How do I find the right replacement lamp for my luminaire?

Finding replacement lamps

There are many good reasons for replacing an old lamp with its LED equivalent: The old incandescent light bulb has blown, you want to save electricity with LED or you simply want to change the brightness or light colour of your luminaire.

You find yourself at the DIY store but forgot the old lamp at home, or you are searching the Internet for a replacement and are confronted by a huge selection of lamps. Now what?

Five tips for finding the right lamp:

By now, you can find virtually any lamp as an LED version, and we strongly recommend replacing all your old lamps with the much more energy-efficient LED technology. It really is a no-brainer: your energy consumption will drop by more than 80% in comparison with conventional lamps.
Choosing the right light colour is crucial. Choose warm white or daylight white depending on where you will need it.
In terms of brightness, the lumen value is the decisive factor.
Depending on where it will be used, you might also want a dimmable lamp. Look for a dimming label or icon on the packaging.
LED lamps are offered in a variety of corn shapes and bases. Here is an overview of the most popular models:

Antique white metal candle lamp with five E14 LED bulbs for decorative lighting

E14 Candle Lamp

These lamps are mostly used in chandeliers, wall or ceiling luminaires. Candle lamps distribute their light all round.

Modern table lamp with white metal shade and gold stand on copper side table in cozy room setting.

E14 or E27 Drop-Shaped Lamp

The small but mighty drop-shaped lamps are mostly used in table luminaires or bedside lamps.

Modern black pendant lamp with copper edge and E27 bulb in cozy living room setting

E27 Globe Lamp

The spherical globe lamps come to the fore mostly in pendant and other ceiling luminaires.

Tip: Look out for the extra stylish top mirror globe lamps to ad a bit more style to your luminaires.

Ceiling light with wood finish and diffuser cover, shown alongside classic E27 incandescent bulb icon.

E27 General Lamp

The all-round classic: E27 general aka standard lamps look just like the good old incandescent light bulb and is often used in ceiling luminaires. It offers 360 degrees of light distribution.

Modern black reading lamp with silver joint arm and E14 E27 reflector bulb icon on red background

E14 or E27 Reflector Lamp

E14 or E27 reflector lamps are used in spotlights, spots or downlights for directed light, meaning they shine their light where they are pointed.

Silver GU10 spotlight on track system with warm white light for modern indoor lighting

GU10 or GZ10 Reflector Lamp

230 V reflector lamps with GU10 or GZ10 base are also frequently used in spotlights, spots and downlights and similarly emit directed light.

Three chrome GU4 GU5 reflector lamps hanging on wires in front of tulip picture, modern LED lighting

GU4 or GU5.3 Reflector Lamp

The 12-volt lamp version comes with a GU4 or GU5.3 base and are also used in spotlights, spots or downlights.

Moisture-resistant LED recessed spotlight with white frame and water droplets, energy-saving ceiling light

LED Coin

An LED coin is the perfect choice for recessed spotlights. This LED module is extremely flat, reducing the installation depth to a minimum.

White metal special lamp mounted on wall with two fluorescent lamp icons on red background

Special Lamps

There are various types of special lamps for specific uses.

Two white LED bulbs with E27 base and yellow glow on grey background, energy-saving lighting bulbs.

Lamps & Bases

For luminaires, where the lamp will be visible, you should always choose one that doesn't have a longish base and that is all-glass. Any other type just wouldn't look right. Unsightly shadows can also appear with LED lamps hidden behind a lampshade.