-brand bulbs such as Philips and Bell with quick delivery and easy comparisons. These outlets are handy for lifestyle bulbs — filament styles, decorative candle lamps, and higher-end designs with trusted warranties.

Spotlight on downlights: choosing the right lamp for recessed fittings

Why downlights are popular — and when to use them

Downlights give a clean, modern look and help create layered lighting by adding focused pools of light. They’re excellent over kitchen worktops, hallways, and bathrooms when you want a neat ceiling line with no visible pendants. Think of them as spotlights that make surfaces pop without drawing attention to themselves.

Bulb choices for downlights and retrofit options

R80 and similar LED lamps are designed to replace older reflector bulbs in downlight fittings. Look for dimmable R-type LEDs if you want mood control, and check trim sizes so the bulb sits correctly in the recess. Brands such as Integral produce R80 E27 dimmable LED lamps that are trade-friendly and energy-efficient.

Practical room-by-room recommendations

Living room and dining areas

For living spaces, aim for warm light in the 2700K range for a cosy feel. Filament LEDs and dimmable lamps are excellent here because they allow you to shift from bright reading light to a soft dinner glow. Use a mix of downlights for ambient light and decorative filament lamps for character.

Kitchen and utility spaces

Kitchens benefit from brighter, cooler light around 3000K to 4000K to help with prep work. Downlights over counters and striplights under cabinets are practical choices. Look for higher lumen outputs and options like non-dimmable tubular striplights for utility areas where simple, bright lighting is a must.

Bedrooms and relaxation zones

Bedrooms reward warm, dimmable bulbs. Small E14 filament bulbs in bedside lamps or pendant fittings can create a hotel-like atmosphere. Remember: less blue light in the evening helps your body wind down, so stick to warmer temperatures for sleep-friendly lighting.

Workshops, garages and highbay needs

For workspaces, higher-output LEDs and robust reflectors are essential. Collingwood Genbay and similar highbay solutions are made for big, open areas and provide the punchy light you need for tasks. These are more specialist and usually available through trade suppliers and lighting specialists.

Energy efficiency, dimming and color temperature

How to compare brightness and energy use

Forget the old watt-for-brightness rule—lumens tell the real story. A modern 10–15 watt LED can replace a 60–75 watt incandescent while producing the same light. Think of lumens as the bullet points for brightness and watts as the cost in energy. The higher the lumens per watt, the smarter the bulb.

Dimmable vs non-dimmable: what to know

Dimming changes mood and saves energy, but not all LEDs play nicely with legacy dimmer switches. Check whether the bulb is labeled dimmable and match it to a compatible dimmer. If in doubt, swap the dimmer for an LED-rated unit — it’s like upgrading your phone charger to support fast charging.

Color temperature — warm to cool explained

Color temperature is measured in kelvin. Lower numbers (around 2700K) are warm and cosy; higher numbers (3500K–4000K) feel cooler and more neutral. Pick warm tones for relaxing spaces and cooler tones for task areas. Many modern bulbs are available in both warm white and cool white to suit different rooms.

Trade items you might not think about — cables, reflectors and accessories

Cables and electrical essentials

If you’re doing a proper installation, you’ll encounter tri-rated cable and other trade items. For instance, a common trade cable comes in lengths often stocked for rewiring projects; a useful reference is that 328 feet equals about 100 meters, which gives you a sense of typical spool sizes available from suppliers. Always follow safety rules or hire a qualified electrician for mains work.

Reflectors, trims and highbay accessories

Reflectors and trims affect light spread and glare. Brands like Genbay and Collingwood produce reflectors for high-output fittings, and choosing the right trim can be the difference between soft, diffused light and harsh, directional beams. For workshops and large spaces, dedicated reflectors help focus light where you need it most.

Budgeting and value: get the most light for your money

Where to splurge and where to save

Spend on quality for bulbs that are on most of the time or are difficult to replace — think kitchen downlights or highbay work lights. Save on simple, replaceable lamps in less-used rooms. Filament-style LEDs and reputable brands like Philips, Integral, and Kosnic often balance cost and longevity well.

When trade suppliers make sense

If you’re fitting a full household or working on a commercial project, buying from trade suppliers like Expert Electrical or specialist lighting retailers can cut costs when you need many units. These outlets often have bulk options, trade guarantees, and the specific technical fittings required for larger jobs.

Installation tips and safety reminders

Follow heritage fittings and modern regulations

Older properties often have decorative fittings that prefer small bases like E14. You can modernize the bulb without changing the whole fitting by choosing a compatible filament LED in the right base. And whether you’re in a Victorian terrace or a new-build, any work on wired circuits should respect UK electrical regulations — when in doubt, call an electrician.

Heat, ventilation and longevity

LEDs last longest when they stay cool, so don’t cram them into sealed, poorly ventilated enclosures unless they’re rated for that environment. Think of a bulb like a runner — it performs best when it can breathe. Choosing the right rated lamp and fitting will help you get years of life from a modern LED.

Final checklist before you buy

Quick questions to answer at checkout

Before you hit buy, ask yourself: what base do I need (E27, E14, B22)? Do I want dimming? What color temperature suits the room? How many lumens for the space? Is the bulb suited to a decorative fitting or a recessed downlight? Answering these saves returns and keeps installations neat and effortless.

Choosing the right lighting in the UK is both a practical decision and a chance to express style. Whether you’re browsing trade suppliers like Expert Electrical for technical fittings or popping into a DIY store for filament lamps, a little knowledge goes a long way. Mix the right bulbs, match them to the correct fixtures, and you’ll shape spaces that feel brighter, warmer, and more inviting.