15 Best Light Bulbs For Ceiling Fans
wedetso chirhah poulami nag pratibha bagdy Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University and has qualified UGC-NET. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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The best light bulbs for ceiling fans matter more than what you could imagine. Lightning in the living spaces can impact the atmosphere at home and your health. When lights constantly flicker, it can lead to severe headaches and eye-straining. To reduce this issue, you will need some light bulbs that look good by adding volumes to the aesthetic appearance of the fan. LEDs can give your room a new vibe and make you feel better. They do not flicker much, thus reducing the chances of headaches and eye-straining. If you plan to buy LEDs, then you have come to the right place. They enhance the fan’s appearance and create an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. In addition, they add a great flavor and spark to your living room. We have listed some quality-tested light bulbs that you can consider buying for your fans. Read on to know more.
Top Picks
15 Best Light Bulbs For Ceiling Fans
1. Best Versatile:Shinestar LED Candelabra Bulb
Light up your fan and life with this “Type B” bulb from Shinestar. This LED bulb is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb without the downsides. The oval-shaped bulb emits a clean and bright light that’s ideal for your ceiling fan. One of the highlights of this bulb is its versatility. It’s not only ideal for ceiling fans but can also be used for chandeliers, table lamps, and floor lamps. It has an E12 base, which is a common type of bulb base. However, do make sure that it is compliant with your appliance. To top it off, the light also boasts of overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheat protection. Tested and trusted by reviewers, this light bulb comes in a pack of eight with a standard three-year warranty.
Pros
- Zero flicker
- Long-lasting light bulb for ceiling fans
- Saves 90% electricity
- Emits 600-lumen brightness
Cons
- May produce too much cool fluorescent light for a daylight bulb
"Besides illuminating my living area, they even makes my furniture and carpets shine. Although bright, their tone still feels cool and does not heat the surrounding areas. While I'm yet to see if they stand the test of time, they have been a significant upgrade from my older bulbs."
2. Best Life Span:Sunco Lighting A15 LED Bulb
Emitting 800 lumens of brightness, this Sunco LED bulb is ideal for living room ceiling fans and chandeliers. Much of its popularity comes not only from its simple yet compact design but also its durability. This durable and bright bulb is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 4° F, qualifying it as the ideal refrigerator light. This Energy Star-certified A15 light bulb for ceiling fans has an E26 base and turns on immediately. Engineered and built for a 15,000-hour lifespan, this bulb will serve you well. It is available for purchase in a pack of ten and comes with a warranty of five years.
Pros
- Flicker-free
- Dimmable
- Energy-saving
- Shock and shatter-resistant
Cons
- May overheat upon using for prolonged hours
"I like that these bulbs brighten the room without giving it a yellow tinge. They are on the smaller end, but the illumination is sometimes too bright. However, the dimming option allows me to use them at the desired brightness. Thus, they have become a permanent part of my home."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,090 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Pro tip3. Best Energy-Saving:Cotanic E26 Ceiling Fan Light Bulb
Are you tired of unreliable and migraine-inducing incandescent bulbs? If so, this LED bulb from Contanic could be the one for you. It lasts over 30 times longer than a 60-watt incandescent bulb and its durable build offers a hassle-free experience. This daylight bulb delivers a realistic color contrast with its Color Rendering Index of 80+, portraying objects in a truer light. Its globe shape makes it visually appealing, and it has an E26 screwable base, making it compatible with most appliances. Its versatility, longevity, and all the incredible benefits it offers make it a winner when choosing LED bulbs. Packed in a set of six, these globe light bulbs for ceiling fans come with a three-year warranty.
Pros
- Instantly turns on
- Energy-saving
- Flicker and glare-free
- 600 lumens brightness
Cons
- Not dimmable
"Not only are they compact, but their natural light-like illumination is perfect for all my intricate tasks. They are also compatible with both my wall and ceiling fan fixtures. Additionally, the dimming feature is a bonus."
SHINESTAR LED Candelabra Bulb Best Versatile | Sunco Lighting A15 LED Bulb Best Life Span | Cotanic E26 Ceiling Fan Light Bulb Best Energy-Saving | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 6 Watts | 8.00 | 6 watts |
| Shade Material | PC | - | Plastic |
| Color | 5000k Daylight | - | 4000k Natural Daylight |
| Dimensions | 1.42 x 1.42 x 3.94 inches | 3.5 x 2 x 3.5 inches | 1.77 x 1.77 x 2.95 inches |
| Weight | 1.12 ounces | 0.01 ounces | 6.3 ounces |
| Material | Aluminum, Polycarbonate (PC) | - | Aluminum, Wide Beam Angle Plastic Cover |
| Shape | Candle(C) | a15 | Globe E26 LED Light Bulb |
| Number of Items | 8 | 10 | 6 |
| Light Color | Daylight White | Daylight White | - |
| Incandescent Equivalent Wattage | - | 60 Watts | 60 Watts |
| Maximum Compatible Wattage | - | - | 60 Watts |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,285 | 2,090 | 1,819 |
| Price | $15.99 | $21.49 | $13.99 |
4. Best Easy Installation:Comzler A15 Ceiling Fan Light Bulb
This warm white light bulb for ceiling fans is built with an innovative circuit board that eliminates the drawbacks of incandescent bulbs and proves to stand the test of time. The compact shape and design of the LED bulb make it ideal for installation in ceiling fans, floor lamps, and even candelabras. A host of other factors like its buzz-free operation and a comfortable atmosphere that it creates with its warm light make it a popular choice. It features a color rendering index 80+ technology, which ensures that you get to see colors the way they are meant to be seen. The company has rated it with a 30,000-hour lifespan.
Pros
- Energy-efficient light bulbsfor ceiling fans
- Easy installation
- Flicker and glare-free
- 5000K warm white light
Cons
- Non-dimmable
"After using these bulbs for a few months, I can't even fathom returning to the traditional ones. While their brightness is impressive, they do have a slight blue tint. Still, they illuminate dark spaces well and have helped reduce my electricity bills."
Did you know?5. Best Stylish:Lohas Dimmable Daylight 5000k Candelabra And Ceiling Fan LED Light Bulb
Courtesy of its oval shape and compact size, this bulb can fit in most appliances that have an E12 socket. With a non-toxic construction and boasting a low energy consumption of just six Watts, it proves to be an eco-friendly choice. The comfortable glow with its CRI 80+ makes these ceiling fan bulbs ideal for various viewing situations. This product is available for purchase in a set of 6. You can now glorify your ceiling fans at home with this stylish and fancy dimmable LED bulb.
Pros
- 30,000 hours life span
- Energy-efficient
- Screwable installation
- 550 lumens brightness
Cons
- You may require a special device to dim these lights.
"I've installed these in my powder room, and their daylight-like white illumination has been a big help in creating flawless makeup looks. Also, they are noiseless and even dim without flickering!"
6. Best Warm Hue:GE Crystal Clear Decorative A15 Bulb
The fairly warm hue emitted by this light source is all you need to ensure a relaxing and comfortable viewing experience. Its warm light makes it ideal for various purposes, including room lighting, ceiling fan lighting, and even chandeliers. While it isn’t an LED bulb, it does quite an impressive job as an incandescent light bulb for ceiling fans. And although it is not as energy-consuming when compared to other bulbs in its category but will serve you well for at least a year.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Compact design
- 415 lumens brightness
- 2600K light appearance
Cons
- It may not be energy efficient.
"These bulbs have proven durable enough to withstand outdoor elements such as rain and shine. They even fit well into both my old-school and new fixtures. Although slightly pricey, they have been a reliable find."
7. Best Soft-White Light:JandCase G14 LED Bulb
Are you looking to replace your old or dying LED bulb? Well, if you find yourself in that position, you may want to try this LED light bulb for ceiling fans from JandCase. It boasts an attractive design that has been constructed to perfection. It is also an excellent choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly light bulb with no lead, mercury, or harmful substances used in manufacturing. With a 25,000-hour lifespan, you don’t need to worry about replacing it anytime soon. As an icing on the cake, the JandCase LED ceiling bulb has a 240° wide beam angle and is glare and flicker-free. The tried-and-tested product is available in a pack of six high-quality LED bulbs.
Pros
- Energy saving
- Easy installation
- Emits soft-white light
- 450 lumens brightness
Cons
- Some may find it too bright.
"They fit snugly in the existing fixtures and offer a pleasant color temperature. Though not dimmable, they are sturdy and enhance the visibility in my house like no other bulb could."
Trivia8. Best UV Radiation-Free:Winshine E26 LED Ceiling Fan Light Bulb
The elegant and compact design of this Winshine LED bulb will surprise you with its looks and functionality. The LED filaments of the bulb are specially crafted to offer an experience similar to that of a 60 W incandescent bulb. Made without resorting to harmful chemicals, this bulb is eco-friendly and safe to use. You can use it for various appliances such as fans, chandeliers, table lamps, etc. The bulb requires a G45 screwable lighting fixture; so, ensure that your fan has the apt socket before purchasing it.
Pros
- Flicker-free
- Easy installation
- Low power consumption
- UV and IR radiation-free
Cons
- May not fit certain electronics due to its size
"Despite being on the smaller end, they offer very bright illumination. Its plastic build also survived a few drops during the installation, and the flash-free lighting is gentle on my eyes. Plus, they do not turn hot even when I use them for long hours."
9. Best Remote-Controlled:Hydong Smart WiFi LED Bulb
The sheer brilliance of this LED bulb lies in its smart technology. While its design is similar to regular LED bulbs, the model boasts quick controls through an application on a smartphone, which makes it unique. One of the highlights of this smart LED bulb for ceiling fans is its schedule settings that allow one to set a time for it to be turned on or off. The light is tunable between the brightness range of 2700 to 6500K, making it suitable for settings that demand dim or bright lights. With eight scene modes and brightness control, the HYDONG smart LED bulb is a serious competitor. These high-quality bulbs are sold in a pack of four and carry with them a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Multicolor
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Remote-controlled light bulbs for ceiling fans
- Voice-controlled
Cons
- May take some time to set up
"In addition to changing the hues, these bulbs allow me to customize the color temperature and brightness via the app. Their slightly taller design, a result of the smart features, is a minor trade-off given their overall benefits. Just remember to check if they would match your fixtures."
10. Best Vintage:Megaman Ceiling Fan LED Bulbs
Do you desire the brilliance of a vintage-looking bulb without having to deal with the drawbacks of one? If so, you should take a look at this Megaman bulb. The company avoids the use of mercury, lead, and other harmful products when designing its bulbs. Thanks to its CRI 85+, the vintage-style light bulb for ceiling fans has vibrant colors. The bulb is ideal for a ceiling fan, floor lamp, and chandelier. It serves well as an evening light with ample brightness and can easily usher in a tinge of romance when the situation demands a warm color tone. These come in a set of 12 bulbs.
Pros
- Dimmable
- Energy efficient
- 15,000 hours of life span
- 500 lumens brightness
Cons
- Small base light bulb for ceiling fans may not fit certain appliances
11. Best 180° Beam Angle:Ajuns LED Light Bulb
The Ajuns 40 W LED bulb is worth pursuing for its ability to light up a room without any flickering and to provide just the right amount of light for reading, writing, and sleeping. This tried-and-tested product features a high CRI 80 that offers accurate and vivid color rendering when viewing objects. It has an E26 lamp holder that makes it compatible with almost all electrical appliances. While the bulb may look generic, don’t let that fool you, as its functionality will impress you. The company rates the bulb with a maximum life cycle of 30,000 hours and honors a warranty on it for up to a maximum of 1.5 years. These ceiling fan bulbs come in a set of four.
Pros
- Energy-saving
- Wide application
- 180° beam angle
- Made of high-grade flame-retardant material
Cons
- Not dimmable
"Although tricky to install, they offer filament bulb-like glow without the hassle that comes with one. Hence, I've used them for everything from my lampshades to creating ambient lighting in my kitchen."
12. Best Customizable:Aoycocr Smart LED Light
Are you confused between purchasing a daylight and night light? Well, what if you could have both? This is where this smart LED bulb by Aoycocr shines. It is capable of emitting between 2700K to 6500K of brightness, making it appropriate for various residential and commercial settings. It’s a feature-filled smart bulb that looks as good as it works. Apart from the customizable color settings that can be controlled using the Smart Home app, the smart light bulb for ceiling fans also has an interesting pre-set on/off feature that allows you to switch it on or off at a certain time and for a specific duration.
Pros
- 16M colors
- Features a music mode
- Remote and voice control
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Compatible with Alexa
Cons
- It may take some time to get used to controlling the bulb with the app.
13. Best Vibration-Resistant:Dekang E12 LED Light Bulb
This LED bulb for ceiling fans is a dependable option as the company ensures that all of its products go through a series of rigorous testing to ensure top-notch quality before leaving the factory. Requiring 5W of power, this bulb serves as a daylight light bulb for ceiling fans and offers a color temperature of 5000K. This light is also quite bright, given its luminous intensity rating of 500. As a plus, this light can save your eyes from strain; so, you can keep eye fatigue, myopia, and headaches at bay.
Pros
- Flicker-free
- Power-efficient
- Shock and vibration-resistant
- Compact design
Cons
- May have a yellow tint.
14. Best Lead-Free: BlueStars E12 T20 Incandescent Bulbs
This set from BlueStars is composed of eight salt lamp bulbs that will light up your entire home with 25 watts of power. At full brightness, it gives you 150 lumens and 2700K, but there’s always a way to create a more relaxing and ambient setting in your home with the dimmable switch. It’s designed to not flicker, nor does it contain any lead, mercury, or UV radiation, making it a safe and durable pick.
Pros
- High-temp resistant
- 2,000 hours of light
- Safe for the environment
- Vintage-looking design
Cons
- May not be suitable for Himalayan lamps
"The highlight of these bulbs is their versatile design, which allows me to use them for my salt lamp and ceiling fan. They fit just right and emit the perfect warmth. While I have yet to see how they stand the test of time, they're proving to be a dependable lighting solution."
15. Best Flicker-Free:Hansang 6W E12 LED Bulb
Much of its popularity arises from its installation in ceiling fans and chandeliers. This time-tested LED bulb fits in light fixtures with an E12 screw base. In terms of looks, it has the classic bulb shape, which may suit the liking of most buyers. Its compact design plays in its favor, especially when installing it in space-tight areas. It can emit 600 lumens, which makes it bright enough for any reasonably-sized room.
Pros
- Flicker-free
- Daylight white 5000K color temperature
- Durable
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Might be too bright for some
"Replacing my incandescent bulbs with these has lowered my electricity bills and made my room look bright and lively. Moreover, its plug-and-play mechanism is a boon for installation. Therefore, despite the lack of dimming options, they have become my favorite bulbs."
How To Choose The Right Light Bulbs For Ceiling Fans?
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind when purchasing light bulbs for ceiling fans for illuminating any space.
- Type of bulb: There are a few types of lights to consider when it comes to ceiling fans. Some of the most popular options include LED bulbs, incandescent bulbs, and smart LED bulbs. The king that wears the crown is the smart LED light bulb. This is because it is packed with numerous features. However, it happens to be one of the most expensive alternatives, as well. Apart from these common options, other alternatives that are not an LED bulb include CFL, halogen, and fluorescent bulbs. Halogen bulbs are ideal for both indoor and outdoor lighting as they provide the necessary glow of incandescent bulbs while saving on electricity. Unfortunately, a major shortcoming for halogen bulbs is their short lifespan. CFL bulbs are quite similar to halogen bulbs and are more desirable when compared to incandescent bulbs. However, CFL bulbs take some time to warm up.
- Light and color: This will largely depend on your tastes and preferences. If you desire to create a bright atmosphere, purchasing a light bulb with a rating of over 4500K is recommended. However, if something easier on the eyes suits your taste, perhaps a bulb closer to the rating of 2700K will serve you well.
As a reference, a soft white with a 2700k to 3000K is usually warm and yellow, offering you an ambiance that is close to what incandescent bulbs provide. Going higher up on the scale to a range between 3000 to 4000k will produce a warm white or yellowish-white natural light. Daylight bulbs that range between 5000 to 65000K tend to emit a bluish hue. You can also opt for multi-color light bulbs for ceiling fans. What you choose depends upon the ambiance you want to create and your personal preference. - Base: While this may not directly affect a bulb’s operation, the worst nightmare can be to invest in a set of bulbs for your ceiling fan only to realize that they don’t fit. For reference, most fans use E12 base light bulbs for ceiling fans. However, this will vary from fan to fan. It is crucial to read the specifications of your ceiling fan before purchasing light bulbs for them.
- Quality: This is another important consideration when choosing light bulbs for your ceiling fans. To be on the safe side, it’s best to purchase light bulbs manufactured by renowned brands. While the price isn’t always an indicator of quality, it gives one a fairly good idea about the quality of a light bulb.
- Dimmable: This boils down to individual preference. While some swear by this feature, others may not even be bothered by it. Using dimmable light bulbs for ceiling fans allows you to control the lighting level to create the atmosphere you desire. However, note that to use this feature, you will need a compatible light bulb, as well as a compatible socket switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I make the fan light illuminate brighter?
Make sure the lights are not burned out. If this is not the case, change the complete light fixture with LED lights. You should also check if the fan blades are dirty, which might make them less effective, thus affecting the brightness of the light.
2. How do I know what type of bulbs ceiling fans use?
Check the manufacturer’s product specifications to know the best type of bulbs that work for your ceiling fan. Some factors worth considering are compatibility with your fan, brightness per your liking, and the aesthetics of the lights.
3. What happens when we use a lower or higher-wattage bulb on the ceiling fan?
Using a lower-wattage bulb on the ceiling fan delivers dim light, and if you use a higher-wattage bulb, it may lead to overheating and might damage the light fixture or the fan’s performance in the long run.
4. Why do ceiling fans have candelabra bulbs?
Candelabra base light bulbs for ceiling fans are decorative, bright, and energy-efficient, making them one of the best choices for ceiling fans.
5. What size light bulb goes in a ceiling fan?
The size of a light bulb used on the ceiling fans varies with each model. It is best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the right size for your ceiling fan.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to Thomas Edison and the ever-changing technology, we now have power-efficient light bulbs for ceiling fans that can even be controlled wirelessly. Ceiling fans and light bulbs now go hand-in-hand and look fantastic at the same time. The best light bulbs for ceiling fans are non-flickering, energy-efficient, compact, turn on without delay, and have a versatile application. Our favorite picks include the Shinestar LED Candelabra Bulb for its overheat protection, the Sunco Lighting A15 LED Bulb for its durability and dimmable feature, and the Cotanic E26 Ceiling Fan Light Bulb for its high CRI. However, when buying one, look for the type, the right light and color, and other features, such as lighting levels and base, so you can enhance the appearance of your room.
Infographic: How To Install Light Bulbs On Your Ceiling Fan?
Replacing the light bulb on your ceiling fan is easy when you follow the steps correctly. LEDs and globes are the most easily sourced type of light bulb. Add-on kits can be purchased and installed. Check the infographic for a general guide on replacing the light bulb on your ceiling fan.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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We are sure you want the best products when it comes to choosing electronic items. Wedetso Chirhah, our product reviewer in this category, compares multiple products before presenting his curated list of the top-rated electronic products. He has compiled this list of the best light bulbs for ceiling fans, analyzing multiple products and user reviews before listing his favorites. Each product comes with a detailed description along with pros and cons to help you decide on the right one to bring home.
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