When choosing decorative light bulbs, selecting the right type is essential—and among the many options, type B bulbs stand out as a top choice. These bulbs can be differentiated by their bullet or flame-like shape and are commonly used in chandeliers and wall sconces — allowing them to create appealing aesthetics while also influencing your energy consumption and lighting quality.
In addition to being energy-efficient, these LED bulbs also have longer lifespans compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in less frequent replacements and lower overall long-term costs. If all this sounds more enticing to you and you want to learn more, then continue reading.
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What Is a Type B Light Bulb?
Light Bulbs come in several different shapes and sizes, with each one having a unique design and use. While most individuals are familiar with type A bulbs with a pear-like shape, type B is a more decorative alternative.
These bulbs have a slender shape that resembles a flame or bullet-like design, with some of them having a slight bulge at their base that tapers toward the top, whereas some maintain a consistently narrow shape. Some versions of these bulbs even have bent tips that allow them to have a candle-flame-like shape — hence why they are also referred to as candelabra bulbs.
Moreover, most of these type B bulbs come with E26 and E27 bases, with the smaller ones having an E12 candelabra base or an E17 intermediate base — allowing homeowners to enhance the aesthetics of their chandeliers, sconces, pendant fixtures, etc, while providing a subtle glow.
Common Type B Light Bulb Uses
With their low light output, type B is rarely the primary source of lighting in any room. Instead, we use them for decorative purposes, as they have a unique look.
Decorative Stock photos by Vecteezy
- Chandeliers – They add a touch of elegance to the dining room as well as the entryways.
- Ceiling fan lights – This allows the bulbs to subtly illuminate the room without overpowering its space.
- Wall sconces – These increase the ambiance of the hallway, bedroom, and living room.
- Pendant Lighting – Homeowners can use pendant lighting to complement their modern or decorative lighting setups.
- Night lights – They can be used to create a soft, warm glow in your bedroom or nursery.
- Decorative fixtures – These add to the look of the lamps and unique light installations.
Choosing the Right Type B Bulb
Type B bulbs come in different styles, wattages, and color temperatures. Let me tell you how to choose the right B-series bulbs for your fixtures.
Wattage
Generally, most type B bulbs in the market have wattages from around 5W to 60W. We use the 5W bulbs for decorative purposes only, while the 60W bulbs can produce sufficient light output. In fact, it can be a little too bright for most settings.
I found that bulbs from 15W to 40W can fit in most settings. If you’re not sure about the right wattage you need, pick any bulbs that have 25W to 40W.
Color Temperature
You can find type B bulbs in different color temperatures, as it helps in determining the warmth or coolness of your bulb’s glow. If you’re looking for a traditional or classic yellow-tinted color, go for the warm bulbs.
They typically have similar lighting to the old incandescent bulbs. We mostly use them in chandeliers.
On the other hand, cooler bulbs fit better with modern decorations, as they have a whiter and bluer tint.
Type B Bulbs Sizes
On the bulb’s package, you’ll find the letter B followed by one or two digits. The letter B indicates that the bulb is a type B, while the digits indicate the diameter of the bulb. The higher the digits, the bigger the bulb is.
The B8 is the smallest one in the B series. Conversely, the B10 is slightly wider and taller. People consider the B11 to be the medium option too, while the B13 is the biggest bulb in the family.
Type B vs. Type BR and BT Bulbs
People often confuse BR and BT bulbs with being part of the type B family. However, they’re far from being similar.
BR bulbs have a narrow bottom, but they flair out for a wide top. They have two reflector areas that look like a funnel.
On the other hand, BT bulbs have a bulged chimney, which means they have a wider part in the middle. In some cases, people refer to type B bulbs with a blunt tip as BT bulbs, which can be confusing.
Nonetheless, you can easily distinguish between bulged BT and type B bulbs. BT bulbs have a wider middle part, while type B bulbs look like a candle flame.
Type B vs. Type C Bulbs
Type B and type C bulbs might look similar at first, but they’re actually quite different. While type B has a bullet or flame-like shape, type C is more tapered, resembling a torpedo.
Both are popular for decorative lighting, but type C is often used in more elegant fixtures, creating a soft, ambient glow.
Type B Linear Tubes
Type B tubes are different from traditional type B bulbs. They’re fluorescent ballast bypass linear lamps. Some people call them line voltage lamps.
The type B tubes have an internal driver inside them, which helps use less power. Additionally, they’re less expensive than other tube lamps.
However, type B tubes aren’t the safest. When installing these lamps, you’ll need to remove the existing ballast and wire them directly to a non-shunted lamp holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Type B Light Bulb Last?
A bulb’s lifespan isn’t related to its type. Instead, it’s determined by the lighting technology inside it. Traditional incandescent bulbs usually last around 1000 hours, while CFL lamps last between 8000 and 20,000 hours.
On the other hand, type B LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours. Type B LED lights have the longest lifespan and the lowest power consumption.
How to Identify a Type B Bulb?
Type B bulbs have a unique flame-like shape. They’re mostly small and don’t produce high brightness.
By checking its package, you can confirm that a bulb belongs to the B-series. You’ll usually find the letter “B” followed by one or two digits.
What Are the Diameters of the B10 and B11 Light Bulbs?
B10 light bulbs’ diameter is approximately 1.25 inches. On the other hand, the diameter of a B11 light bulb is around 1.3 inches.
