Experienced lighting technicians emphasize that bulbs function as precision instruments rather than simple illumination devices. Each unit integrates thermal management systems with specific photometric characteristics, housed within engineered glass or polycarbonate assemblies to meet project requirements. For those standing in a hardware store aisle for the first time the sheer volume of alphanumeric labels like A19 PAR38 or G25 can feel like a wall of noise. Yet learning about diferent types of light bulbs is the true secret to shifting a room’s mood from a sterile environment to a space that feels like a luxury boutique hotel.
Decades of hands-on experience in the field show that the right choice depends on how variosu types of light bulbs, sizess, shapes and technologies interact with a building’s unique architecture. This guide pulls from that professional insight to help you navigate the modern market specifically focusing on the intersection of design and the now-essential led light bulb.
The technology hiding inside that glass envelope defines everything from your energy bill to the way your skin tone looks in a mirror. Today the market is dominated by three main categories. Below are some types of light bulbs commonly used.
The led light bulb or Light Emitting Diode has completely rewritten the rules of residential and commercial lighting. Unlike old-school filaments that glow because they are literally burning LEDs use semiconductors to create light. From a maintenance perspective the biggest win here isn’t just the 80% drop in energy use; it is the thermal management. Because an LED throws almost no infrared heat in its beam it is the only safe choice for lighting heat-sensitive oil paintings or fitting into tight enclosed recessed cans where an incandescent bulb might pose a fire hazard.
According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), lighting accounts for roughly 8–12% of residential electricity use in Canadian homes.
ENERGY STAR–certified LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 15–25 times longer.
If every Canadian household replaced just five commonly used bulbs with ENERGY STAR LEDs, it could save hundreds of dollars annually per home, depending on usage and provincial electricity rates.
While general-service incandescents have been largely phased out by federal efficiency standards they haven’t vanished. Industry experts still keep them in the toolkit for high-heat environments like the inside of an oven or for very specific artistic needs where the continuous spectrum of a burning wire is required for absolute color perfection.
Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations have phased out most traditional incandescent bulbs.
As of recent federal updates, general service lamps must meet higher efficiency thresholds, effectively accelerating the shift toward LED technology nationwide.
Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have reported significant reductions in residential energy demand due to widespread LED adoption.
This strengthens your regulatory authority and modernization angle.
CFLs were the bridge technology that got us away from old energy-hungry bulbs but they are rapidly becoming a relic. Most facility managers have moved on because of the annoying warm-up time these bulbs need to reach full brightness, not to mention the environmental headache of disposing of the mercury they contain.
The geometry of a bulb, often called the envelope, is never just for show. Light bulb shapes are precision-engineered to dictate beam spread or how the light actually travels across your walls.
That classic pear shape we all grew up with is known as the A series. The A19 series light bulbs are the global standard for table and floor lamps. It provides omnidirectional light meaning it throws a glow in nearly every direction. This is critical for lamps where you need the shade to be illuminated evenly from top to bottom.
Globe bulbs or G series are perfectly round and designed to be seen. You will find G25 or G30 bulbs used in vanity strips or hanging pendant fixtures where the bulb is part of the decor. They offer a wide soft wash of light that is very forgiving on faces.
In chandeliers and wall sconces you want to mimic the look of a candle. B (Blunt) and CA (Candle Angular or Flame) bulbs do exactly that. They are usually lower in wattage because they are meant to provide a decorative sparkle rather than light up a whole desk for work.
For recessed can lights or track heads you need the light to go in one specific direction.
The numbering system on a box of bulbs isn’t random; it’s based on the Rule of Eighths. In Canada the number following the shape letter tells you the bulb’s diameter at its widest point measured in eighths of an inch.
| Bulb Code | Math Behind the Size | Actual Diameter | Common Application |
| A19 | 19 / 8 | 2.375 inches | Standard lamps and fixtures |
| T8 | 8 / 8 | 1.00 inch | Standard office ceiling tubes |
| PAR38 | 38 / 8 | 4.75 inches | Large outdoor or recessed lights |
| MR16 | 16 / 8 | 2.00 inches | Small track or accent lighting |
Understanding this math allows an installer to figure out if a bulb will physically fit inside a fixture’s housing before they even bother to open the box.
The shape of the glass doesn’t matter if the base won’t fit the socket. Pros categorize these into three main families.
Choosing between different types of light bulbs requires looking at the whole environment. A common mistake in DIY projects is over-bulbing putting a bulb with a higher wattage than the fixture can handle. While an led light bulb generates much less heat than an incandescent the physical size can still be an issue.
For instance shoving a PAR30 bulb into a fixture meant for a smaller R20 will cause the bulb to stick out past the ceiling line creating a harsh glare that ruins the room’s comfort. A seasoned pro always checks the LCL (Light Center Length) to make sure the light source sits at the exact focal point of the fixture’s reflector.
Retail & Hospitality Insight (Canada)
Studies in Canadian retail environments show that high-CRI lighting (90+) can improve product perception and customer dwell time, particularly in grocery and fashion settings.
Grocery chains across Canada transitioned to high-CRI LED systems to enhance food presentation and reduce shrink from poor visual appeal.
Moving to LED is a financial necessity. When looking at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) an LED bulb wins every time. Even if it costs three times more than a halogen upfront you save massive amounts of money by not paying someone to climb a ladder to replace it for 25000 hours. Combined with the energy savings the return on investment usually happens in months.
Canadian Cost Insight
The average Canadian household spends approximately $1,500–$2,000 per year on electricity (varies by province).
Switching fully to LED lighting can reduce lighting-related electricity costs by up to 80%, translating into meaningful long-term savings.
Many Canadian utility providers (Hydro One, BC Hydro, Hydro-Québec) have historically offered rebates on ENERGY STAR LED bulbs, accelerating ROI even further.
Furthermore many light bulb types are now smart. Integrated chips allow you to dim them or change their color from your phone removing the need for expensive specialized dimming switches that used to be a major hurdle in older homes.
True mastery of lighting comes down to understanding the language of these codes. When you realize that selecting a bulb isn’t just about the wattage but about the marriage of light bulb shapes, base compatibility and the technological edge of the led light bulb the process becomes second nature.
Finding the right balance between technical codes and aesthetic appeal is what transforms a house into a home. At Faraday Lighting, we believe that every A19, PAR38, and LED filament plays a vital role in your daily experience. We provide the expertise and high-quality lighting products needed to ensure your environment is as efficient as it is beautiful. Ready to brighten your world? Explore our full collection at Faraday Lighting and discover the perfect glow for every room.
This numerical value serves as a precise diameter measurement based on eighths of an inch. For instance, a standard A19 bulb measures nineteen-eighths across. Recognizing this Rule of Eighths allows you to mathematically confirm a bulb’s fit within its fixture housing.
Most contemporary LEDs are engineered as direct retrofits for legacy sockets, such as the ubiquitous E26 Edison base. Because they generate significantly less infrared heat, they are often a safer choice for enclosed fixtures where heat accumulation was previously a concern.
The choice depends on the desired beam intensity. PAR bulbs utilize a parabolic reflector to produce a concentrated, high-impact beam ideal for accentuating architectural features. Conversely, BR bulbs use a bulged reflector to provide a soft, wide-angle wash for general illumination.
Identify the connection mechanism within the fixture socket. Screw-in bases belong to the Edison E series, such as the standard medium E26. If the socket requires a twist and lock motion, it likely utilizes a pin-based system like the GU10.
This distinction refers to the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) measured in Kelvin. A 2700K bulb emits a traditional, amber-hued warmth suitable for relaxation areas. A 5000K daylight bulb provides a crisp, blue-toned white light that enhances clarity for detailed task work.
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